I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 851: Vice Commander in Name Only

Duerwang Castle in France, the British Expeditionary Force Command is located on a wide-open pasture.

This farm belonged to a rancher named Theo, who fled elsewhere because of the war; the sheep were reportedly driven to Paris for cheap sale, leaving only a pile of sheep dung and a few dilapidated wooden houses for the British Army.

The British Expeditionary Force, compared to the Eastern Army Group, was much more disheveled after being repelled by the German Army.

After retreating to this area, Haig hastily organized a defense, knowing that open terrain was not beneficial for the troops, as it was ideal for German tank attacks.

He also had to gather scattered troops and negotiate with the Colonial Army, keeping Haig exceedingly busy.

Haig intended to deal with the Colonial Army’s "insubordination" as he usually did.

Offer some benefits to part of the Colonial Army, such as tax reductions for certain Colonial Army countries, to get them to withdraw from "insubordination," while severely punishing the hardliners.

Using this tactic of siding with one faction against another, the crisis could quickly dissipate unnoticed.

However, this time the Colonial Army was unusually stubborn, with all forces, including the Australian and New Zealand white troops, holding fast.

Haig discussed this matter with General Monash, Commander of the ANZAC Corps, in his office.

(The picture above shows General John Monash, Commander of the ANZAC Corps, who was originally a civil engineer.)

"I don’t see any benefit to you, General," Haig earnestly persuaded:

"There’s no glory in this; soldiers should obey commands and unite to fight."

"Even if there are any opinions, they should be resolved through negotiation, not through such fierce resistance."

"The result of this behavior is not something any of us want to see, as the Germans’ advance has caused us significant losses."

General Monash nodded:

"I understand what you’re saying, General."

"But firstly, this isn’t something I can decide; the soldiers are equally refusing to obey my commands."

"Secondly, they are not opposed to fighting; they just want to fight under Charles’ command. They don’t wish to waste their lives on the battlefield aimlessly."

This statement angered Haig, who vehemently waved his hand and retorted:

"I must correct you; every soldier’s sacrifice is valuable, and the term ’waste’ does not apply."

"Indeed, it’s undeniable that battles commanded by Charles have significantly lower casualties."

"But he commands the French Army, which is well-equipped, well-trained, and flawlessly coordinated."

This was Haig’s new excuse: the high casualties of the British Expeditionary Force were due to the varied quality among the Colonial Army, poor communication, and most importantly, a lack of unity, with each fighting for themselves.

Haig had something prepared.

If the Colonial Army wanted to prove him wrong, they should unite and fight a battle to show him.

And this was precisely what Haig hoped for.

General Monash spread his hands, saying nothing more.

The British always arrogantly assume others are foolish, thinking they don’t recognize the games being played.

If things continue this way, no one can break this deadlock.

The Colonial Army will not compromise, because it concerns their survival.

Haig will not concede, believing they will yield to his tactics or believe his lies.

Just as the atmosphere grew tense, the phone rang.

An aide, holding the phone, reported to Haig: "General, General Gallieni is calling."

Haig was taken aback, the French Minister of the Army?

Haig didn’t recall when he last spoke on the phone with him, wondering if he was calling now to ridicule the British Army’s "performance."

Haig, visibly displeased, stepped forward to pick up the phone and identified himself.

"General." Gallieni spoke tactfully, as the British Expeditionary Force was not under French command:

"There is a rare strategic opportunity before us; we need your troops to be organized immediately and launch a counterattack."

"And from what I see, there’s only one way to restore your troops’ fighting capability."

"And that is to have Charles calm the Colonial Army within the British Expeditionary Force; do you agree?"

Haig was noncommittal: "Do you have any thoughts, Minister?"

"Charles will not threaten your command authority." Gallieni spoke candidly:

"He cannot threaten your command authority."

"We just need to give Charles nominal command authority and have him visit Duerwang Castle."

"Then all the problems will be resolved; how do you see that?"

Haig considered for a moment and nodded lightly.

He had no reason to refuse; it aligned with French interests and the British Expeditionary Force’s interests.

"I have no objections, Minister." Haig said.

After hanging up the phone, he looked up at General Monash: "Your wishes have come true; they appointed Charles as Deputy Commander of the British Expeditionary Force."

Monash turned sharply towards Haig, surprised; he thought this impossible, that Haig would never allow Charles to interfere in the Expeditionary Force’s command, but the reality seemed otherwise.

"Is this true?" General Monash was visibly surprised.

"Of course it’s true." Haig took out his pocket watch and checked: "Charles has already set out; his plane will arrive in about an hour. Aren’t you preparing a welcome ceremony?"

"Yes, General." Monash rose and enthusiastically shook Haig’s hand: "This is wonderful; I’ll immediately convey the news to everyone else."

As Monash walked out the door, he began to realize why this situation arose.

All the British did was grant Charles nominal command authority, without changing anything in actuality.

But that was sufficient; as long as the Colonial Army believed that Charles was commanding, or involved in the command, the situation would soon be different.

Sure enough, when Monash delivered the news, cheers erupted throughout the Colonial Army camp.

Soldiers from the African Legion held their rifles aloft, dancing a war dance around the bonfire while chanting "Charles, Charles, Charles" in a native tongue.

...

Charles arrived at Duerwang Castle with only one signaler and two pilots, and the guards were temporarily taken from the police department at Duerwang Castle.

He was given an unprecedentedly enthusiastic welcome at Duerwang Castle.

Many were black, each pushing forward to shake Charles’ hand, speaking gibberish that he did not understand.

There were also whites, some of whom were veterans: the Australian Army that fought alongside Charles at the Dardanelles Strait.

Major General Richard advanced with a friendly smile and embraced Charles: "Do you still remember me, General."

Charles remembered nothing about him but replied with an "Oh": "You are from the 5th Light Horse Regiment..."

Charles only recalled the designation of that unit.

Major General Richard answered emotionally: "Yes, General. At that time I was the commander of the 5th Light Horse Regiment, now I’ve been promoted to the commander of the 5th Infantry Division!"

Charles nodded inwardly, yes, he’s been promoted.

This relationship could be exploited!