Legio XVII: Battle of the Danube (36 page)

On 11 June, a rider came into the camp and told Servilius, “Three groups of 500 men each just departed Munich.  One group went east, another west, and the third south towards Dietramszell.  We had to shift our observation point, but we can still see the Munich garrison.”

Servilius knew that Munich was only 23 miles (37km) north.  He was concerned and put his Maniples on Alert.  He passed the information to his cavalry and to the Operations’ Tribune who immediate told the Proconsul.

Manius said, “I wouldn’t be too concerned.  It’s perfectly natural for the Commander at Munich to send out strong patrols if he feels threatened.  I would guess that their instructions are to observe and report and not to engage.”

Canutus, the Operations’ Tribune, in coordination with the Proconsul, and Servilius, had already worked out where to place the two Attack Groups when they returned to Dietramszell.  Canutus told Manius that Calvus was due in on the 14th and Bethica on the 16th.  The Proconsul said, “I want to advance on Munich on 17 June, the day after Bethica arrives.  From Munich, we will march the 50 miles (80km) to Ingolstadt; then I want to parallel the Danube for 60 miles (96.5km) all the way to Regensburg.  Tell the Logistics’ Tribune to make sure the grain wagons know where we are going.  The river will take care of our drinking and bathing needs.”

*******

The 500 man Teuton patrol that went south set up their base camp in the woods only seven miles (11km) north of Dietramszell.  On more than one occasion on the 13th, the Leader of the 500 had heard horses passing close by, but the Teutons were not seen by the Romans.  He knew he must be close to something, but he had to see what it was in order to report it to Donar.  He held his position while growing increasingly concerned.

One group of 50 men walked due south.  They spotted cavalry several times throughout the day and hid in the woods.  When the horses passed they continued on.

Around 2:00 P.M., at the edge of a clearing, they saw a fort about 300 yards (274m) away with men standing guard on the walls.  They backed up a bit and continued looking.  As they widened their view, they could see several such forts.  The Leader of the 50 men said, “Our job is to observe, so spread out, eat and let’s watch for a few hours.”

Late in the day, before his 10 teams returned from their first day of patrolling, a rider entered the camp.  He was spotted as he approached and immediately identified as a Teuton.  The Leader said, “How did you find us?”  “It was difficult,” replied the rider.  “It took me two days to find you.  Donar said to tell you that the garrison is evacuating to Regensburg.  They left two days ago.  You are to find you own way back.  We left food for you at Munich in Donar’s hut so you can stock up before you leave.  Good luck.”  He turned his horse around and rode off.

The Leader decided to wait for the men to return that evening.  They had scattered in 10 different directions and it would be hard to find them.  After they were all back, he planned to start walking north and stop when it got too dark to see.

The 50 men observing the forts quickly became bored.  Nothing changed except the guards on the wall.  They did see men periodically emerge from the woods all around the perimeter of the forts; two here, two there, maybe five groups in all.  They walked past the forts into the trees.  None were close to them, so they stayed put.

The returning “eyes and ears” reported to Servilius that they has seen several groups of about 50 men patrolling around the area and that one group was in the woods about 300 yards from the northern most fort just watching from the wood line.

*******

As the light began to fade on the 13th, a rider came into the Proconsul’s camp from Munich.  He reported that the Teutons had just marched out of Munich heading north.  They had all their men, wagons and animals.  There is nothing left in Munich.  We rode in to check it out.  The settlement is deserted.

Manius said, “That’s what I would have done.  Thank you and tell the men at Munich to stay in position until we get there, probably on the 19th.  Tell them they are doing a good job.”

*******

Servilius reported the presence of the 50 men by the north fort to the Operation’s Tribune and said, “I would like to try to capture or kill them.”

The Tribune said, “They are probably just observing and mean us no harm.  I suspect they will go back to their base camp when it gets dark.  Why not leave them alone?”

Servilius responded, “Sir, I don’t like the idea that they may stay hidden as we move north to Munich.  They would then be in our rear and our wagons and grain supply would be vulnerable.  They pose a future risk that I am not willing to accept.”

“When would you do this,” inquired the Tribune.

