July 1
7:00 AM
Long lines of infantry marched down the road as clouds of dust trailed behind the massed group of ponies that kicked and stomped the dirt path. Moving in good step and keeping a steady pace, the column made their way under the early morning sun, moving up the road as they headed north by east, following the path before them.
Observing her division from the side of the road, Spitfire gave a content smile as she watched her command move in good order. Watching them from the side of the road, she kept a careful gaze as they passed her, a steady stream of soldiers leading the way for the army.
This is my division. She told herself, proud at having such a force under her command. After a long time, she finally received what she wanted, a divisional command.
For three long years, she had fought the war as a bold and bombastic brigade commander, leading her small unit into battle with courage and power. With her tenacious and quick hitting tactics, she had won almost every engagement she fought, surprising the enemy and giving them no time to prepare. She had made a name for herself while serving in that command and she took pride at all the accomplishments she did.
But it seemed that it wasn’t only her who took pride at her exploits, for high command also noted her great service record.
When a vacancy for the commander of the Republican Army’s 1st Division, of the 1st Corps, came up a couple of weeks ago, high command needed a new pony to take up the position, after the previous commander was wounded and placed out of action. The Division was the toughest of the tough, the one first in the field and the ones who were out last. They knew that if they were to appoint a new leader for this unit, then they’ll have to find somepony who was aggressive and tough.
Seeing that Spitfire seemed to fit the character, as well as being a capable leader and a promising officer, they chose her to fill the job. Promoting her to the rank of Major General, they appointed her the new commanding officer of the Division, giving her the honorable position of being the first on the field.
Although long overdue, Spitfire was still thrilled when she learned of her promotion and appointment as divisional commander in the army. For officers like her, there was nothing better than advancing through the ranks and receiving bigger and bigger commands.
Glancing toward her side and towards her staff officers, she moved her eyes towards the divisional insignia printed on the flag her staff carried. It was a simple design, a yellow feather on a white backdraft. Nothing extravagant, nothing fancy. Just a simple logo that told who’s division this was.
Mine. She told herself.
She had taken the command with pride and contempt, and despite having never commanded such a force before, she was confident that she can quick learn the tricks of the trade. To her, it didn’t seem to be that big of a leap in the command system. It was just like commanding a brigade, but only with more units. This was just like her old command, she had told herself before, just a little bigger.
And a little slower… She thought ruefully, as she returned her gaze back at the marching troops.
Moving at a stead, yet slow pace, the infantry took their time in their movement, the weight of their heavy equipment bearing them down. Unlike the cavalry she, who carried lighter loads and often galloped to their objectives, the infantry was always slow paced in movement.
To her, it sometimes seemed annoying to see her command move so slow. Having previously commanded cavalry, she was more acquainted to fast movement from point A to point B. But now, with an infantry command, she was now faced with the new life of slow marching.
Sometimes she missed the old cavalry brigade, the command that brought her the fame she had now. To move swiftly ahead of the main body, to maneuver away from any obstacle they encounter, and to charge upon the enemy faster than they can react to your attack. Without any cumbersome and heavy packs to weigh them down, the cavalry moved fast across the land, scouting for the army that followed. She remembered the days were she galloped through open fields, the wind hitting her face as her mane flowed with each advance. That was the life in the cavalry and she loved it.
But that was gone now. It wasn’t her place anymore.
Replacing her in the old cavalry brigade was the newly promoted Brigadier General Rainbow Dash, appointed to that position with her recommendation. Previously the commander of the 1nd Ponyville Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, Rainbow Dash had been Spitfire’s most charismatic officer.
In many ways, the two shared the same idea and views, and Spitfire knew that Rainbow Dash was more than capable of handling a new role like the one she was given. If there was anypony she wanted to take command of her brigade, then it was Rainbow Dash.
And it seemed that this decision was a good one, for Rainbow Dash was already making a name for herself in her new command. From reports she had received, Spitfire had learned that Rainbow Dash and the brigade had led at least two successful raids behind enemy lines, while a third raid was going on right now.
A raid that seems to be bringing more problems than benefits. Spitfire thought.
Although Spitfire agreed at the idea of using the cavalry brigade as a raiding force, striking behind enemy lines and disrupting their supplies, she also knew that the cavalry had more roles than just raiding.
The cavalry was also the eyes of the army, the ones who kept a vigilant watch on the enemy, sending reports about enemy movements and positions. Being quick and easily maneuverable, the cavalry was the perfect unit to do this job. Screening the way and scouting for the army, the cavalry provided valuable support that helped the commander plan for battles.
Too bad Rainbow Dash doesn’t seem to be doing that right now. Spitfire thought grudgingly, wondering how her former subordinate managed to forget such a crucial role.
