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Part 8
Part VIII: Resistance


Irregular Franc-tireurs

While the French reorganized themselves along the Marne and in Paris, the Prussians pressed their sieges of the French border fortresses with intensity. They would need to be dealt to ease the Prussian logistical strain, release manpower for frontline duty and remove any threat to the Prussian rear. Places like Metz could be used as a position from which French could sally forth before returning to the safety of its fortifications. Metz commander General de Nordeck had previously recommended this exact strategy advising that the Army of the Rhine should withdraw into Metz rather than retreat to Chalons. Marshal Canrobert rejected the move pointing out the issue of supplying such a massive force for any length of time.

Despite losing the protection of the Army of the Rhine, Nordeck could be pleased by the fact that his supply situation improved immensely. Without the drain on rations, the French estimated the fortress could hold out perhaps five more months. Also to Nordeck’s pleasure, the Prussians even with the addition of heavy artillery failed to serious damage his defenses. The garrison was now well placed to last the winter. The Prussians ran into similar issues at the other French fortress towns of Toul and Strasbourg. Additionally, irregular francs-tireurs were still roaming at will behind the frontlines harassing Prussian forces. These French efforts helped to slow down the Prussian advance denying them access to the interior railway system.



Note: Anyone want to make an educated guess as to how long these fortresses could potentially hold out for? Metz in particular, from what I have read, looks like it could last into the spring. The other fortresses, like Strasbourg and Toul, in OTL surrendered in late September. For this ATL I figure would likely resist longer as they are not demoralized by the disaster at Sedan.

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