“Immediately,” said Servilius.  “I’ll take two Maniples out of the forts that they can’t see and all 100 archers; I’ll give 50 archers to each Maniple.  I’ll use a Maniple from Legiones XVII and V Etrusci.”

The Tribune said, “If it were anyone else asking, I would say no, but since it’s you, I’ll say yes.  Good luck.”

Servilius notified the Maniples and archers to move out of their forts and make a wide circle behind the wooded area where the Teutons were holding up.  He told the Centurions, “Circle behind them and get about 200 to 300 yards (182 to 274m) in their rear, align your forces into a blocking position, and wait for them to come to you.  I will have the fort they are watching put on a demonstration to hold their interest while you move.  Once I feel you are in position, I will have the Maniples in the three northern forts come out and move to attack them.  They should retreat and run into you.  Start your men moving.”

Servilius went to the fort the Teutons were watching as well as the two off to the sides but still visible to the Teutons.  He had the Maniples form up in front of their forts facing the woods and told the Centurions, “Have the men sing marching songs as they change formation from Maniple to line to wedge and keep it up until I tell you to stop.  Then I want you to reform into Maniples abreast and follow my instruction.”

The three Maniples marched out of their forts singing and began practicing different formations.  It was quite a show.  The Teutons were mesmerized.  They had never seen anything like it before, the body armor, the large shields, the pila, the precision marching.  After about 30 minutes, Servilius guessed the men were in position behind the Teutons and told the three Centurions, “Form the Maniples abreast facing those wood and prepare to throw the pila.”  The three Maniples closed on the center Maniple and faced the woods.  Holding the pila, they drew back their arm in a throwing position.  Servilius said, “Advance at a trot.”

The 50 Teutons watching thought this latest maneuver was part of the training and did not suspect that they were under attack by 300 men.  They continued to watch until the Maniples were about 60 feet (18m) in front of them when the cocked arms suddenly snapped forward and spears were headed their way.

The Leader jumped up and yelled, “Run.”  As he turned he could see at least a dozen men had been impaled and were writhing on the ground.  The remaining men ran about 100 yards (91m) and stopped.  They looked back and saw that the Maniples were giving chase.  They started running again.

The two Maniples were in position and waiting for the Teutons.  They were hiding behind rocks, trees and lying down.  When the Teutons were about 40 feet (12m) in front of them, the Legionaries leaped to their feet and threw their pila.  The archers each picked their target and shot.  Some of the men turned back and ran into the pursuing Maniples, others tried to run around the two Maniples and were hit by arrows.  About eight men dropped to their knees and raised their arms in submission.  The Centurions called a halt to the killing.  The prisoners were led back to Servilius.  He entrusted them to the Maniple from Legio XVII and said to protect them.  As the Maniples filed back into their forts, he reported the successful mission to the Canutus who told the Proconsul.

Manius asked the Tribune, “This brings up a larger question about prisoners.  Couriers from Calvus and Bethica tell us that they are returning with 5,000. Do we have a plan for them?”

The Tribune said, “Yes Sir, we do. I propose we give 625 prisons to each of the eight Legions to guard, feed, and put to work.  The prisoners would accompany us to Regensburg and help with the labor along the way.  We may even be able to use them to bargain with Timur.”

Manius said, “Excellent plan!  Good work.  Go ahead and put it into effect.  I also want Eliovitus to interview the prisoners to get more information about the Teutons.  Please have him see me.”

Within the hour, Eliovitus arrived at Manius’ tent and sat down.  “Sir, you wanted to see me?”  Eliovitus immediately noticed that two Legionaries were with Manius.

“Yes,” Manius said, “I want you to do something.  Servilius just captured a handful of prisoners.  I would like you to talk to them and find out more about the Teuton/Cimbri Tribes we are facing.”

Eliovitus replied, “Sir, that’s what I was doing when I was told to come and see you.”

“Good,” said Manius. “As you know, Calvus and Bethica are arriving with about 5,000 more prisoners. Talk to them also.  I need to know how they fight.  Do they employ formations?  Does the Army attack as one large group or do they maneuver units independently?  I already know that their shields are vulnerable to penetration by arrow and pilum.  Find out if they are a disciplined Army.  Do they train?  Are they in good physical shape?”

