I was a tycoon in World War I: Starting to save France - Chapter 599

c591 Elastic defense

Charles stayed in Jean Bleu for a day and handed over the affairs of the 6th Army to Christian.

Although the 6th Army had more than 200,000 soldiers and generals, the command was not complicated.

Because most of them were infantry, they mainly fought trench warfare and defended the defense line.

It was just that the tactics of the 6th Army under Charles’ command were more advanced. He deployed the 1st Special Artillery Division behind the defense line to implement flexible defense.

“We put the 1st Special Artillery Division in the third line or even in the rear.” Charles pointed to the map and said to Christian: “Deploy them in regiments.”

Christian didn’t understand this approach. He frowned and replied: “General, if you do this, the front line will not be able to get reinforcements from the armored forces, and the defense line is likely to be broken by the German army.”

“I know.” Charles replied: “Our defense line is not set up for ‘being able to hold’, but for ‘being broken through by the enemy’.”

Christian looked confused. Did he hear it right? The defense line is not for “holding”, but for “being broken through by the enemy”?

Charles continued, “At the same time, we should also reduce the density of the front-line troops, the second line as well, and then increase the density of the troops in the third line and the rear.”

“But…” Christine shook his head in embarrassment: “How can we face the German attack?”

There is no armored force reinforcement in the front line, and the density of troops must be reduced. Christine has never seen such a defensive tactic.

Charles’ answer was straightforward: “Let them in, of course it is intentional, to lead the enemy into the plain area that is conducive to tank operations.”

Christian suddenly realized: “Then use the armored troops to beat them back?”

Charles nodded. Using the mobility of the armored troops to fight mobile warfare and pull back and forth with the enemy is the core of elastic defense.

Christian stared at the map blankly, and seemed to be deducing the enemy’s attack and defense in his mind. After a while, he took a deep breath and looked at Charles in surprise and admiration: “I understand, General, I will immediately deploy troops based on this tactic!”

It is a very clever tactic. It abandons the rigidity of trench warfare and perfectly combines the infantry defense line and the mobility of tanks to form a dynamic defense belt.

As long as it is used well, the German army on the opposite side will be in a dilemma:

If it does not break through, the defense line will not advance an inch.

If it breaks through, a large number of infantry will enter the enemy’s defense line and be slaughtered by the French armored forces. Not only will a large number of manpower be lost, but the defense line will eventually return to its original state.

God, this tactic can defend the same defense line with much fewer troops, and at the same time, it can practice infantry-tank coordination. Although it is strategically defensive, it is tactically offensive.

Only Charles can think of it, right? !

Christine was wrong about this. This is not a tactic invented by Charles, but a trick used by Erwin in the African battlefield during World War II when he was seriously short of troops.

I don’t know what Erwin’s reaction would be if he encountered it now!

…

After arranging the 6th Army, Charles and Tijani rushed back to the headquarters of the 1st Mechanized Division in Namur Castle the next day.

Charles believes that mechanized troops and armored troops are the key points. They always carry out interspersed operations behind enemy lines and win with one blow. They are much better at command than the 6th Army, and this is where he needs to be.

To Charles’ surprise, when they arrived at Namur Castle, they found Wells waiting in the office.

Tijani was stunned when he saw his father. He quickly walked up to him and asked in confusion: “Father, why are you here?”

He turned his head and glanced at Charles. He thought Wells was looking for Charles, perhaps because of the upcoming anti-submarine war.

Charles didn’t understand at first, but when he stepped forward to shake hands, he saw Wells’s expression was a little strange, and then he guessed his intention.

“No, General.” Charles said to Tijani: “Mr. Wells is here for you.”

Wells did not deny it, but just smiled awkwardly.

Tijani was stunned, and then he understood that his father came to stop him from “saving” Charles.

He laughed dumbly and said sarcastically:

“It seems you are late, father.”

“You also guessed wrong. Charles doesn’t need me to ‘save’ him.”

“Besides, Charles is the winner. According to your principles, you should support my approach. Don’t you think so?”

As he said that, Tijani threw Wells aside expressionlessly, walked to his desk and sat down, and took the documents to read them.

Charles shook his head secretly. The two fathers and sons with different ideas were at odds again.

Wells couldn’t do anything with this son. Although he was so angry that his face turned pale, he still pretended to be indifferent and raised his eyebrows to Charles: “I gave birth to a good son!”

“Let’s talk over here, Mr. Wells.” Charles invited Wells into the meeting room.

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When sitting down at the table, Wells spoke first: “There is one thing that Tijan is right. I didn’t expect you to win the parliament this time, so…”

“You don’t need to say sorry, Mr. Wells.” Charles made a cup of coffee and handed it to Wells: “This is normal. You need to consider a lot of issues. You have to stand on the side of the winner. I understand.”

Charles is not that stupid. Capitalists gather together because of interests, including the Saint-Etienne Arsenal and FN. Wells is no exception.

Only a young man like Tijan who is obsessed with the “art of war” and doesn’t know what politics is, will rush to Gembloux with his troops for friendship and morality.

“Actually, I also think that Tijani should not let Blue go.” Ciel said, “Because there is no order, the council may have regarded him as one of my people.”

Wells nodded slowly, but sighed unconsciously.

He should take it as a matter of course, should take it calmly, and should just laugh it off like Ciel did, but for some reason, he felt a sense of guilt and frustration in his heart.

After hesitating for a while, Wells changed the subject: “Our destroyers are ready. According to intelligence, the German submarines are likely to make big moves recently. I think it is time for us to attack.”

“No.” Charles replied: “It’s not yet time.”

“Not yet?” Wells looked at Charles in confusion. He couldn’t understand the young general: “Do you hope that German submarines will sink a group of merchant ships?”

Ciel nodded slightly.

“But why?” Wells didn’t understand: “If you just want to seize control of materials, wouldn’t it be better as soon as possible?”

Then he added: “I think I should remind you that some of the supplies transported by these merchant ships are for the French army. They are Lebel rifle bullets and 75-gun shells specially provided for the French army.”

“I know.” Charles nodded: “Wait a moment, as for the reason, you will know later.”

This madman, Wells thought, no matter what he was trying to do, was undoubtedly playing with fire.