Regarding how to attack the two ports on the South Asian continent, relevant military meetings have actually been held many times. Every time the formulation of military plans and the analysis of the enemy's situation actually made it more difficult for all the generals of the Armada.
It gets more difficult every time, and the headaches get worse every time.
In fact, a lot of intelligence has been collected about the two seaports in the South Asian continent. The most recent detailed information about the enemy was obtained from the captured Munilla and other French generals.
In order to obtain relatively accurate information, the interrogations at that time were conducted separately. From the mouths of more than a dozen captured Franco commanders, information about the strength of some enemy troops and the terrain of the city in Guri Port and Goa Port were obtained.
.
Although each person's confession is different, the content of the information obtained is actually not much different. The situation is that there are currently more than 30 warships gathered in Guri Port across the northwest strait of Ceylon Island. The Eastern Fleet and the port garrison exceed
Thousands of people are on full alert.
Alfonso used Guri Port and Goa Port as his last strongholds to defend, so elite warships and troops were there. Even the Port of Colombo, in fact, Alfonso only used it as a defensive stronghold.
He consumed an abandoned son of the Ming fleet and allowed Munilia to do whatever he wanted without giving any more reinforcements.
The reason is very simple. There are many forts in these two ports on the South Asian continent, and the defensive facilities are very complete and solid. Especially in the narrow strait area of the Guri Port in the outer sea, the Invincible Fleet guards the route of the two islands less than 50 miles between the strait, which is enough
Prevent any attacking opponent from advancing.
The internal city defenses of the two seaport cities are also extremely complete and strong. The Francois have been operating in South Asia for more than ten years, and the defense system has been deployed in all aspects without blind spots.
The first fierce battle of the Eastern Fleet of the Flemish people was to seize the two ports of Guri and Goa from the Garo Empire. It was after establishing a foothold in the South Asian continent that they gained the support of the nobles and kings of the Flemish country.
He provided support, provided more ships, recruited more adventurers, and launched further attacks on the eastern countries.
The two ports of the Garro Empire originally had good terrain, strong city walls and defensive facilities. Almeida also relied on the cooperation of the pirate Timothy to capture Guri Port with difficulty. It can be seen that even with
Building a strong ship and powerful guns also requires a lot of effort.
After the Francois occupied Guri Port and Goa Port, they naturally started a lot of business and construction. The two port cities were originally located in difficult terrain, plus fortified cities and high-walled castles, plus various forts, arrow towers and other defense facilities.
, that is definitely a tough nut to crack that is armed to the teeth.
Moreover, the Jialuo Empire obviously has a deep connection with the Folangji people. It is impossible to say whether they, like the Ceylonese, also sent out troops to fight against themselves. Compared with the Ceylon Kingdom,
Generally speaking, the Garo Empire has more soldiers and horses and is more powerful.
Facing such an enemy, with the current number of troops and fleet strength of the Ming Dynasty's Invincible Fleet, this is probably the most difficult battle Zhang Yanling has ever encountered.
The house was leaking and it was raining continuously. Before the expedition, Zhu Chenhao made a rebellion in the Ming Dynasty, and the emperor wanted to go back to quell the rebellion. Zhang Yanling had to separate the most elite Liaoyuan armored warship to return home to join the war. This reduced the overall strength of the troops and warships.
The number has been reduced by hundreds of elites and the powerful frigate Liaoyuan has been lost. The difficulty has been raised a few points out of thin air.
Therefore, at the military meeting held in the morning, what was more common was the generals' wordless silence in front of the nautical and topographical maps, and the melancholy expressions of frowning brows. Everyone knew that the outcome of this war might not be satisfactory.
"My lord, I have a suggestion. In view of the fact that the troops and defenses of the Folangji people in Guri Port are extremely concentrated, although it is located in the Strait of Ceylon Island, it is a place we must occupy. Otherwise, use this port as our
Fulcrum, Ceylon Island and even the Port of Kulumbo will be under the threat that it may exist anytime and anywhere for a long time. However, I still believe that we should not go head-to-head, but should take the Port of Goa first." After thinking for a long time, Wang Hong broke
Said silently.
The generals looked at Wang Hong, hoping to hear what was going on.
Wang Hong picked up the wooden pole and pointed at the topographic map on the conference table. It was a three-dimensional map made of sand on a piece of blue velvet.
"The Port of Goa is located on the southern coast, and the Port of Guri is located on the eastern strait. Compared with the Port of Guri, the Port of Goa is easier to capture. Because the defensive forces of the Port of Goa are relatively small, according to intelligence, most of them are Garo
The empire's military defense force, the Franco Eastern Fleet and the garrisoned troops did not exceed 5,000 people. Although it was far away
A little further away, but once the Goa Port is captured, we will have a foothold to attack Guri Port from the land. At that time, the large number of warships gathered in the strait will be useless. We can rely on the cavalry to attack from the land. I think,
This is ten thousand times better than rushing through the strait." Wang Hong said in a deep voice.
Some of the generals pondered, and some nodded. Wang Hong was talking about the order of attack. All Zhang Yanling's previous plans were to take Guli Port first. And Guli Port is where the enemy's troops are concentrated, and the terrain of the strait is dangerous. Indeed.
It's a tough guy.
Perhaps it is wiser to attack Goa first than Guri first. Some people think so.
Zhang Yanling was shaking her head.
"I understand Mr. Wang's worries and your thoughts. However, the order of attacks is extremely important, especially in the current situation. I thought about taking Goa Port first, but I soon realized that
It will be a disaster. The reason is actually very simple." Zhang Yanling said in a deep voice.
