Chapter 938 Crossing the Rhine

Berlin, German General Staff.

The staff officers who had just been immersed in the decisive victory on the Eastern Front were now busy again. They needed to use all resources to obtain intelligence on the Western Front.

"Britain has added 57 new tanks, most of which are Independence tanks." The staff officer holding the phone reported: "In addition, there are 43 Camel fighters."

"The American armored forces have been supplemented with 62 'Charter A1' tanks." The signalman guarding the radio sent a telegram: "In addition, another 200,000 American soldiers have landed and are gathering in the Lorraine area."

…

Hindenburg frowned, threw the telegram in front of him aside, and roared:

"Don't tell me about the British and American military intelligence. They are not important."

"What I need is Ciel's information, understand? Ciel's!"

"And his unit, the First Armored Corps, its location, its current equipment, everything."

The staff officers were frightened and quickly organized manpower to investigate Charles' situation.

However, Charles's troops had not been at the front for more than two months, and they disappeared from the German sight like ghosts.

All they could detect was the 1st Panzer Army in Metz.

Ludendorff handed Hindenburg a cup of coffee: "At least we know when Charles will attack."

"What?" Hindenburg suddenly looked up at Ludendorff.

Ludendorff explained:

"I'm talking about Ciel's warning."

"He told us to withdraw from Romania and Italy or attack."

"Well, why don't we just pretend?"

Hindenburg understood what Ludendorff meant: "You mean, first make a gesture of retreat, and then prepare for war on the other side?"

"Yes." Ludendorff nodded: "To be precise, it is not preparation for war, but preparation for defense."

Hindenburg thought about it for a while and agreed to Ludendorff's plan:

“A very good idea.”

"We also sent out a signal of compromise in diplomacy, leaving the Charles no reason to attack."

"When we are ready, we will suddenly attack Romania and Italy."

At this time, Charles, as the head of the "League of Nations", had to do as he had said before: "Ensure the security of both countries by attacking Germany."

Therefore, Germany can roughly determine the time of Charles' attack!

Hindenburg fixed his eyes on the map on the table and pointed at Freeman: "Strengthen the defense here. I believe that Charles will still break through from here."

Freymann was in front of Saarbrücken, which was the transportation hub and industrial center of the Hindenburg Line. Charles was unlikely to give up this penetration point.

…

"Are you really not planning to attack Saarbrücken?" Pershing asked.

British Saarburg Command, this was the first joint meeting of the British, French and American armies. Charles, Pershing and Haig gathered together to discuss the operational plan to attack the German army.

"Of course not." Charles' tone left no doubt: "The Germans are already well prepared in this area, why should we attack from here?"

"Because it is the support point of the entire Hindenburg Line." Pershing replied: "As long as Saarbrücken is captured, it is equivalent to breaking through the entire Hindenburg Line."

The amount of guns and ammunition directly produced in Saarbrücken exceeded one-fifth of the Hindenburg Line, and combined with the ammunition stored here and the transportation routes, at least half of the ammunition was related to it.

No matter how strong the Hindenburg Line was, it was only a matter of time before it collapsed due to insufficient ammunition.

"That's why the Germans set a trap for us there." Charles pointed to the attack route on the map and said:

“Although it’s only 20 kilometers, there are forests, mines and obstacles everywhere along the way.”

"Every step forward we take will cost us heavy casualties. This is not my style. I will not do this."

Ciel's style has always been to achieve great results with few casualties.

Haig, who had been silent at the side, finally spoke up, muffledly: "So, your plan is still to force a crossing of the Rhine?"

"Of course." Charles said firmly.

"Perhaps you haven't considered one thing, Lieutenant General," Haig said:

"The east bank of the Rhine is also not suitable for mechanized troops to fight. The area is either hilly or a narrow alluvial belt."

"Tanks will have a hard time moving on that kind of sandy clay, and it will be a nightmare for your 'Char B2'."

The Rhine River was the British defense zone, and Haig surveyed the terrain on the east bank.

Especially now that it is spring and the snow has just melted, it will be difficult for Charles' troops to achieve anything even if they successfully cross the river.

"You need not worry about that, Lieutenant General," Charles replied.

"As long as we invade Germany, it will deal a blow to the morale and confidence of the German army."

"I believe it won't be long before the Germans can no longer bear the pressure and fall into civil unrest, just like Russia."

Then Charles spread his hands and said, "Then what you want to see is the unconditional surrender of the Germans."

Haig and Pershing looked at each other. Charles' plan seemed feasible. Germany was indeed overwhelmed and it might just take the last straw to break the camel's back.

Seeing that the two had no objections, Charles pointed to Saarbrücken on the map and continued:

"What we have to do is to convince the Germans that the focus of our attack is still here."

"This can attract the main force of the German army and reduce the pressure on our army to cross the river."

"Once we successfully cross the river, my troops will immediately head towards Offenburg, Germany. It will be our first forward base!"

…

General Staff, Berlin.

A communications soldier who had just deciphered the code held the telegram in his hand as if it were a treasure. He was stunned for a moment, then jumped up and ran in two steps to Hindenburg, who was looking at the map and making a battle plan.

"Marshal." The signalman was so excited that he couldn't control himself: "We got Charles' battle plan."

"What?"

Hindenburg and Ludendorff simultaneously turned their gazes to the signalman, and the others also stopped and looked over here.

Without waiting for the signalman to reply, Hindenburg rushed forward and snatched the telegram from his hand. He quickly checked it on the map and nodded: "This may be true. Charles intends to attack Offenburg."

"Offenburg?" Ludendorff found its location on the map and exclaimed: "My God, he is planning to force a crossing of the Rhine."

"We are totally unprepared in this direction." Hindenburg frowned. "Charles has a 'ribbon bridge'. The Rhine River becomes his advantage, not ours."

The river was originally a natural barrier, but the "belt pontoon bridge" can build a floating bridge for tanks to pass through in just a few minutes, so the natural barrier becomes a danger.

"Strengthen Offenburg's defenses." Hindenburg ordered in a deep voice.

Then he added another order: "Do it in secret, and don't let Charles find out."

Otherwise, Charles might change the direction and location of the attack, and then we will be in trouble!

(End of this chapter)