Berthier approached him, clutching a scribbled note. ‘Victor’s men are down to their last few rounds, and we have only fifteen pieces of artillery left. Victor asks for permission to withdraw before the next attack begins.’

‘No. He must stay where he is.’

‘But, sir,Victor cannot hold them back.’

‘Then he must delay their advance for as long as possible.’

‘At least reinforce him then. We still have Monnier’s division in reserve.’>

Napoleon turned and pointed towards Castel Ceriolo. ‘We need Monnier there. He must hold the flanks.Watrin’s division is all but finished. Give the order for Monnier to advance immediately.’

‘What about Watrin, sir? Should I pull him back?’

Napoleon shook his head, even though he knew that Watrin’s division must collapse under the next attack, unless they were supported. But Monnier’s men were the only forces available to send into the battle and they had to hold the flank. Then Napoleon’s gaze fell on the men of the Consular Guard, two thousand strong and every man a tough veteran.

‘Berthier, send the Guard forward to support Watrin.’

His chief of staff was shocked.‘The Guard? But, sir, if the army breaks and routs, who will protect you?’

‘If the army breaks then I will be beyond need of protection,’ Napoleon replied quietly as he gripped the hilt of his sword. ‘Send the Guard forward.’

Berthier nodded solemnly and turned back to his campaign desk to hurriedly write the orders and hand them to the waiting dispatch riders. As the last of them rode off, he returned to Napoleon’s side.

‘That’s it then, sir. We’ve no more men to put into line against the enemy now. We’re in the hands of fate.’

‘Fate won’t decide this,’ Napoleon replied. ‘It’s a test of courage and endurance . . . And numbers.’

Berthier smiled mirthlessly. ‘Fate has a way of favouring the bigger battalions.’

Napoleon did not reply, but stared out over the battlefield at the Austrians surging forward to attack his thinly stretched army. Could they weather another assault, he wondered? If not, then only Desaix could save them from utter destruction.

After a fresh cannonade the Austrian columns came on again.To the right, opposite the end of Watrin’s division, a large body of cavalry was forming up behind the columns of Austrian infantry. The Consular Guard formed into a square before it marched steadily forward to fill the gap between Watrin’s and Monnier’s divisions.As the enemy saw the guard moving towards them, they turned their attention away from the remnants of Watrin’s division and opened fire on the square. At such close range the veterans were shot down by the score under the withering volleys of the enemy. But each time they steadily closed ranks and continued forward, until at last the order was given to halt, and open fire.