Chapter 373： Bitten (1/2)

The so-called mobile artillery is just a little faster marching. They can cross Bloemfontein to get here and play a huge role in the battle. The fundamental reason lies in two words-concealment! Before entering this battle, they had not launched an active attack. They even watched a British transport company pass by in front of their hidden cols without doing anything. This is very rare for the Boers. They are careful. Scouts who cleared the trail of troops and confuse the British.

But now, all concealment is impossible. They have been exposed. The British knew their approximate location. Faced with repeated searches by the cavalry, they could not escape. Calipute took this into consideration, so he allocated some troops to provide protection for this important but lacking self-protection unit. On the other hand, I searched for the British with a force of more than 2,000 people, and did not seek to win the battle. At least I had to know the position of the opponent, and then choose a reasonably suitable place as the default battlefield.

However, it is a pity that Calypte still underestimated the opponent's speed and response, or underestimated the essential increase in the maneuvering speed of the forces brought by motor vehicles! The first to discover the opponent was not Calypte, nor French cavalry, but the British Marines who had just entered the battlefield!

Although carrying more than ten artillery pieces of various calibers and a large amount of ammunition, with the help of more than 40 vehicles and more than 30 tractors, the speed of this mixed unit of British horseback infantry and mechanical vehicles is actually fastest!

With the help of the scouts, they successfully found the mobile artillery that was thrown behind. If it weren't for the temporary increase of the force of this force by Calipute, it would not be impossible to be eaten by the British! To make matters worse, Colonel George notified French of the news by telegraph!

Under the dual advantages of reconnaissance and communication, the British directly took the initiative. As long as French can join George first, then after eating the artillery of the Boers, the entire Calyptian army will lose the most important support firepower. , Become a toothless tiger!

But this time, Caliput's keenness and caution saved him once! Before the British completed the encirclement of the mobile artillery unit, Calypte was keenly aware of the changes in the situation!

”The intelligence is a bit bad. If our reconnaissance unit is not mistaken, then the British cavalry is ready to launch an offensive not far from us!” When the staff officers marked the newly discovered yesterday on a huge map After the British troops were on the trail, Calipt said with some concern.

A large number of traces of British cavalry were found to the southwest, west, and south. The entire unit was like an eagle spreading its wings ready to hunt at any time, outflanking it! According to intelligence, the number of British cavalry is about 80% more than that of Calypte! If the two sides meet in the wilderness, if they are caught off guard, the Boers have no chance of winning!

”We only have two options now. The first is to retreat immediately to avoid the opponent's attack. Or immediately merge with the mobile artillery and prepare to fight a battle of positions!” an officer suggested.

”I suggest to join the mobile artillery. The British can come so quickly, and they may have thrown away considerable heavy weapons. If we can join together, then we at least have the advantage of firepower and defensive situation.” Pershing thought for a while and said.

”I also have this opinion. We now have sufficient fresh water, food and ammunition. As long as we can converge with mobile artillery, it is absolutely not a problem to support for 5 days, and if the British advance lightly, their combat effectiveness will definitely not support more than 3 days! ”The Boer representative also expressed support for Pershing's opinion.