However, when Bernard's two infantry regiments deployed into formation in front of the Austrian Army, they immediately met with intense fire from the opposing side.
Although Argento's troops were caught off guard and their formation was disorganized, they numbered over 15,000.
That was more than five times the size of the French Army, and they were the defending side, giving them opportunities to adjust their formation.
Major Bernard bravely went to the forefront of the battle line, raising his sword high to loudly inspire his soldiers.
His two infantry regiments also managed to force the enemy back through several rounds of volleys, but due to their insufficient numbers, the Austrian infantry lines quickly formed a semi-envelopment against them from both sides.
French Army soldiers began to suffer gunfire from the flanks, with a firepower density several times greater than their own.
Within just ten minutes, Bernard's troops had suffered over a thousand casualties.
