I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 828: Artillery Ambush

The sound of shelling shattered the silence.

They sliced through the sky like sharp sickles, cutting open the rain curtain, drawing clear trajectories aimed directly at the US Army's position.

The sound, initially like a low hum of orchestral music, rapidly turned into a loud wail, instilling fear and disgust.

Finally, amidst the loud "rumbling" noise, the shells exploded around and behind the positions.

Fire, smoke, violent tremors, all seemed like a dream.

The US soldiers, who had never experienced such spectacle, had their disguises shattered by the terrifying energy; the shells seemed to strike not their positions but directly their souls and hearts.

Some instinctively huddled, wishing they could burrow underground.

Some stared blankly at the scene, refusing to believe they were in the midst of it.

Others uncontrollably shouted and ran regardless of everything.

But soon, they were tossed into the air like rags amidst the shockwaves, finally disappearing.

...

Kilometers away, under a rocky hill, Pershing, wearing an "Adrian" helmet, stood still in the rain, silently watching through his binoculars.

As the commander of the expeditionary force, he originally didn't need to personally command the fight.

But it was the US Army's first battle, and none of the commanders had this level of commanding experience, including Pershing himself.

Helplessly, Pershing, who believed he had understood the essence of the "Archer Method," took command himself.

"General." Hubbard reminded beside him, seeing Pershing unresponsive: "Our artillery units are in position."

His words implied: It's time for artillery suppression.

Pershing was silent for a moment, then asked: "Do you know why Shire always wins every battle?"

Hubbard was taken aback, answering: "Because of equipment and his tactics."

"It's not just those, Hubbard." Pershing replied thoughtfully:

"Also coolness and patience. In his eyes, there are no soldier casualties, only cold numbers."

"But precisely because of this, he can minimize these casualties."

"Because the battlefield is not a place for feelings, it needs commanders who see lives as numbers!"

Hubbard didn't understand why Pershing said these incoherent words in the midst of a heated battle.

But the next second, when he linked Pershing's words to the battlefield situation, he realized.

"God, the first line of defense is bait." Hubbard cried: "It's bait to destroy enemy artillery."

Pershing nodded silently.

"The Germans are veterans, Hubbard." Pershing said with some helplessness in his tone:

"They have rich combat experience and tight coordination."

"The 'Archer Method' tactic may be feasible, but what if the Germans order tanks to advance while artillery proceeds slowly?"

Hubbard swallowed hard: "Our armored units could likely be overwhelmed by such coordination instead of 'keeping distance'."

Pershing nodded again.

German artillery would block the US Army armored units' route, perhaps using artillery to disrupt and scatter the US armored units.

Then, German tanks would break into the disordered US armored units, slaughtering, leaving only defeat for the US.

"So." Pershing concluded: "I must first severely damage the German artillery, reducing their infantry-tank coordination to the minimum!"

And the best way to "severely damage German artillery" is to have infantry endure the shellings.

It's a plan, Hubbard thought, and very efficient.

The Germans think the US Army is inexperienced and wouldn't consider such a strategy. Plus, having pursued English forces might foster complacency, making them easy prey.

However...

Hubbard looked at Pershing, who was expressionless, watching the first defense line being crushed by German artillery, soldiers overwhelmed by the barrage, powerless to resist.

They even have to face the upcoming charge of German tank clusters.

Because, when the US artillery does engage, it'll focus on destroying German artillery rather than blocking tanks.

Hubbard couldn't fathom if Pershing was still the one who tries everything to reduce casualties? He felt unfamiliar with Pershing.

...

The German Army indeed remained unaware of Pershing's endurance.

Vice Admiral Albert, commanding this battle, was Hutier's trusted aide, transferred from the Eastern Front like Hutier.

(Note: When Fajin Han was Chief of Staff, the German Army split into Eastern and Western factions, and troop transfers between lines were difficult, with each major transfer involving contention. After Hindenburg monopolized power, only one faction remained, with more frequent transfers of commanders and troops between lines.)

General Hutier didn't trust Western Front commanders.

He believed the Eastern Front was always victorious while the Western Front consistently failed. From confidence, experience, and tactical perspectives, Eastern commanders had more advantages.

However, Hutier neglected one point: Western commanders understood the Western environment better and also knew Shire's true prowess.

Major General Erwin of the First Tank Division immediately sensed something wrong, telephoning Vice Admiral Albert with a warning:

"The Americans have constructed a defensive line in front of us, indicating they've had ample preparation time."

"Logically, their artillery should be ready for combat, yet not a single shell has been fired."

"I believe this could likely be an American 'artillery trap,' and we should be very cautious."

"Artillery trap" is a term commonly used by artillerymen, referring to tactics that lure enemy artillery to fire and expose themselves, then concentrate fire to destroy enemy artillery positions.

The countermeasure isn't difficult; artillery fires a few rounds then relocates, but it weakens the intensity of fire support.

Albert dismissed Erwin's warning disdainfully, he didn't even bother to respond, tossing the telegram aside, saying with sarcasm:

"These Westerners must be traumatized by Shire, always worried about traps."

"This is the US Army, even trained by Shire, but they've never been on the battlefield." 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

"They might not even know what an 'artillery trap' is."

Staff officers chuckled lightly.

Their views echoed Albert's, thinking this defensive line was hastily constructed by the US Army, and the lack of artillery retaliation meant US artillery hadn't arrived in time.

However, the next second, they were immediately contradicted.

"General." A signal officer approached to report: "The enemy artillery has retaliated; they have at least 4 artillery regiments, our artillery casualties are severe."

(Note: In World War I, US artillery was an independent unit, mostly organized by artillery brigades. An artillery brigade consisted of two artillery regiments, one with French 75MM guns and one with 155MM guns.)

Vice Admiral Albert's face instantly turned dark.

Damn Americans, these rookies actually dared to set up an 'artillery trap' for us!