I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 887: Vipps Times

The battle entered the third day, and the British and American Allies had penetrated 12 kilometers into the German Army's defenses, artillery now directly capable of bombarding target areas.

Freeman was only 20 kilometers away from Saarbrücken, and at this rate of advancement, they could capture this industrial stronghold of Germany in two more days.

By then, the entire Hindenburg Line would be severely weakened due to a lack of ammunition and losing this transportation hub.

This greatly boosted the morale of the British and American forces.

Haig published an interview-style article in the "Vipps Times," using intense and passionate language:

"To all warriors fighting on the front lines, whether British Army or US Army, I am proud of you."

"You have proven with lives and blood that the Germans' Hindenburg Line can be breached."

"Brave men are not intimidated by its apparent might; only those fame-seeking cowards are the ones who harbor self-doubt and spread talks of defeat."

"Some even build their own lines of defense, trying to find some pathetic sense of security."

...

The report didn't mention Shire directly but targeted him everywhere with utmost sarcasm.

Haig's publication in "Vipps Times" had an ulterior motive.

This newspaper wasn't an official one but was founded by the 12th Royal Rifles Battalion, known for its black humor and satire, meant to entertain the soldiers on the front lines.

(The above image is the movie cover based on the war newspaper "Vipps Times," filmed in 2013, describing the story of a British soldier who discovered a printing press during the war and whimsically created this war newspaper.)

Haig's intentions were clear: he was using this to mock Shire and undermine his prestige, for only by doing so could he solidify the position of the British Army.

Of course, Haig wouldn't miss such a great propaganda opportunity; he ordered this newspaper to be added and sent to the US Army, under the guise of relieving soldiers' stress.

...

Pershing stayed at Freeman's command post.

Always known to be with the soldiers and even directing on the front lines, this time he uncharacteristically dared not step out of the command post.

Over these days, he'd discussed with Baker several times, and he even ordered staff officers to go to the front line to collect evidence to support his ideas.

At this point, he was making another attempt.

"Mr. Minister." Pershing handed a stack of photos in front of Baker: "Please have a look at this."

Baker's office was next to Pershing's, a single small room.

He should have been at the British Expeditionary Force Headquarters supposed to facilitate cooperation between the British and American armies.

But Haig told him: "Our issue isn't here, Mr. Minister. The resistance has always been Pershing; you just need to keep an eye on him and make sure he follows orders."

So Baker stayed there.

Baker looked powerlessly at Pershing, took the photos, and flipped through them impatiently: "What does this show? Germans fleeing into the forest?"

Pershing pointed to the map to analyze:

"The entrance to Saarbrücken is sandwiched between two forests, Mr. Minister."

"To the northwest is the Hunsrück Mountains, and to the southwest is the Vosges Mountains."

"Though not high in altitude, these forests are dense; our infantry hasn't occupied these high grounds and penetrated, while the main forces attack deep into the enemy territory..."

(The red arrow in the above image indicates the main direction of the British and American forces' attack, with hills and forest on either side, forming a natural pincer.)

Baker spread his hands: "What does this tell us?"

"It's a trap," Pershing emphasized: "Can't you see? Our main forces will be surrounded..."

"No, Brigadier General." Baker interrupted Pershing:

"We are achieving victory."

"Perhaps you're right, we didn't seize the forest and high grounds, but you overlooked one point; such terrain is equally difficult to attack and defend, and the Germans will find it hard to break through our defense."

His finger tapped heavily on the forest edge:

"Haig knows what to do; he has rich combat experience, and whatever you think of, he can as well."

"Thus, he constructed defense lines on the forest edge and deployed heavy guards for defense."

"The Germans will be sealed within the forest, posing no threat to us!"

They might even starve inside, Baker thought, in the forest-bound Germans, where would they find food and ammunition?

Without these, how could they mount a counterattack?

Of course, Pershing thought differently.

If the Germans had planned ahead, of course, they would have stockpiled food and ammunition in the forest in advance.

But what good does it do to mention this?

Unless they could penetrate the forest to find the German Army's ammunition depot and take photographs to show Baker.

"There's another dubious point." Pershing persisted: "We've eliminated and captured very few German soldiers, over three days' fighting only just over 2,000 men."

Baker laughed:

"This only shows the Germans run fast, Brigadier General."

"It proves precisely that Haig is correct; the Germans are at the end of their strength, unable to continue fighting against us."

"Moreover, I don't know if you noticed, among the captured German soldiers are many old men and children."

Pershing remained silent, it was a fact.

Baker spread his hands, implying "this is the evidence."

Finally, Baker handed Pershing a newspaper, it was the British-sent "Vipps Times."

"Look at this, Brigadier General." Baker said: "It might help you relax."

Pershing helplessly accepted the newspaper: "Yes, Mr. Minister."

Pershing returned to his seat, staring blankly for a moment, then opened the newspaper and glanced at it, lightly shaking his head at Haig's remarks.

Did this guy think he's won? The arrogance of British pride, he would pay the price for it!

Looking at the map again, the troops were only 8 kilometers from the target; it was time for the Germans to close the net.

Even if he convinced Baker now, it might not be possible to withdraw the troops in time.

Therefore, let the facts provide the answer!

...

Heavy snow was falling, a squadron of "Camel" fighters flew over Saarbrücken.

This wasn't their first time doing so; to probe the German Army's realities, the British Expeditionary Force had dispatched aircraft several times deep into enemy territory for reconnaissance.

Finally, the air force concluded:

"The reason the Germans' biplanes achieved great victory at Langbevile Airport was primarily due to a surprise attack."

"Their biplanes are likely still inferior to the 'Camel' fighters."

"I believe air superiority remains ours; the German air force dares not engage!"

...

Major Harkel leading the squadron firmly believed so, as he had already twice led air raids on the Saarbrücken train station, where the Germans had shown no reaction other than ground anti-aircraft fire.

This time would be no exception, Major Harkel thought.

He made a gesture to both sides and pointed to the target below, meaning "finish the job early, head home."

His men responded cheerfully, then lowered altitude heading toward the target.

But just then, shadows suddenly emerged in the sunlight, swiftly and fiercely diving at Harkel's formation...