Chapter 604: The Collision of Old and New Ideas

Using tanks to launch a counterattack was Erwin's attempt at a new tactic, derived from the "elastic defense" of the Charles.

Unlike the "elastic defense", Erwin did not allow the British army to break through his own defense line, but directly launched a counterattack based on the defense line.

This is based on the current reality of the German army: the German army opened a gap about 20 kilometers wide in the defense line. This narrow channel is the logistics supply line for the forward troops.

Once the enemy is let in, this logistical supply line will most likely be cut off by the British army.

Therefore, Erwin believed that he could not give in at all and had to keep the British army trapped in Antwerp!

It was also considered that the British infantry and cavalry offensive would likely lead to the British breaking into the trenches and engaging in hand-to-hand combat with the Germans.

This was what Erwin was most reluctant to see, because the British and Belgian forces were much larger than the German forces, and hand-to-hand combat was obviously at a disadvantage for the German army.

"Our advantages are aircraft and tanks." Colonel Erwin analyzed to Lieutenant General Nicholas: "I think we should make full use of this. Only in this way can we gain the greatest benefit at the lowest cost."

"But how do tanks defend themselves?" Lieutenant General Nicholas asked.

He understood aircraft defense, which could dive and strafe the charging enemy.

But tank defense, placed behind the defense line and used as artillery?

What's the difference between that and a 77mm gun?

"Counterattack with tanks, General," Colonel Erwin replied. "The best defense is a good offense."

As he spoke, Colonel Erwin's eyes were filled with murderous intent. He wanted to destroy the opponent's mobile force before they could react, or at least severely injure them. Only in this way could he ensure the safety of the German supply line.

Originally, Colonel Erwin was not very confident, because the cavalry had high flexibility and external perception capabilities, and they could quickly withdraw from the battle after realizing that the attack was meaningless.

However, when Colonel Elwin saw that the British cavalry did not retreat after colliding with the tanks, but was still looking for gaps to charge, he knew that his goal could be achieved perfectly.

"These idiots." Colonel Erwin put away his binoculars with disdain in his eyes: "Do they think their flesh and blood can beat tanks?"

…

Namur Castle, headquarters of the 1st Mechanized Division.

Charles received a battle report from Antwerp, which was sent by Major General Eden: "Stupid British, they ordered the cavalry to charge the enemy tanks. Their proud cavalry division was killed or wounded in less than half an hour, and more than 7,000 soldiers were killed or wounded. This is not a battle, General, you should be prepared for the next step!"

Tijani was not surprised when he saw the telegram.

"This is what you call the survival of the fittest, Your Excellency," he said. "This is not only a battle between the British and German armies, but also a collision between old ideas and new ideas, just like the emerging capitalists using machines to eliminate traditional aristocrats."

Ciel nodded in agreement.

This was not just the case during World War I. Even in World War II, there were still examples of cavalry charging towards tanks.

It seems stupid, and no one in their right mind would do that.

However, humans are always accustomed to doing things according to tradition and habit, so the elimination process is much longer than imagined.

…

Dunkirk, British Expeditionary Force Headquarters.

Kitchener sat quietly at his desk waiting for news. He thought that anything he did now would be redundant because he had no troops to deploy.

It is really ironic that the British army was much larger than the German army, and the Belgian army was even twice as large as the German army, yet they were defeated and had no troops left.

At this time, the staff hurriedly sent an urgent telegram: "More than half of my cavalry division was killed or wounded, and more than 7,000 infantry were killed or wounded, and we still couldn't break through the German defense line."

Kitchener hummed, which was something he had expected.

"Now." The staff officer said anxiously, "Should we ask Lieutenant General Ives to contact Charles?"

"No." Kitchener shook his head and said softly, "Let me do it!"

At this time, asking Lieutenant General Ivis to contact Charles and ask him for help would be more painful than killing him.

Fortunately, the telephone line from Dunkirk to Namur was still working, and Kitchener successfully communicated with Shire.

"I believe you have seen the crisis, General." Kitchener's voice was calm, as if he was talking about something that had nothing to do with Britain: "Once the Germans take Ghent, it will not only be the Antwerp defense line that will be in trouble for supply, but the whole of France."

Kitchener used "France" rather than "Western Front."

The implication is: You are the one who is anxious, General. If you do not take action, France will be destroyed, and Britain will at best retreat to its home island.

This is "eating free food with hard work". It is clearly the British army that caused the trouble, but when the situation was out of control and they needed Charles' help, they still acted arrogantly.

"I understand, Your Excellency the Marshal." Charles pretended to be helpless: "I have to save him, right?"

"Of course," Kitchener replied, with a hint of pride in his voice, "Because you are a smart man, you won't do stupid things."

Everything remained the same, Kitchener thought. He could still use the resources he had to control France.

"Aren't you worried that I can't save you, or that I'm too late?" Charles asked back.

"Of course not." Kitchener laughed. "I have always had confidence in you in this regard."

This is true, Charles' military genius is unmatched.

Only stubborn fools like Haig and Elvis would think that Charles relied on luck.

"Okay." Charles replied, "You win, Marshal, the rest is up to me!"

But Charles added meaningfully: "The Minister of Munitions sends his regards."

After saying that, he hung up the phone.

Kitchener was stunned. "The Minister of Munitions sends his greetings." What does this mean?

On second thought, the "Minister of Munitions" is the former "Minister of the Navy". It is said that he and Charles reached an agreement to some extent. Is it true?

Kitchener suddenly felt that something was wrong. Charles' counterattack might not only be directed at the German army, but also at Britain's control over supplies.

But what could Charles do?

The Minister of Munitions is also British, so he will inevitably stand on the side of Britain in this regard.

Kitchener slowly hung up the phone, his brows furrowed, his eyes staring blankly into the void ahead.

He couldn't figure out how Charles would break the impasse.

Suddenly, a staff officer shouted excitedly. He shouted to Kitchener from more than ten meters away: "Your Excellency Marshal, the Royal Navy has won a great victory. We sank 12 German submarines at one time."

"12 ships?" Kitchener was stunned. "Are you sure? All at once?"

This is almost impossible. There has never been such efficiency in anti-submarine warfare, no country has ever done it.

"Yes, I'm sure." The staff officer ran up and handed the telegram to Kitchener. "This is because the French Navy is involved and has installed Charles' newly invented anti-submarine equipment."

Kitchener was stunned.

He knew what Charles' confidence came from, and he also knew that Britain would lose its absolute control over supplies.

(End of this chapter)