The observer in the cathedral spire is well placed to see the advance of a full regiment of enemy hussars!
Looking at his options, Colonel von Kluck und Glück deploys his Lieb Grenadiere company in the town hall (Building J) manning positions at windows over both floors. The doors are barred.
Barricades are placed between Buildings E&F and between C&D.
One of the weak companies of Schrote militia are in Building E. A length of rope is tied to a window bar of Building D, and lies on the ground, with the other end leading into Building E, the idea being that if enemy horse try to ride between the two buildings, the rope is pulled taut as a temporary obstacle. Doubtless it will be cut down quite quickly, however, the idea is to temporarily confuse or check the enemy, hopefully giving troops in Building E and J a better chance of shooting them. A few ankle breaker pits are dug between the buildings. The other unit of Schrote Citizen Militia in Building F, and these loophole the wattle and daub walls to allow shooting. Townswomen are urged to place themselves in the upper stories of buildings, ready to hurl chamber pots or other suitably heavy items, down upon the enemy horsemen.
Sadly, the defenders have been able to find nothing like a cannon or caltrops in the town.
A patch of upturned dinner plates is placed between Building F and the wall. They obviously don’t actually do anything but hopefully might look like they might be hiding something sinister. Empty barrels are placed amongst the upside down plates, with a length of something that looks like fuse running to the building.
Friar Conviction manages to hide himself in the hedgerow behind Building A.
Meanwhile, the main body of Nabstrian hussars, under Colonel Pfanensteil, prepare to deploy in front of Schrote. Through his telescope, the town seems quiet. By careful observation, the colonel determines that the enemy force holding the town seems small; perhaps one company of regulars, possibly grenadiers; but the remainder of the defenders seem to be civilians. His hussar force certainly outnumbers them. Should the colonel wait, and keep the town under observation? Should he launch a quick attack? Or should he do something else? Pfanenstiel considers his options.
But not for very long! Pfanenstiel is in command of the finest light cavalry regiment in the Nabstrian Army! He will attack! (Below) He orders three of his squadrons to dismount and clear whatever rabble he presumes are crouching down behind the barricades; these companies will then infiltrate through the town to take the other barricades from the rear, where possible. One squadron remains mounted and is held in reserve. Once the barricades have been cleared, the mounted squadron is to dash through to the town square, cutting down any who resist. Once Schrote has been secured, Pfanenstiel will allow his men to plunder the place according to the laws of war.
Being a man of reason, even though he is a hussar, Pfanenstiel additionally decides to offer quarter to Schrote. Before attacking, (below) he sends Lieutenant Hilbert Kunkel forwards under a flag of truce. In Schrote, there is an eerie silence, punctuated only by the occasional wailing of a baby (or possibly one of the defenders). Kunkel clears his throat:
"People of Schrote! Know this! You are outnumbered and confronted by the finest force in Gelderland! If you resist, you will be defeated! Know also that we are but the vanguard of a mighty force which is marching on your town. If you resist, your town will be plundered and the inhabitants put to the sword! Surrender now and we will guarantee the safety of your fine town and all its inhabitants. Resist and your end will come swiftly!
Make your choice now!"
Colonel Kluck und Gluck wastes no time in replying, shouting out:
“Foul Mouth of Nabstria! Scuttel-Bach to your masters and tell them that the people of Schrote are not to be intimidated by your idle threats and boasts! Your attempts to squeeze Schrote will come to nothing. Begone! Leave now whilst you still can!"
More quietly, he turns to Schlappkopf and says:
'I’ve buggered this up, haven’t I? I thought there were just enemy hussars!'
Friar Conviction manages to hide himself in the hedgerow behind Building A.
Meanwhile, the main body of Nabstrian hussars, under Colonel Pfanensteil, prepare to deploy in front of Schrote. Through his telescope, the town seems quiet. By careful observation, the colonel determines that the enemy force holding the town seems small; perhaps one company of regulars, possibly grenadiers; but the remainder of the defenders seem to be civilians. His hussar force certainly outnumbers them. Should the colonel wait, and keep the town under observation? Should he launch a quick attack? Or should he do something else? Pfanenstiel considers his options.
But not for very long! Pfanenstiel is in command of the finest light cavalry regiment in the Nabstrian Army! He will attack! (Below) He orders three of his squadrons to dismount and clear whatever rabble he presumes are crouching down behind the barricades; these companies will then infiltrate through the town to take the other barricades from the rear, where possible. One squadron remains mounted and is held in reserve. Once the barricades have been cleared, the mounted squadron is to dash through to the town square, cutting down any who resist. Once Schrote has been secured, Pfanenstiel will allow his men to plunder the place according to the laws of war.
Being a man of reason, even though he is a hussar, Pfanenstiel additionally decides to offer quarter to Schrote. Before attacking, (below) he sends Lieutenant Hilbert Kunkel forwards under a flag of truce. In Schrote, there is an eerie silence, punctuated only by the occasional wailing of a baby (or possibly one of the defenders). Kunkel clears his throat:
"People of Schrote! Know this! You are outnumbered and confronted by the finest force in Gelderland! If you resist, you will be defeated! Know also that we are but the vanguard of a mighty force which is marching on your town. If you resist, your town will be plundered and the inhabitants put to the sword! Surrender now and we will guarantee the safety of your fine town and all its inhabitants. Resist and your end will come swiftly!
Make your choice now!"
Colonel Kluck und Gluck wastes no time in replying, shouting out:
“Foul Mouth of Nabstria! Scuttel-Bach to your masters and tell them that the people of Schrote are not to be intimidated by your idle threats and boasts! Your attempts to squeeze Schrote will come to nothing. Begone! Leave now whilst you still can!"
More quietly, he turns to Schlappkopf and says:
'I’ve buggered this up, haven’t I? I thought there were just enemy hussars!'
The major nods. 'They are indeed hussars, sir: it's just that some of them have got off their horses'.
The colonel snorts unhappily. 'Are they even allowed to do that?'
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