I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 939: Shire Is Feigning an Attack

Shire didn’t rush to attack; he left the troops waiting for two days in front of the "Centipede Passage".

The fire burned relentlessly in the forest, bombers flew over the designated airspace in batches, and the pilots looked down from above, dropping incendiary bombs wherever the fire was not enough.

On the second day, they even used the "partition responsibility tactic," dividing the forest into "well" sections, assigning each bomber squadron a section to ensure complete burning, holding them accountable if not.

(Note: This tactic was used by our military in the Vietnam battlefield, partitioning and incinerating to eradicate the remaining enemy hidden in tunnels and paths.)

...

Paris Crillon Hotel, "International Alliance" meeting room.

The representatives cheered upon receiving the battle report:

"This is Shire’s capability; the Germans will completely lose control over the ’Centipede Passage’."

"This is what the Germans deserve, the cost of defying the international community."

"The Germans still think they can use the same tactics against Shire; utterly foolish, victory is ours!"

...

The representatives naturally considered themselves as the "international community."

The reason was simple; at this time, the "International Alliance" included 17 countries, among them England, France, Netherlands, Italy, and others with numerous colonies.

Including these countries’ colonies, the "International Alliance" easily comprised several dozens of countries.

The assured "majority," naturally representing the "international community" and even "human justice."

Romanian and Italian representatives were overjoyed upon hearing the victory news, repeatedly shaking hands with Clemenceau:

"Please convey our gratitude to Shire; the German offensive in Romania seems to have slowed."

"Italy as well; the Germans seem wary, fearing the fall of Saarbrücken."

If Saarbrücken falls, even if the Germans succeed elsewhere, it would be meaningless.

Especially towards Italy, the German Army attacking Italy would immediately expose their rear to the French Army’s offensive.

(The red line in the above picture marks where the French Army broke through the German border; advancing southeast would attack Italy from the rear.)

... 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

The media widely reported Shire’s offensive:

"Unbelievable that Shire used the same attack route as the last Anglo-American Allies without any change, not a single change."

"Yes, but the situation is quite different from the last time with the Anglo-American Allies; Shire burned the forest, leaving no worries behind."

"Is this a satire directed at the Anglo-American Allies? Or perhaps a lesson in warfare tactics for them?"

...

Various military experts subsequently analyzed in newspapers:

"We acknowledge that Shire started well, preparing a large number of incendiary bombs to achieve a preliminary victory in the simplest and most direct way."

"The Germans didn’t expect this. Though they suffered once before, they clearly didn’t anticipate Shire targeting the entire forest. The artillery hidden in the forest by the German Army is doomed, and even any survivors will struggle to operate effectively."

"Whether Shire can gain an advantage from this remains uncertain; the German Army’s defense is focused on Saarbrücken, a line composed of armored units, anti-tank guns, uncountable mines, and trenches, specifically set up by Hindenburg to counter Shire’s First Armored Army!"

...

Berlin Staff Headquarter.

Hindenburg felt no panic upon receiving the telegram about the burning forest, instead showing a confident smile.

"You were right." Hindenburg handed the telegram to Ludendorff: "I believe Shire’s ultimate goal will be to cross the Rhine River and attack Offenburg."

Ludendorff took the telegram, looking perplexed, unable to understand the relationship between this "forest fire" and Shire’s strategic intentions.

Hindenburg explained:

"If Shire’s true target were Saarbrücken, he wouldn’t have allowed the newspapers to widely report it, as that would essentially reveal his battle plans."

"If his strategic goals and battle plans are visible in the newspapers, they certainly aren’t real."

"Moreover, Shire’s characteristic is to reach the target and claim victory with the fastest insertion, yet this time he stayed in front of the ’Centipede Passage’ for two days unexpectedly."

Ludendorff "Oh"-ed: "The reason Shire waits is to give us time to transfer the main forces to Saarbrücken."

Hindenburg gently nodded, a smile forming at the corner of his mouth:

"The more Shire acts this way, the more it proves his attack towards Saarbrücken is a feint."

"Does he think I know nothing about him?"

"I might have to disappoint him!"

...

Freeman front line, the forest on both sides of the Centipede Passage.

The trees were charred black, leaving only bare trunks, the air thick with asphyxiating smoke, a slight breeze sending visible dust ash swirling between trunks, while some continued to emit wisps of blue smoke.

This was like a magical version of the living Black Forest.

The Anglo-American troops gathered before the "Black Forest," with the US Army on the left and the British Army on the right, holding rifles with bayonets affixed, backpacks loaded with enough rations for several days, formed into a long line waiting.

"Advance!" the commander loudly ordered, brandishing his saber towards the forest.

The soldiers cautiously stepped forward, advancing while searching, their silhouettes growing increasingly obscure before finally disappearing into the depths, with only sparse gunshots heard from outside.

Haig had previously opposed such a search.

"It seems unnecessary for us to search the forest." Haig said, "No one can survive such a massive fire, even if some can, they pose no threat to us."

"General," Shire calmly replied:

"The ’Centipede Passage’ is our most vital supply route; ammunition, supplies, along with artillery and fuel, all need to pass through this passage."

"They are fragile; any attack could result in significant losses, potentially affecting the war’s outcome."

"We must ensure the absolute safety of this passage."

Haig remained unconvinced: "But this is just a feint, Vice Admiral, have you forgotten? So, in reality, there won’t be as much material, artillery, and fuel going through here, it’s unnecessary."

Pershing interrupted Haig:

"I don’t think so, General Haig."

"Even though it’s a feint, we need to execute it as if it were a real attack."

"Only this way can we deceive the Germans; otherwise, we may end up failing at the last moment!"

Haig was momentarily speechless, glaring at Pershing as if to say:

Do you not understand my intention? Why are we making the Anglo-American troops carry out this rough work?

The Anglo-American troops were traumatized from entering the forest combat last time against the Germans, and now we are entering forest combat again?

Pershing seemed to read Haig’s thoughts, reassuring him:

"Rest assured, General Haig."

"This time is different, the area has already been burned by the fire, and few Germans are likely alive."

"We’re going for revenge, don’t you think?"

Haig had no choice but to agree to Shire’s orders.