I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 853: Cooking Without Rice

Once the colonial army representative arrived, the large meeting room was filled with people, both black and white, seemingly a bit chaotic.

The representatives enthusiastically went up to Shire, shook hands, and introduced themselves, hailing from Kenya, Uganda, Gold Coast (present-day Ghana), etc.

Haig sat at the head seat, wearing a confident expression, convinced that Shire would soon find himself in the predicament of "making bricks without straw."

What is the equipment and quality of the French armored army?

Suddenly switched to this low-configuration local colonial force, even communication becomes a problem—they hardly know more than how to load bullets and pull the trigger. Leading them to victory?

Easy to say!

Moreover, as long as Haig secretly tampered a bit to make officers "neglect their duties," the campaign commanded by Shire would immediately encounter problems.

Let you experience the pain of the British commanders; the colonial army is not as easy to command as you imagine.

"Gentlemen!" Haig stood up and gestured to Shire sitting beside him: "Allow me to introduce, this is the Vice Admiral Shire, commander of the French reinforced group army you have heard about."

Shire stood up and saluted, followed by enthusiastic applause in the meeting room.

However, the British officers seemed somewhat absent-minded, especially Vice Admiral Avis who had suffered losses at Shire's hands several times.

Haig glanced around the room: "This could be considered a coincidence; the French Ministry of the Army, for campaign needs, has temporarily appointed Shire as vice commander of the expeditionary force."

This statement seemed meaningless, but it was Haig warning the colonial army representatives: don't think involving Shire in command is my concession to you, it's just a coincidence, a coincidence!

With a brief pause, Haig unusually started building up Shire:

"As we know, Shire is a general undefeated so far, a miracle on the battlefield."

"The Germans captured or encircled by him number at least several hundred thousand, while the cost he paid is negligible."

"That's why people call him 'Mars of France.'"

"I firmly believe, under his command, we can achieve the same remarkable victory. And I, too, look forward to this moment!"

Saying this, Haig nodded to Shire with a smile, passing the floor to him amidst the applause.

Shire understood Haig's intention.

What he said seemed to praise Shire, but actually, it put him on the spot.

Once Shire fails to achieve the "small price for big gain" and "victory," it becomes Shire's failure.

But Shire didn't mind; he leisurely stood up, distributing the prepared combat plan map to the representatives.

"Gentlemen." Shire said as he distributed: "The battle is simple. What we need to do is hold our line and pull the trigger on the Germans!"

The representatives laughed, thinking Shire was joking, but upon receiving the deployment map, they realized Shire might truly mean it.

Haig also received a copy, glanced at it, and was instantly filled with surprise.

This was not what he had imagined.

He thought the British Army would block and intercept the German Army's retreat route layer by layer, but unexpectedly, Shire deployed troops to the flanks of the German retreat route.

If on the flanks, indeed, there is no need for attacks nor intense battles.

Because this is opening the way for the Germans to pass through.

Just like Shire said, all you need to do is pull the trigger on any Germans likely to appear in front of you.

"But," Haig raised the deployment map: "If that's the case, how can we block the retreating German army?"

Shire replied: "We don't need to block the Germans; we just need to tire them, cause casualties, and prevent them from taking equipment and supplies."

Shire pointed at the deployment map and analyzed:

"We all know it's the rainy season now, it will soon rain again."

"We will deploy artillery on the second line and use artillery fire to block the roads."

"At that time, there will be reconnaissance planes working with artillery fire, effectively ensuring the Germans can't take cars, tanks, artillery, and other equipment back."

Those who can return are only individuals, carrying rifles and rations. All else relying on the road must be abandoned, or they will be unable to move an inch.

Without waiting for Haig to rebut, Shire continued:

"These German troops, losing heavy equipment, ammunition, and supplies, will naturally face severe shortages of ammunition and supplies when they retreat back to the line."

"Hence, even with added manpower, they can't exert significant impact."

"The rest is left to the French Eastern Army Group; they are responsible for the main attack!"

This was Shire's early planned countermeasure, which overall was "west surveillance, east release."

The British Expeditionary Force in the west was complex, with Haig intentionally wanting to embarrass Shire, leading an attack and achieving victory was virtually impossible.

Therefore, their task was only to build a defense line and use fire to block the roads.

Gamelin commanding the Eastern Army Group in the east, Shire needed them to fight a tough battle.

Only by fighting hard can soldiers and lower officers possibly make meritorious achievements, exposing the foolishness of incompetent senior officers.

Tassin will record these observations one by one.

Gamelin is unlikely to give Tassin promotion power over soldiers.

But it doesn't matter; with Gallieni, the Minister of the Army, as backup, and real military achievements recorded, Gamelin can't resist.

(Note: One of the Minister of the Army's responsibilities is managing the promotion of middle and senior officials. So, in principle, commanders like Gamelin cannot interfere with promotions to prevent favoritism and personal power. But if, like Shire, endorsed by the Minister of the Army, then it's a different matter.)

Therefore, the Eastern Army Group, especially the Second Specialized Artillery Division and Mechanized Division, will launch a fierce attack on the German Nancy line under Tassin's command.

Shire's air corps will actively cooperate with them.

Simultaneously, Shire's First Armored Army will forcefully cross the Meuse River again to attack the German flanks.

Shire won't let this battle end too quickly, nor too smoothly.

However, when the campaign ends, recovering Lorraine and Alsace regions, the junior and even middle officers in the Eastern Army Group will have been "cleansed" once.

Gamelin and his command system will be left with bleak prospects!

Restoration to the original state is impossible; even if Tassin and his staff team were removed, the Eastern Army Group will only acknowledge Shire's command.

Haig, looking at the deployment map, considered it for a while, raised an eyebrow, and with some sarcasm in his tone: "Very well, it seems to be a simple task; looks like we can easily achieve a victory. The Vice Admiral has put considerable thought into this, hasn't he?"

Shire retorted: "If the General is not satisfied, I can consider changing the plan? For instance, engaging the troops in an offensive to cut off the German retreat..."

Haig's expression changed.

This bastard, the colonial army will certainly not want to do this, Shire was drawing attention to himself.

"No, Vice Admiral." Haig immediately changed his tone: "I am very pleased with this plan; do as you said!"