Shell after shell fell from the sky, exploding thunderously in the water and sending towering waves surging up.
The rafts that had just been launched into the river, before they could even serve their purpose, were smashed into scattered pieces by the waves.
Watching the scene unfold before him, Colonel Bodeman no longer held any hope for the coming assault.
There was no helping it—the Suez Canal was simply too narrow. Standing on the bank, one could clearly see the opposite shore with the naked eye; no river-crossing equipment could possibly be kept secret.
Ever since the Suez Canal opened to navigation, France and Austria had regarded it as a foremost strategic stronghold. To ensure the canal's security, both nations had deployed large numbers of artillery pieces along its banks.
Unsurprisingly, the French artillery was deployed in Egypt, while Austria's was deployed on the Sinai Peninsula. Each country occupied one bank, safeguarding its own right to speak.
These guns and forts had originally been intended to guard against the United Kingdom. Who could have expected them to end up firing upon former allies?
After the war broke out, France and Austria both committed heavy forces to seize complete control of the Suez Canal.
Yet both sides' defenses were absurdly formidable. So long as they could not damage the canal, neither side had any way to complete a landing.
"Send a telegram to headquarters. The enemy was prepared for us. The rafts we prepared have come under enemy artillery fire, and the plan to launch a surprise attack on Port Suez has failed!
"Given the current situation, I recommend that headquarters authorize the destruction of the Suez Canal and fill in a passageway."
Colonel Bodeman said helplessly.
This was not the first time he had proposed destroying the canal. But the