I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 837: Everyone Was Wrong

Mount Montbeh is a famous Champagne wine-producing region, planted with high-quality varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

At an elevation of 288 meters, it's not a tall mountain, but its undulating terrain forms a natural barrier to the south of Reims.

Especially at a place known as the "Reims Valley," the road advances along a narrow gorge only 300 meters wide and 2 miles long.

It's like a checkpoint; controlling it could keep the enemy's armored and mechanized units out.

...

Shire led the French-American Allied Army to camp outside the Reims Valley, arriving there just after eight at night, as they didn't rush to attack once darkness fell.

On this, Pershing had a different opinion.

In a cave covered by black cloth at the entrance, Pershing analyzed the map under a dim oil lamp:

"Mount Montbeh is not suitable for armored battles, Vice Admiral."

"Everywhere here is vineyards and forests. Though the terrain isn't high, there are many obstacles that tanks cannot overcome."

"I think the best way is to send infantry for a surprise attack under the cover of night, like the Germans."

Among the 300,000 US troops, more than 200,000 were infantry, and Pershing believed this force was sufficient to take Mount Montbeh.

"Like the Germans?" Shire asked in return.

Pershing understood Shire's implication: "I know, the Germans will surely be on guard, but we have no other options."

Shire reminded:

"It's not just about them being on guard, General."

"Your troops are new recruits and are not trained for nighttime operations. Under enemy fire, they could easily fall into chaos."

"The Germans have even planted mines in front of their positions, turning the area into a minefield, and you lack mine-clearing experience."

(Note: Mines were still a relatively new tool for the US Army at this time.)

Dejected, Pershing replied:

"I know, but isn't daylight more dangerous?"

"By then, we'd face enemy mortars, machine guns, and flamethrowers, with no chance of even approaching their trenches."

"Plus, we don't have the time, Vice Admiral."

Pershing spoke of the German reinforcements, the arriving 17th Army Group, which was expected to arrive the following day.

The Germans hadn't stopped Shire's forces from arriving because of the 17th Army Group.

Once the 17th Army Group arrived, Shire's forces would be encircled by the German Army.

Thus, Shire's march was akin to "walking into a trap" for the Germans.

Shire didn't explain; he spoke calmly: "Rest assured, General, everything is under control. The most critical now is sleep; we'll have plenty to do tomorrow!"

With that, Shire yawned and lay down on a bed constructed from ammo boxes, eventually starting to snore softly.

Pershing was dumbfounded.

How could he sleep at a time like this, when every moment was crucial to the survival of more than 300,000 troops and even the entire Meuse River defense line?

Like Pershing, Patton and Williams were also anxious, contemplating how to break through the Reims Valley all night.

But the outcomes were almost always:

"No, we'll be slaughtered on the charge if we attack like this."

"The vineyards are a major obstacle, providing cover but also hindering our vision, preventing us from spotting the enemy."

"Meanwhile, enemy mortars could bomb us and the vineyards together!"

"We really shouldn't have lost this strategic place, which may cost hundreds of thousands of casualties, maybe worse."

However, the French-American soldiers were quite at ease, snoring away in the tented trenches.

...

Meanwhile, many in the sleeping city of Paris stayed up, waiting for news from the front lines.

Reporters were drinking strong coffee in their offices, staying by the phone and speculating:

"I've heard Shire ordered the whole army to rest; there might be no battle tonight."

"It could be a tactic to deceive the Germans; tonight's a crucial moment."

"Yes, it might be the last night of darkness. I guess he wouldn't miss this chance and will surely launch a night raid."

...

Many citizens lit candles at home.

Others tried all means to "steal" electricity from factories, sitting around radios attentively listening to reports.

They believed something would surely happen tonight, eager to know how Shire would navigate through the Reims Valley.

...

Gallieni stood by the window of the City Defense Headquarters, watching the lightning cut through the sky, followed by thunder like artillery.

He didn't take off his uniform, ready to command at any moment.

What's this youngster waiting for?

Only in the darkness does the chance for hand-to-hand combat arise, and the US Army has the numerical advantage!

...

The German Army guarding Mount Montbeh's high ground evidently shared the same thought.

They remained fully alert all night, soldiers clutching rifles in the rain, aiming at the darkness below, firing flares at suspicious areas every ten minutes.

There was even a misunderstanding:

A rabbit caused a stir passing through a vineyard. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Someone immediately shouted, "They're coming!"

This was followed by a barrage of gunfire and a volley of mortars.

In the end, it turned out to be nothing.

...

Everyone was wrong; nothing happened that night.

Journalists had fallen asleep sprawled across their desks.

Residents were strewn about on the floor, entering dreamland.

Gallieni dozed off in his chair, chin in hand.

German soldiers shivered in the trenches, clutching their rifles.

...

At 6:30 in the morning, Shire stretched as he turned over, surprised to see Pershing still standing under the kerosene lamp, looking at maps and holding a few documents.

"You didn't sleep all night?" Shire asked.

Pershing didn't answer, instead excitedly saying, "Vice Admiral, last night I sent some men to capture a few prisoners for intelligence. I think it might be useful to you..."

Shire interrupted Pershing: "Have your men prepare for the attack!"

"What?" Pershing was taken aback, then handed over the intelligence: "Don't you want to have a look?"

Shire casually glanced at it: "You did well, General, but it's not very necessary."

Pershing was puzzled. They had discovered the location of a German ammo depot. Even if only one of many, concentrated artillery could still greatly aid the assault.

How was it "not necessary"?

Seeing Pershing's confusion, Shire explained: "I planted explosives, General."

"What?" Pershing didn't understand.

Shire pulled out some bread from his backpack, speaking while chewing: "I planted explosives on the high ground, meaning the Germans are sitting on a pile of explosives without realizing it."

Pershing was stunned. Was this even possible?

Shire took a swig from his canteen: "Sorry I didn't tell you earlier, it's a military secret. I had to wait until the last moment!"

"No, no, Vice Admiral," Pershing suddenly became spirited: "You're right, I'll organize the troops immediately."

God, this is going to be a victory that will shock the world, a perfect and decisive victory!