Wang Hong frowned and said: "Is the Duke worried that once we attack Goa Port, we will be blocked by the enemies of Guri Port? They will appear from behind us, forming a pincer attack."
Zhang Yanling nodded and said: "Yes. This is a trap. The Folangji people in Guli Port are heavily stationed, but the Folangji people in Goa Port are only garrisoned with thousands of troops. Why is there such a huge disparity in importance? In terms of the importance of the port,
In other words, Goa Port is actually more important strategically because it is the escape route for the Francois.
Once the port of Goa is taken, the route to the Franconian country will be controlled. Their reinforcements of firearms, ammunition, and horses will be cut off. That is an extremely serious situation. The Franconian people will not let such a thing happen.
.So, this must be a trap. They want us to attack Goa, and this is the result they want to see."
Wang Hong frowned and nodded: "I have thought of this too. But I think we can capture Goa as quickly as possible. We can launch an attack from the sea so that the Folanji people can't react. I think there is definitely a chance.
Capture Goa before they arrive."
Zhang Yanling said: "I also believe we can do it. But that involves the second problem. Our whereabouts cannot be hidden for a long time. Even as soon as our fleet goes to sea, the Folangji people will get the news immediately. Therefore,
The time window left for us to attack Goa is extremely short. Then
We were unable to calmly deploy our troops and plan the battle. We could only attack Goa and capture Goa in the shortest possible time. However, doing so would bring huge losses. The casualties of soldiers and horses, and the consumption of artillery and ammunition were huge.
Even if we win Goa, what will happen next?"
Beads of sweat appeared on Wang Hong's forehead, and all the generals squirmed uncomfortably in their chairs. Yes, what should we do next? The Duke's simple words made them feel the great danger.
Later, when the Franco army arrived, Goa would not only have to be lost again, but also the Armada would be destroyed there. With less than 3,000 troops and six main battleships, even if only 20% of the troops were lost,
, destroy one or two warships, and you will no longer be able to fight the opponent's main fleet. What's more, when there is insufficient ammunition.
"The Folangji people arranged a large number of Garo Empire soldiers and horses in Goa. Their purpose is to consume our troops and ammunition. Using the Garo Empire soldiers and horses to defend the city as cannon fodder makes us have to pay the price. Damn it.
Yes, I finally understand why they did this. What the Duke said is absolutely true, they just want us to attack Goa, trade with us, and consume us. I am so stupid." Wang Hong shouted, his face turned red.
.A little angry and a little shy.
Zhang Yanling waved her hand and said: "It's good that Mr. Wang understands, and there is no need to blame yourself. I only figured this out not long ago."
Chen Shi said: "In this case, we will attack Guli directly and confront them head-on. They are nesting in the strait and guarding this narrow channel. We will spend some time to go around from the north side of Ceylon Island to fight them.
On the north side, what do you think, Mr. Guo?"
Zhang Yanling was silent.
Several generals said loudly: "Yes, we will go around the north side, but it will only take a few more days. We will fight them head-on."
Zhang Yanling looked at Wang Hong, who frowned and said nothing. He seemed to feel something was wrong, but he didn't dare to express his opinion easily now.
However, Huo Shijian, who was sitting in the second row, seemed to have something to say.
"Huo Shijian, what do you want to say?" Zhang Yanling asked.
"Master Guo, General Chen, Lord Wang, all generals. I feel that I can't fight head-on. Our troops are not strong enough to support a head-on confrontation. Especially after the Liaoyuan leaves, we can't do this. We hope to win with less.
It is unwise to take any chances. Especially on the narrow sea surface of the strait, we have very little room for maneuver. I believe that it is better to attack by force than to use wisdom." Huo Shijian said.
Chen Shiyi's face looked a little ugly. He said angrily: "Huo Shijian, don't think that you have done something good once and then you raise your tail. You feel that you are great. We have fought many battles with disparity in strength. This has become a common occurrence. The reality is
You have to defeat more with less. Can you conjure up soldiers and horses? It is better to attack with force than to outwit them? Can you tell me how to outwit them?"
Huo Shijian said hurriedly: "What General Chen said is that I am too talkative. In fact, I don't have any good ideas. I just think there may be a better way. Please forgive me."
Wang Hong laughed and said: "Young man, talking on paper is the easiest thing. Don't let yourself become this kind of person. Think carefully before speaking, otherwise, you might as well shut up."
Huo Shijian's face turned red and he bowed to apologize. Indeed, he was too self-righteous. Chen Shiyi was his boss and supported him very much. He did go too far.
Zhang Yanling waved his hand and said: "Huo Shijian, please sit down. There is no need to blame yourself. You have to think about what to say next time. Don't waste everyone's time by saying nothing. In fact, the fact that General Chen can say such words as a head-to-head decisive battle is precisely because I am invincible."
The fleet needs bravery
The spirit of fear. Who dares to say it except him? This is what we need. This is the fighting spirit of my Invincible Fleet. Whether it is a forceful attack or outsmarting, it ultimately requires this kind of indomitable courage to support. This principle,
I hope you understand."
Of course Zhang Yanling has to protect Chen Shiyi's status and dignity. Huo Shijian is too young and he needs to be attacked. Maybe he does have some thoughts in his heart, but he can't escape. Talent is important, but discipline and rules are more important. Huo Shijian is a talent, but he also needs to
Forged and polished.
A layer of sweat broke out on Huo Shijian's back. He was a smart man and understood what Zhang Yanling was talking about.
"Everyone, do you want to hear my plan?" Zhang Yanling looked at everyone and smiled.