Platoon (Problem V)

Decision-Forcing Case

This is the fifth post in a series. If you have not done so already, you will probably want to start at the beginning, with the post called Platoon (Background.)

You decide to move along the western slope of ridge along which the road runs.

The leader of the Third Platoon decides on a similar path, one that is parallel to that of your platoon.

As you advance, you hear the sound of French shells flying over head.  They seem to be aimed at targets to the north and east of your position.

As you lead your platoon along the slope, you see two things.  One of these is a crossroads, which lies to your front, roughly at two o’clock.  The other is a strange red light, behind a gap in the ridge, which lies to your left (to the west of you) at ten o’clock.

A moment later, you hear the explosion of artillery shells.  This sound is also coming from the north side of the ridge.

What is going on here? What are your orders?

Please feel free to use the comment section to describe your solution to this problem. In doing this, please take care to avoid any information that would spoil the problem for your fellow readers.

The next step in this exercise is the presentation of the historical solution, which can be found at the start of Platoon (Problem VI). If you wish to reap full benefit from this decision-forcing case, please refrain from reading the historical solution until you have come to a decision.