Chapter 213 Wells's Considerations

At the last moment, Falkenhayn tried to force the German 4th Reserve Army to continue to encircle the French army in the Cape Town area, but it was in vain.

The French 1st Tank Brigade, along with two special artillery divisions of nearly 40,000 people, advanced into the heart of Cape Town, which was the core area of ​​the German 4th Reserve Army. The Cape Town railway station in particular was filled with ammunition and supplies transported from the rear.

After the French army captured it, they replenished a batch of supplies and then burned it and the train station to ashes.

On the other hand, Joffre cooperated well and launched an attack on the German defense line head-on.

Joffre had to cooperate. If he dared to play tricks when 40,000 French troops were surrounded, it would not be a question of whether he could remain in his position as the French commander-in-chief, but a question of whether he would be sent to a military court for trial.

The German troops in Cape Town were plagued by internal and external troubles. They chose to refuse Falkenhayn's order and took the initiative to make way for the French army to break through.

This decision was correct. They only retreated three kilometers to the second line of defense, and most of Cape Town was still in the hands of the German army.

If we obey Falkenhayn's command and continue to persist, there is a possibility that the entire line will collapse and the entire Cape Town will be lost.

…

When the Paris defense headquarters received the intelligence of the successful breakout, the staff cheered and congratulated Charles:

"Great fight, Charles!"

"You deceived the Germans several times in a row. You played them in your hands."

"I believe this includes Falkenham!"

…

The staff officers laughed knowingly.

Kobdo seized the opportunity and took a lot of photos with his camera. Then he started the interview with a notebook in one hand and a pen in the other:

"Major, I heard that you were not very confident about this battle before the war?"

"Yes!" Charles said truthfully, "It would be almost impossible if the Germans had not withdrawn their troops from Cape Town."

"So...what made you decide to send the 1st Tank Brigade to reinforce?"

Charles turned his eyes to Gallieni, implying that the question should be asked to Gallieni.

Gallieni hummed, took a sip of coffee to moisten his throat, and answered without blushing or beating his heart:

"I know this question. When Charles found out that more than 40,000 people were trapped in the enemy's encirclement and in imminent danger..."

"He immediately requested the First Tank Brigade to rush in for reinforcements!"

Charles was stunned; this didn't seem to be the case.

But Gallieni continued speaking with a serious face: "I refused at first. I said, 'It's too dangerous, Major. No matter how many troops are sent, they may not come back!'"

Liing, these were clearly what Charles said.

"But Charles still insisted. He didn't hesitate at all. He asked me righteously: 'That's 40,000 lives and 40,000 families. No matter how dangerous it is, even if there is only a 1% chance, we should give it a try!'"

Liar, this is clearly what you meant!

"I am moved by Charles' spirit. He is very persistent. He is willing to sacrifice everything for his country, the army and the French citizens. This is him, this is Charles!"

Charles couldn't bear to listen any more, but he found that the staff officers around him were all moved, and some of them even had tears in their eyes.

Kobdo also took notes seriously.

If you say this to someone else, they may not believe it, or even treat it as a joke.

But this is Charles. He has done so many things to save the country and the army. Is there anyone who doesn't believe it?

If so, it would be an insult to France!

Finally, Gallieni concluded: "I was convinced by him and gave him full authority to command the rescue operation. Facts have proved that he was right and he successfully rescued our people!"

“Wow!”

There was warm applause in the office.

The staff officers rushed forward to shake hands with Charles:

"Thank you, Ciel!"

“Thank you for your contribution to France!”

"You are our pride!"

…

Charles was at a loss as to what to do and cast a puzzled look at Gallieni, but the old man drank his coffee leisurely, acting as if it had nothing to do with him.

At this moment the telephone rang and Gallieni answered it:

"Hello!"

"Yes, he is here."

"sure!"

Gallieni raised the microphone towards Charles with a smile in his eyes, "Wells, it's for you!"

Charles took the phone and identified himself. A steady but slightly trembling voice came from the phone. He seemed to be trying hard to suppress his excitement and tried his best to make his voice sound official:

"Hello, Major! I'm Wells!"

“It was a very impressive command, very exciting.”

"I would like to say that if you need anything in the future, I would be more than happy to help you."

…

"Thank you, Mr. Wells." Charles replied calmly: "This is what we should do. As soldiers, we must find a way to win a battle. Each of us should do our best!"

Wells on the other end of the phone agreed: "Yes, you are right. Thank you again!"

Then he hung up without saying anything.

In fact, both sides knew it tacitly. This was Wells showing his support for Charles, and Charles said some polite words to avoid suspicion.

…

After Wells hung up the phone, butler Deni couldn't help but ask, "Sir, are we really going to support Charles?"

Wells nodded slightly: "Have you forgotten that Schneider is also our competitor?"

When the butler heard this, he said nothing more.

Schneider started out in the steel and forging industries. Its advantage is that it can obtain the steel needed to build warships from its own steel mills. Therefore, although its experience in producing warships is not as good as that of the Brest Shipyard, it has a price advantage and is very competitive.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend, and there is nothing wrong with Wells doing this.

The reason why the butler was puzzled was that Wells had always been unwilling to confront Schneider head-on, so why was he doing that now...

Wells ignored the butler. He walked to the window and sat in the rocking chair, rocking gently.

The butler said nothing, walked out of the room and closed the door quietly.

This was Wells' habit of thinking about problems. The rocking chair made him feel like a warship sailing on calm seas. Only at this time could he think about the problem clearly.

Wells chose Charles not because he saved Tijani. Although it was a favor, it was not big enough to support him with all his strength.

Wells saw Charles' keen and accurate prediction of the battlefield, and he was able to produce tanks that crushed all opponents, including the "Saint-Chamond", CA-1 and Germany's new tanks.

They were all vulnerable in front of Charles.

So, can Charles also see the direction of the navy's development?

Just a word or a hint could get the confused French Navy back on track.

This will also help the Brest Shipyard out of its predicament!

(End of this chapter)