Watching her division slowly move along the road, she couldn’t help but feel vulnerable and exposed without knowing what was in front of her.
For the past few days, she and the army had been marching blind, having no contact with Rainbow Dash and her cavalry scouts. Moving towards Ponyville and leading the army behind her, Spitfire had no clue what was in front of her, for the cavalry had brought no reports to them. Having been too busy with her raiding, it seemed the Rainboe Dash had neglected her duty and failed to report and enemy movements.
No matter. Spitfire thought, although still annoyed at the failure. If the General’s plan worked well, then the enemy would be deceived and would still be at Rambling Rock Ride.
That would mean that the road here would be clear and open, with supposedly little to no resistance. If the enemy was concentrated in one side, then surely they couldn’t concentrate on the other?
The sound of quick hooves galloping alerted her attention as she was swiped away from her thought. Moving her head towards the sound, she saw one of her aides heading towards her at full speed. With a quick salute, which Spitfire returned, the aide gave her a quick message from one of her brigade commanders.
“General Spitfire, mam…” The earth pony mare said, panting. From the state of her coat, which was covered with dust, Spitfire could tell that she had galloped a long and tiring way to get to her. “…General Lightning Dust wishes to report that her brigade has reached the outskirts of Ponyville and has sighted enemy forces there. She wishes to know what action she should take next.”
Raising an eyebrow, she stared at the courier as she thought about the message with a hint of curiosity.
The enemy couldn’t be here, they shouldn’t. She firmly told herself.
If such a report was true, then the entire operation would be ruined. This campaign was designed on shock and surprise and if the enemy forces managed to reposition to meet them, then all the advantages they had would be gone. With a bigger and more powerful force, their army could not stand a possible heavy battle without some kind of advantage.
And now it seemed that advantage was gone. Or was it?
“Enemy forces…” Spitfire muttered to herself, thinking it through. Then giving the pony a serious glance she asked: “Are you sure about that?”
“Yes, mam, I am.” The mare said with a nod. “I saw it myself. There are enemy forces guarding the road that leads into the town.”
“Hm, we’ll see about that.” Spitfire grunted and with a gesture to her staff she began going up the road and towards Lightning Dust’s brigade, hoping to see for herself if the report was accurate.
It didn’t take long for her to reach Lightning Dust, as the General and her staff stood at patch of trees located a couple of miles south-west of Ponyville.
“Alright, Lightning Dust-“ Spitfire called out as she approached. “-what do you have for me?”
“Right over there, General.” Lightning Dust said, looking away from the pair of binoculars she had drawn and pointing out towards the ridge line in front of them.
Picking up her own pair of binoculars and studying the area, Spitfire was shocked to see that there were indeed enemy soldiers on top of the ridge. Wearing their distinct white coats and looking down on them from their high position, the enemy was formed up it what seemed to be a formidable position.
This was bad and she knew it. The enemy was here and would impede their advance. It would now be too hard to move forward, especially with them being in such a strong position. With good ground and an open field of fire, advancing against the enemy position would be difficult.
But giving further inspection to these positions, she noted that there didn’t seem to be any sign on what units these soldiers were from. Trying to check for a flag or banner, she found none flying above them. It could have only meant one thing and this idea brought a small sense of relief to her, as she gave a small smile and looked back at Lightning Dust.
“Nothing but militia.” Spitefire said confidently. “What you have there in front of you is nothing but a rabble of townsfolk who rushed up to defend their homes.”
“Townsfolk?” Lightning Dust said. “But I thought Ponyville was supposed to be sympathetic to us?”
“They are.” Spitfire said. “But I think those over there are the few ponies who are slightly more sympathetic to the crown. I believe they’re the ones who have connections and allegiances to the monarchy and they probably fear what our arrival there would bring them.”
“So they would rather take their chances fighting than succumbing under our control?” Lightning Dust said.
“Exactly, General.” Spitfire said with a nod. “Anyways, you’ll most likely have an easy time fighting them. Since they’re just militia, they’ll be poorly armed and trained. A volley or two from our regiments would scare them off and they would soon surrender. Form up your brigade on the center and move them up the road to attack the ridge. Your force would surely do the job, while I bring up the rest of the division here. If all goes to plan, which I’m sure they will, then your brigade would have mopped up this rabble so the rest of the division could march into Ponyville without resistance.”
Studying Lightning Dust, Spitfire saw the mare frown as she gave another glance towards the hill before looking back at her. “Are you sure they’re just militia, General?”
“Of course I’m sure.” Spitfire said with a nod. “Just look at them. They have thin lines and carry no flags or banners. They’re militia, General, just militia.”
