Last night Bonaparte took the allies by surprise by launching a 'blitzkrieg' into the United Kingdom of the Netherlands aiming at the key border city of Charleroi. This was obviously a carefully and secretly prepared stroke aimed at smashing into the hinge that joins the army of Prussia and the Anglo-Allied army under Wellington. If it succeeds it will force the two armies apart as they fall back along their lines of communication, the Prussians to the east and the British to the west. By holding the central position Bonaparte will seize any chance to destroy one or either of his opponents piecemeal whilst holding the other at bay. In any event, the road to Brussels will be open and the city will be ripe for taking. Such an outstanding success in this arena will give the slow moving armies of Austria and Russia reason to hesitate before advancing further.
During the night, Prussian outposts were driven from the border areas and as this report was being composed French troops have forced their way through Charleroi and appear to be dividing into two wings. According to a Prussian communique issued from Marshal Blucher's HQ, a large right wing force, believed to be under the command of General Grouchy, is moving slowly north east towards the cross roads at Ligny. Meanwhile, Netherland scouts report a similar force moving north west towards the cross roads at Quatre Bras. These two cross roads are linked by a main east-west road which, if they are both taken, will allow Bonaparte to re-enforce either wing. Refugees from Charleroi indicate that Bonapart remains in the city with his Imperial Guard divisions.
Meanwhile in Brussels, arrangements for the Duchess of Richmond's ball continue apace and a full report is expected from our fashion correspondent!
Further despatches will be sent as our intrepid reporters cover this developing story.
The MSM has caught up with full video coverage (including paparazzi at the Duchess of Richmond's ball!): -
The ball and advance to Charleroi
Son of Duff
Posted by: Lawrence Duff | Sunday, 20 June 2010 at 23:23