Solferino. 12:00 PM. The French sustain the brunt of the battle against the Austrians. Napoleon III sends the best of his army into the attack: the fresh Guard unit, 5,000 men who had not yet fought. The battle rages fiercely. The French gradually advance up the steep slopes: first the cypress hill, then the village, and finally the fortress and cemetery. With the capture of the central heights, the French practically secure victory. But the overall situation remains unclear for hours.