“Alright then, mam. I’ll form up my brigade and prepare for the assault. If you will excuse me.” With a salute, Lightning Dust turned around to coordinate the attack with her regimental commanders.
Turning her head towards the ridge and staring at it once more, Spitfire shook her head in amusement.
A bunch of militia who think they can stop us.
July 1
7:30 AM
Soarin could see them form up, marching their lines on the fields below as they got ready for an assault. The rugged looking soldiers of the enemy moved out from their columns and lined up with their regiments as they exposed themselves to him on that wide and open field.
Watching from on top of Ponyville’s town hall, he observed the enemy as they brought a brigade to line at the south of town, getting them ready for an attack on his position. Taking up a pair of binoculars and getting a closer look at the enemy, he counted at least four regiments formed up in a line of battle, while noting an absence of artillery, which would normally have supported such an attack. Smiling at this fact, he shook his head in satisfaction as he turned his gaze away from the enemy.
Brilliant- He thought to himself. -just brilliant.
From what he had seen so far, it seemed that the enemy was taking his bait and would fall for his trap.
Glancing towards his troopers on the ridge, he kept a careful eye on his command as he stared at the thin line of ponies that held their position. Under his orders, they had hid their flags and banners, putting them away and making sure that the enemy didn’t see them. With this act, he had hoped to deceive the enemy and make them believe that the force here were actually just local militia, instead of a well-armed cavalry brigade. If he could fool them that way, then he might make them think that they were facing a weaker force than they actually had in front of him.
And it worked!
Brining forward only a brigade of infantry, Soarin could see that the enemy didn’t think much of what was in front of them. Grinning to himself, he would have found it amusing if it weren’t for the fact that this blunder would cause lives. It seemed that Spitfire was still her usual aggressive self, and in her desire to capture the town, she had neglected to give proper reconnaissance of the area.
Well, this going to cost her.
An infantry brigade would surely do short work of inexperienced and scared militia, but against veteran cavalry like the one he had, they would stand no chance.
Although lacking the power and strength an infantry unit would have, his brigade was a seasoned force, having fought multiple engagements against infantry before. With added supply from the ammunition wagons that got lost in Ponyville, Soarin was sure that he can put up heavy fire on the enemy as they tried to attack their lines. He had no doubt that they can hold of the first attacks the enemy would give them. They can do that and they will do that.
But they couldn’t do it all day.
Although his brigade can fight, they still had the great disadvantage of numbers. Sooner or later Spitfire would realize that she had a brigade of cavalry in front of her and once that happens she will be sending in all her strength against him.
Fighting off a full divisional assault would be a tough one, and Soarin had no doubt that they would inflict casualties on his force, but if he played thing right, then he might just be able to absorb and hold their onslaught. But holding off a single division was just one of his problems, for he knew that there would be more to come. Behind Spitfire would be more divisions, forces under General Big Macintosh’s 1st Corps. And behind him would be two more corps from the Republican Army.
Soarin knew that he can hold up against a division, but against an entire corps he would be completely crushed. Sure, he’ll put up a fight and give a bitter defense, but soon he’ll have to pull back as the brunt of enemy forces close in on him. He would have to fall back into town or retreat further in order to save his brigade if such an overwhelming force bore down on him. And if that happened, then the day would be lost.
Turning around and gazing towards the north-east, Soarin gazed at the road there, knowing that the only hope for the day would come from there.
He had already sent a message to General Sparkle, pleading for reinforcements. In his message, he had warned her that the enemy army was coming this way and that she should move here with all possible haste. If she managed to bring her field army here, then they could block the enemy and prevent any advance they could make.
But that army was still miles away, back at Rambling Rock Ridge. Although a message from General Sparkle reassured him that she was already on her way, he knew that it would still be a while before they got here. That was why he knew that it was crucial that he held his position while the army marched towards Ponyville.
The ground they were in was perfect, the best ground an army could have. If the Volunteer Army placed their forces here, then they would surely have defensive positions that would place the enemy in a disadvantage. But in order to use this ground, Soarin must hold it for them or else the enemy would take the ground and use it for their own.
If the Republicans captured this good ground, Soarin knew that the tables would turn and it would be them placed in the disadvantage. Whoever would hold this ground would be the one who controlled the battlefield and Soarin desperately hoped that it would be them.
So it’s up to us now. He told himself. We must hold this ground until they come.
Bringing his attention back at the enemy, Soarin watched as their brigade finally finished forming up and was soon preparing to move forward and move against them. Seeing this, Soarin decided that it would be better that he be with his troops, and with a gesture to the staff with him, he began descending down the town hall, before heading straight to the ridge where the 1st and 3rd Cloudsdale were placed.
