Items related to Letters on Strategy (Volume 2)
Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898. Excerpt: ... THIRTY-FIRST LETTER. The 31ST August. No special reports had reached the German Supreme Command from either army by 11 p.m. on the 30th August, the time when orders were issued; not even the position of the various corps had been reported. The Supreme Command had been present at the battle until it had been decided, and knew from this and from the reports received before noon, that a success had been gained, and that the enemy was retiring in a northerly direction. Though no idea could as yet be formed of the extent and full importance of the victory, still there was the consciousness of having been strengthened by it and of having prevented a considerable portion of the hostile army from continuing its march eastward. It was certain that by a continuation of the offensive in a northerly direction, the remainder of the enemy would be held fast and prevented from moving east. But since the victory had increased our strength, we had a surplus of troops at our disposal which could be employed to threaten the enemy's flank. On the 30th August the sole object of the German commanders had been to concentrate as many troops as possible on a front facing north to ensure being superior to the opposing portion of the enemy, and to force him to retreat towards the Belgian frontier, which would greatly embarrass him. With the exception of the cavalry thrown out to observe and harass his flanks, no forces had been employed on the 30th August for a turning movement. The XL Army Corps, with the Wurttemberg Division, which had originally been directed on Le Chesne, had been brought up against the enemy's right wing as soon as his resistance became serious. Greater things could now be aimed at for the 31st August. After the victory troops could be spared to envelop the en...
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