“I also want to know about the fort and the ferry at Regensburg.  I’ve heard that they use a ferry to cross the Danube because they couldn’t build a pontoon bridge.  Ask where their Tribes’ people are located.  That may be a vulnerability we can exploit.  Bethica said she met Timur.  I need to know more about him.  Let me know when you have some answers.  Calvus arrives on the 14th and Bethica arrives on the 16th.  All eight Legions are leaving here for Munich and Ingolstadt on the 17th.  Try to give me more information by the time we arrive at Ingolstadt.  Thank you Eliovitus.  I know I can count on you.  These two Legionaries, Ansi and Atta, are assigned to Legio XVII.  They left the Cimbri/Teuton Tribes 13 years ago and will be able to help you with the language problem.”

Chapter IX:  Battle of Regensburg

As Calvus approached Dietramszell, the first thing he saw was the ring of Maniple sized forts.  Three days ago, couriers had briefed him on the layout at Dietramszell and pinpointed where he was to take his Attack Group.  Tomaeus, the Chief Engineer of the Expedition, Canutus, and Servilius had walked the ground and designated an area northwest of Expedition Headquarters for Calvus’ legions. They planned to place Bethica’s Attack Group to the northeast.  Both groups would be about 200 yards (182.8m) from the northern most Maniples’ fort.

Calvus’ engineers rode ahead and were already laying out the camp.  With the evacuation of the Teutons from Munich, the Proconsul declared the absence of a threat and gave Calvus permission to establish an encampment without the standard ditch and walls.  Other than that, Calvus’ four Legion camp would be set up in the circular manner.

Calvus rode forward to find the Proconsul while the Legions continued on to the site.  He was anxious to report to Manius the success of his mission.  He still felt the need to justify the faith that Manius had placed in him.  He knew Manius took a risk to his own reputation by recalling him from Sicily and was determined to not disappoint him.

When Calvus entered the Proconsul’s tent, Manius rose from his chair and clasped Calvus’ arm.  He smiled broadly and was genuinely pleased to see him.  “Tell me Legate, how did it go?” he asked.  Both men sat and Calvus explain the details of the battle.  When he finished, Calvus said, “Sir, I have 2,000 prisoners and hundreds of Suevi women who had been kidnapped by the Teutons.  I’ll need help with that.”

Manius replied, “Yes, I know; Bethica found the same thing at Landshut.  When she was at Rosenheim, she sent them back to Innsbruck with two Maniples of Suevi.  Let’s wait until she arrives on the 16th, and let her deal with it.  Meanwhile, keep them away from the troops.  Talk to Servilius; he’s in the Operations tent. Maybe he can put them in the Maniples’ forts until Bethica can get them back to Innsbruck.”

As Calvus left the tent, he thought, “Servilius stood at the gate and wished me luck as we left Bad Tolz.  I think he’s forgiven me for the death of his men.  I could have my Operations’ Tribune talk to him and continue to avoid him or I could talk to him myself.  Back in Rome, he was hostile.  I don’t really want to face that again.”  As he was thinking, he continued walking to the Operations tent.  In his heart, he knew he had to face Servilius.

Calvus walked in the tent and saw Servilius looking at a map.  One of the Legionaries called the tent to attention and announced the presence of the Legate.  Servilius turned and stood at attention.  Calvus told the men to return to their duties. He looked at Servilius and said, “Tribune, I have a problem.”

Servilius said, “Sir, how can I help.”  Calvus thought, “That’s a good start.  He’s being polite, looking at me, and I don’t see anger.”  Calvus explain the situation with the Suevi women and said, “The Proconsul suggested that we may be able to temporarily house them in the Maniples’ forts until Bethica can take them to Innsbruck.”

Servilius said, “How many do you have?”

Calvus said, “About 400.”

Servilius said, “Since the Legions are here, we really don’t need the forts anymore, so yes.  I’ll empty four forts and put 100 in each.  The displaced Maniples can stand guard outside to protect the women.  I’ll need help feeding them, but we can bring them water and firewood.”

