I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 946: You Shouldn’t Be Treated This Way
The French Army’s command and tactics were impeccable. Despite having gained a significant advantage, the subsequent operations continued methodically, giving the German Army no chance to counterattack.
In the air, the powerful fighter squadron firmly suppressed the German triplanes, shooting them down one by one, while the "Jenny" transport planes returned to the battlefield three times to drop ammunition.
Paratroopers successfully captured the German artillery positions and organized defense using the captured equipment and ammunition.
Then, they arranged signal boards on the ground, prepared flare guns, and awaited transport planes to drop ammunition.
Two mechanized divisions separately protected the wings of the troops.
The "105 Gun Truck" utilized its long range to coordinate with aerial reconnaissance in executing fire coverage on enemy tank formations from beyond visual range.
The "75 Gun Truck" was divided into three teams to construct three defensive lines, engaging in a different "drum tactic" with the German tanks.
As German tanks approached, they would rapidly fire a salvo at the target before quickly maneuvering to the next defensive line, repeating the cycle.
As a result, German tanks were forever facing the untouchable French "Gun Trucks."
Erwin and Manstein each led a tank division to launch a "pincer attack" against the French Army but suffered heavy losses before even seeing the enemy.
Erwin gritted his teeth and persisted forward, attempting to reduce casualties by advancing in dispersed formations.
Eventually, Manstein could no longer endure.
"There’s no point in continuing this," Manstein communicated to Erwin via telegram:
"Do you know why the French artillery always manages to drop shells into our tank formations?"
"Look at the sky, General. There are three metal planes flying overhead, equipped with radios, constantly reporting our positions to the artillery, while we know nothing about the enemy’s positions."
"We’re up against a system, and we’ve already failed!"
Gray-faced Erwin glanced at the telegram, clenching his teeth. The wound on his forehead was deep enough to expose the bone, continuously oozing blood.
Yet he dared not stop to bandage it.
He feared that stopping would subject him to the bombardment of French artillery.
After a long time, Erwin finally sent a telegram back to Manstein, with a simple message: "You’re right, retreat!"
There was no point in continuing the fight. Even if they eventually reached the front of the French First Armored Army, the remaining tanks might be countable on two hands.
And they would face Shire’s armored division and mechanized division, at least three hundred "Shire A1s" and two hundred "Shire B2s."
After sending the telegram, Erwin somberly issued the retreat order.
However, the French Army still refused to let him off.
Almost the instant the German tank group turned around, the French "75 Gun Truck’s" "drum tactic" rolled in the opposite direction, transforming into a pursuit of the German tank group.
In the sound of cannon fire, Erwin fled hastily, nearly drawing his pistol to commit suicide.
This was the most humiliating battle he ever fought—not seeing a single enemy French tank, only spotting the enemy artillery through binoculars.
And then, they were defeated!
...
The frontline battlefield was supposed to be the most intense, most crucial, and most suspenseful, but this time it was quite unremarkable.
Tijani described this battle in his post-war report:
"The Germans were sealed off by their own mines, able only to maneuver within trenches and communication trenches."
"Because we didn’t have to worry about anyone coming up to blow up tanks."
"The battle turned into a tedious and monotonous exercise, akin to running: ’Mine Sweeping Tanks’ move up to capture the trenches, clear mines, recapture trenches, and repeat..."
...
Two hours later, the First Armored Army approached the city of Saarbrücken.
Tijani prepared to initiate the siege.
He seized the moment during the troops’ rest to stand on an armored vehicle and delivered an impromptu speech:
"Soldiers, this city ahead is called Saarbrücken."
"I would like to remind you that beneath our feet lies German soil; this city is a German city, and those inside, whether soldiers or civilians, are Germans."
"If you’re willing to risk your life to protect the lives of Germans, then courageously do so; God will forgive you."
The soldiers burst into laughter.
They understood Tijani was reminding them not to be as cautious as they were when fighting inside French cities.
If they saw German soldiers hiding in civilian houses and firing, they could flatten them with tanks without hesitation!
But they didn’t have the opportunity to do so.
Just as Tijani was about to order the attack, a sidecar motorcycle emerged from the city, with a German officer holding a white flag seated in the sidecar.
"Do not fire!" Tijani hurriedly ordered.
The sidecar approached; they were all soldiers but clearly unarmed.
Along the way, including the officer, the three men gazed fearfully at the "Shire B2," equipped with two cannons.
The French Army themselves couldn’t experience how terrifying these war monsters were, but as Germans, as opponents of the "Shire B2," facing them up close invoked an undeniable feeling of fear and chill from the depths of one’s heart.
The sidecar stopped in front of the troops, and the officer in the sidecar slowly stood up, cautiously holding the white flag, and shouted in fluent French: "Don’t shoot; I request to see your commanding officer!"
Tijani tapped the top of the armored vehicle.
The driver understood, driving through the gaps between tanks to the front line, while the machine gunner adjusted the aim, pointing the dark barrel down at the German officer, the stock against his shoulder, finger on the trigger.
Tijani stood beside the vehicle, holding onto the side armor: "I am he. What do you have to say?"
"I represent Vice Admiral Brandt to surrender to you." The German officer’s face was filled with shame: "I hope you abide by the Geneva Convention and do not harm the prisoners and civilians inside the city."
Tijani’s eyes flashed with a hint of disappointment; he didn’t want the battle to end like this; he wanted to savor the "thrill" of breaking into a German city.
Soon after, he was startled by this thought—when had he become so bloodthirsty and ruthless?
The battlefield truly was a place capable of changing people, he thought; he had become accustomed to slaughter!
...
The news of Saarbrücken’s surrender soon reached Shire’s command center.
The French Army’s staff and communication officers remained calm; they had anticipated this outcome.
Both the British Army and US Army command centers erupted with thunderous cheers, many hugging one another in celebration.
Several unabashed US Army staff rushed to Shire to shake hands:
"General, magnificent command!"
"A perfect battle; I’ve never seen such an exquisite fight, and I doubt there will be another like it in the future."
"It was an honor to work with you, General!"
...
The British staff, however, dared not approach, perhaps knowing something was amiss in their conscience, resembling the perpetually gloomy-faced Haig.
Pershing shook Shire’s hand and bluntly said: "Rest assured, Vice Admiral, I will make it right for you; you shouldn’t be treated this way!"