Meeting him as he got there was Col. Thunderlane, whom he appointed to command the ridgeline. Greeting him with a salute, Thunderlane was just about to say something when a volley from their battery on the ridge echoed and drowned the air with noise.
Looking out towards the open field in front of them, he could see that the enemy was beginning their advance now, with four regiments spread out in a line and heading straight for the ridge. Seemingly shocked by the cannon fire as the shells landed around them, the line seemed to halt for a second or two. But quickly recovering, they soon pushed forward, moving their exposed line up towards them.
Soarin was glad that hi battery of artillery were well-trained and accurate in their fire, as they sent out shot after shot of deadly fire. Seeing the enemy fall by the dozens as they moved through the field, he felt sorry that they had to endure such a thing. They had no cover, no protecting, and no support from their artillery.
Yet they continue advancing.
Advancing through the field, they met shot after shot of cannon fire, shaking their lines but not stopping them. Soon they were upon the ridge, moving from its base and up the slopes. It was then were they met fire from the carbines of the two cavalry regiments on the ridge.
Having stacked rocks for protection, the regiments fired from their defenses and down at the approaching enemy. The rattling of fire added to the echoing noise of battle, as they kept up a stead hot pace of shot on the enemy.
Returning the gesture, the enemy regiments fired their own volley against his troops. But with their pile of rocks acting as a wall, most of the shots were deflected and took out small numbers of his troopers.
Meanwhile, the fire from his regiments was quick and constant, bombarding the enemy with almost continuous shot. Combined with the fire provided by the cannon battery, the enemy forces below experienced a terrible time.
Keep it up. Soarin thought. Keep up that beautiful fire.
The air was quickly filled with smoke, as the gunpoweder from both sides thickened the air with this fog of war. For a moment, Soarin had great difficulty finding out what was going on, as his vision was blocked by this fog. From his position, all he could understand was that the battle was intensifying, as the fire grew faster and faster.
It wasn’t till a strong breeze blew upon the ridge did Soarin got a full view of what was happening. And what he saw was a terrible view.
Poor fellows. He thought sadly, as he stared at the enemy in front of them.
It was a foolish sight, a terrible one too. To advance a small force in such an open filed with the enemy bearing down cannon and carbine fire. It was just an unthinkable thing to do. Yet they did it, the enemy did it. Having no proper reconnaissance or observation of the forces in front of them, Spitfire sent out her brigade into the fire.
Her force was cut down and seemed to be torn to bits and after another volley of fire they began to waver. With comrades falling beside them and resistance being stiffer than they originally thought, regiments from the line began pulling back, as they desperately tried to get away from the volleys Soarin’s troopers were giving them.
Taking shots as they fell back, his troopers fired on until they were out of range. Then, it was only the cannons firing, as the enemy got farther and farther in the withdrawal. Soon, the air was quiet once more, with only the booming sound of the cannons echoing once in a while, as they took pot shots at the distant enemy.
“We have them on the run now.” Thunderlane said joyously as they watched the enemy return to their original positions. “Hmm, I thought they would have lasted longer than that.”
Assessing the damage done to his force, Soarin could see that he only took light casualties. Only a couple of fallen and injured ponies could be seen in their positions, and Soarin was glad to see that only a few of his troopers were either killed or injured.
Too bad the same couldn’t be said for the enemy, for they left behind a good number of their dead and heavily wounded on that field. From Soarin’s estimates, he could guess that they probably took out a hundred enemy soldier, if not more.
A hundred down… Soarin thought. …but they still have more.
“They’ll be back.” Soarin warned him. “And when they do, they’ll be a little more aware of the situation. Spitfire isn’t stupid. Sooner or later, she’ll realize what she has in front of her and once she does, we’ll have a tougher time. Chances are, they’ll hit you harder than they did earlier. Probably set up a battery to pound your position. After that, they’ll send in two brigades, if not more, instead of just one. They want this hill, Thunderlane, and they’re going to attack you until they get it.”
“Let them come.” Thunderlane said with great confidence. “They aren’t going to get this hill. Not as long as I’m defending it.”
“They better not.” Soarin said firmly. “Or else our army is going to have a hard time when they arrive.”
“Don’t you worry, General. Ain’t no rebel is going to take a single step on top of this here ridge. I can assure you that.” Thunderlane reassured him.
Staring at Thunderlane, Soarin gave a small nod. Then, he placed a gentle hoof on his shoulder and said:
“Take care of yourself, Thunderlane. Celestia knows that this place is going to end up like Tartarus soon.”
“Oh, I will, General, I will.” Thunderlane said, as Soarin began trotting away from the ridge and on towards other parts of his line.
He had to make sure that every part of his defense was ready and prepared to meet any assault. They were a small force, yet they had to defend this place.
Or else the war is lost.