“Good, it’s settled then; I’ll have the women moved to the forts immediately,” said Calvus.  Then he looked at Servilius and said, “I want to thank you for wishing us well as we left Bad Tolz.”

“Yes sir,” replied Servilius, as he averted his eyes.  He felt embarrassed.  Calvus extended his hand and said “Thank you” and left.

Legio XVII maintained the responsibility for the security and feeding of the prisoners.

*******

Bethica’s Legions arrived at Dietramszell on 16 June and were escorted to their temporary camp.  She already knew that the entire Army would depart for Munich the following morning.  Nonetheless, a proper camp was created before the men could rest.  The wounded were transferred to the Expedition hospital for treatment and the Scorpio were returned to Legiones V Etrusci and XX.

The Proconsul noticed that Tribune Valerian had arrived riding at the head of Legio XX, but did not see Justus.

While the new camp bustled with activity, Bethica visited the Proconsul and gave her report.  He immediately saw she had been wounded and was still in pain.  He asked what had happened.  She told him the full story.  She was a little too tense and formal so Manius tried to put her ease.  He congratulated her on her victory, the casualties, and showed interest in the rescued women.  They sat and Manius told her about Calvus’ attack.  Bethica began to relax and to talk more freely.  She said her shoulder was very sore and she had lost 50% of its mobility, but she was healing and there was no infection so far.

Manius said, “I will have my surgeon look at you.  He can give you something for the pain.”

Manius then told her about the 400 women that Calvus discovered at Augsburg and asked if she would take charge of transporting them to Innsbruck.  Since she was the Suevi Tribal Chief and responsible for their wellbeing, she readily agreed and asked to be excused to visit the women. The Proconsul said, “Yes, of course, but let me ask about Legate Justus before you leave.  I noticed he is not with you.”

Bethica said, “I apologize for not mentioning it sooner.  Tribune Valerian relieved him the morning of the attack and sent him to the rear.  Valerian said he began acting erratically the night before and by the morning of the attack, he was out of his mind.  I appointed Valerian as Acting Legate.  But there is more.  On the way back to Bad Tolz, Justus killed himself with his own sword.”

“I see,” said Manius.  “Thank you Bethica; you may go.”  Manius was distressed with the death of Justus.

“Sir,” she said, “I have one more item to discuss.  I understand we are all scheduled to depart for Munich tomorrow.  I would like you to delay our departure by one day to allow my men to rest.  We’ve been walking for two weeks and fought a major battle.  The men need a break.”

Manius started at her for a moment.  Bethica always spoke her mind and she was usually correct.  “I see your point.  It’s well taken.”  Manius then asked an aide to summon the Operations’ Tribune.  Canutus arrived within a few minutes.  Manius said to him, “Bethica has requested that we delay our departure to Munich by one day.  My question to you is will that delay affect anything important?”

Canutus responded with any hesitation, “No Sir, none at all, in fact, I can use the extra day to distribute the prisoners among the Legions.”

Manius said to both Canutus and Bethica, “Pass the word to the Legions that we depart for Munich on the 18th, not the 17th.”  Then he looked at Bethica and said, “That’s good leadership.  I appreciate you looking out for your men.”

After Bethica left, Manius summoned Valerian and heard the same story about Justus.  Manius said, “When we return to Rome, I will tell his family that he died in battle honorably leading his Legion.  Ensure that this account of his death is passed on to your staff and Commanders.  I see no reason to shame his family.”

The following morning, a second convoy of women, loot, and animals was escorted to Innsbruck.  Each Legion now had 625 prisoners to guard, feed, and put to work.  They were not treated gently, but they were not tortured or killed.

*******

The same day that Bethica and her Legions arrived at Dietramszell, Donar’s aide arrived at Regensburg.  He had ridden hard for four days, but was ready to start talking as soon as he dismounted.  He walked into the hut used by the Commanders.  Four men were present.  He said, “I am Donar’s aide.  He sent me here to give you and Timur an important message.”

The four Commanders were in a good mood.  There were no immediate problems and everyone was relaxed.  “Timur is at the settlement with the people,” the Commander of 20,000 said.  He was facing a map on the wall.  “Tell us your message and we will make sure it gets to Timur.”  They knew nothing about the attacks at Augsburg and Landshut.

