Chapter 772: Ciel wins, once again

This small-scale tank battle was over in less than 20 minutes.

Needless to say, the German 1st Tank Division suffered a complete and miserable defeat.

Charles even believed that this battle had destroyed the confidence of the German tank troops and even Erwin.

Because the German army had never seen such a situation before, with large numbers of soldiers fleeing and surrendering, including tanks, before the battle was over.

Thirteen "Lk2" tanks raised the white flag in surrender, but despite their speed advantage, they did not even have the courage to escape.

All this happened after the "Char B1" collided head-on with an "LK2" that had penetrated the tank group.

There was a crisp sound of steel hitting each other.

"Char B1" was fine, but the head of "LK2" was dented and deformed as if it was made of clay.

However.

After blocking the target, "Char B1" did not stop, but continued to move forward and pushed "Lk2" backward.

Then, the driver steered the "Char B1" to turn a corner, and the tracks slowly climbed up along the front slope of the "LK2".

With a sharp sound of steel breaking, the "LK2" was completely crushed and deformed, like a flattened pie, with blood constantly oozing out of it.

This scene seemed to be declaring to the German army the gap in strength between the two sides, telling them that this gap could not be changed by human power and that all resistance was futile.

After realizing this, most of the German troops chose to surrender.

Erwin fled in panic with some of his men in cars and armored vehicles.

Charles did not pursue.

The "Char B1" is indeed indestructible, but it is impossible to let it chase a car.

After spending some time cleaning up the battlefield, Charles ordered his troops to continue advancing towards Metz.

However, while he was still on his way he received word that Metz had surrendered.

…

The Metz garrison had only two infantry battalions, and they were infantrymen who were rotated down from the front line to rest.

In addition, there are the wounded, doctors, nurses, and logistics troops.

The German army used this place as a rear base and transit station.

There were originally hundreds of artillery pieces of various types in the fortresses on the three islands of Metz, but their fate was similar to that of Verdun in France. They were dismantled by the German army and transported to the front line for combat.

There are only dozens of old cannons left there, some of which are antique muzzle-loading guns.

Even so, the defenders of Metz did not give up easily. They tried to use the river as a barrier to hold the bridge and wait for reinforcements.

But after Tijani arrived with his troops, he threw the belt pontoon bridge into the river, and in just a few minutes he built several pontoon bridges that were wide enough for tanks to pass through, instantly dumbfounding the garrisoned German troops.

Coupled with the amphibious landing ships that treated the river as nothing, the German army knew there was no need to continue fighting.

…

Paris City Hall.

Brian looked at the telegram sent by Gamelin with despair:

"I'm sorry, Prime Minister."

"Our troops suffered heavy casualties when they were intercepted by the Germans. The attack has failed."

"In this battle, we discovered that the Germans were equipped with a new type of artillery that could penetrate the frontal armor of the 'Charter A1' at long range, which was the main reason for our defeat."

…

"Rubbish!" Briand slammed the telegram on the table and cursed:

"Same equipment, same troops, same training, and you were defeated by the enemy in less than a day."

"But the Shire was able to conquer the entire territory."

"He actually calls himself the smartest man in France!"

At this time, Lieutenant Colonel Dura walked into the office: "Have you heard, Prime Minister? Charles' troops attacked!"

"What?" Brian was stunned. "When did it happen?"

Lieutenant Colonel Dura replied: "At the moment when Gamelin was defeated."

Briand immediately understood what was meant. "You mean to say that Charles took advantage of this?"

"Yes." Lieutenant Colonel Dura nodded affirmatively: "Charles knew that we had an offensive plan and that we would fail. He used Gamelin's troops to lure the enemy out of Metz."

Lieutenant Colonel Dura pointed to Metz on the map: "So, his target is Metz."

Briand turned pale instantly.

Metz is the central city of Lorraine and the barrier of Lorraine. Capturing it is equivalent to taking back Lorraine.

Lorraine is different from other places. It and Alsace have a special meaning in the hearts of French citizens.

Because they were ceded to Germany when it lost the Franco-German War decades ago.

It is the shame of the French, an eternal pain, a scar that can never heal unless someone can take it back.

Now, if Charles had done that, he and Clemenceau would have everyone’s support!

This was also one of the reasons why Briand couldn't wait to order Gamelin to attack.

"No, this shouldn't happen." Briand was flustered. He anxiously poured himself a glass of red wine, and drank it all in one gulp with trembling hands.

"Your Excellency the Prime Minister," Lieutenant Colonel Dura consoled him, "If what General Gamelin said is true, the Germans are equipped with new artillery, and we don't seem to need to worry about this..."

"Yes." Briand's eyes lit up.

"That's right, Commander."

"The Germans' new artillery can penetrate the front of the 'Charter A1' from a long distance!"

“Charles may have won tactically, but he would never have expected that the Germans also had new equipment!”

Lieutenant Colonel Dura confirmed Briand's statement: "Of course, Prime Minister. Besides, Charles has to cross the river, and Metz is also a fortress. Charles' chances of success are almost zero."

Then Lieutenant Colonel Dura added: "In fact, I think he is being stupid. He is just going to get himself killed!"

Briand was in a good mood. He poured a glass for Colonel Dura as well and clinked glasses with him with a smile.

However, they soon stopped laughing.

"Bad news" came from the front line one after another:

"Prime Minister, Charles' troops have crossed the Meuse River."

"What? How can he be so fast..."

"It is said that it was because of the belt-type pontoon bridge he invented. This equipment only takes a dozen minutes to build a sturdy floating bridge in the river."

"And, this kind of thing?"

Briand and Colonel Duras looked at each other.

"Your Excellency, the Prime Minister, Charles repelled a German army in the town of Yani. It is said that it was the same army that defeated General Gamelin."

"That's impossible. They are equipped with new artillery..."

"Charter is equipped with a new type of tank, which is powerful enough to stop the attack of German artillery."

Briand sat back heavily in his chair, and Colonel Dura was stunned.

Why is war as easy as playing a game in Charles' hands?

"And there's Metz!" Briand held on to his last glimmer of hope: "Metz is a fortress that is easy to defend and difficult to attack. It will definitely be able to stop Charles' attack..."

Before he finished speaking, the secretary came in hurriedly and reported: "Mr. Prime Minister, Metz has surrendered. Charles has successfully occupied Metz."

Briand's waving hand stopped in mid-air, and he put it down for a long time before he let out a long sigh of helplessness: "Charles won, again!"

(End of this chapter)