The aide took a deep breath and started, “The 20,000 man garrison at Augsburg was attacked on the 7th and completely destroyed.  The 20,000 men at Landshut was attacked on the 9th and also annihilated.  To our knowledge, there are no survivors from either garrison.”  The Commanders looked at each other in disbelief.  The Commander who spoke moments ago sat down, he was noticeably pale.

He said, “What?  You’re telling us that half our Army is dead.  This can’t be.  There’s some mistake.  How do you know this?  Who’s responsible?  Is what you are saying true?  Has it been verified?”

The aide explained the series of riders that went back and forth to the two garrisons as the events unfolded.  He talked about the report of the Suevi farmers harassing the garrisons, the discovery of the dead bodies, the burnt huts, the strange pits on the back side of the hills.  He told them everything he had heard.

The Commander asked, “What is Donar doing?” The aide explained Donar’s evacuation from Munich and the reasoning behind it.  He said, “Donar expects to be here on the 19th.”

The Commander said, “We need to cross the River and go see Timur.”  They left that night and arrived as the sun was rising.  They found Timur and said, “Timur, we have terrible news from Donar.”  When Timur heard the report, he lowered his head.  He felt like he had no strength; he could barely breathe.  His Commanders watched him silently for a moment and gently said, “Timur?”  He raised his head slightly and asked, “Who besides us know this information?”  “No one,” they responded.  Timur said, “I do not want the people to hear about this.  Do not tell anyone else.”

Three days later, Donar arrived at Regensburg.  Timur was waiting.  Timur could not control his anger.  He berated Donar and placed the entire disaster on his shoulders.  “Before I exile you from the Tribe, answer one question, who did this?”

Donar replied sheepishly, “The initial reports we received from Augsburg and Landshut said it was Suevi farmers who were lightly armed.  There is no one alive who knows the truth.  In my opinion, the Suevi have hired mercenaries who know how to plan and fight.  These two attacks were coordinated and thoroughly deceived our two garrisons.  We found no enemy bodies or even their weapons to give us an idea of who they are.  I estimate we are facing an army of at least 40,000.  Our shields offer no protection against their weapons.  Sir, I accept full responsibility for the disaster.  I deserve to be put to death.”  He lowered his head and wept.

When Timur saw the tears, his anger evaporated.  He put his hand on Donar’s shoulder and said, “Donar, we are all to blame.  It is not your fault alone.  I should have been visiting the two garrisons rather than enjoying the praises of my people at Two Lakes.  I trusted the Commanders too much.  Men do those things that the Leaders check.  I checked on nothing.  Go back to work.”

The following day, the seven survivors from Augsburg arrived at the Regensburg fort.  They had been walking since 8 June, 12 days ago.  They were tired, hungry, and dirty.  The guards at the gate stopped them and asked where they had come from.  They replied, “Augsburg.”

Timur and the other Commanders were immediately notified.  Timur quickly left his hut to talk to the men.  He had a lot of questions to ask them, but when he saw their condition, he said to an aide, “Get these men some food, clean clothes, and let them wash.  We will hear their story this evening at 6:00 P.M.”

Donar objected.  “With all respect Timur, we need to hear the report from these men now.  We can’t wait until tonight.  You are letting your emotions cloud your judgment.  It’s time to be tough.  The men can rest later.”

Timur looked at Donar and said, “A few hours won’t make any difference.  Let them clean up and eat.”  Donar shook his head as he walked away and thought, “He has learned nothing.”

That evening, Timur and his Commanders sat around a large table facing the seven men who sat along the wall on stools.  Timur said, “I’ve heard about your difficult journey from Augsburg.  I compliment you all on your determination and skill to survive.  None of you are in any trouble.  I want you to speak freely.  You are the only eye witnesses to the disaster that has befallen our Army.”

The survivors had already heard about the slaughter at their garrison and the one at Landshut.  They talked among themselves and wondered if they would be viewed as cowards or deserters for having fled the battlefield.  As they sat in front of the Commanders, some feared they would be executed and now wished they had never come back to Regensburg.  Timur’s words provided some comfort, but they still worried.