Chapter 339 That's Not a Promise
In the tunnel used as the headquarters on the defense line of the 43rd Division of the 20th French Army, Captain Claude was arguing with Tijani over a map under a kerosene lamp.
Captain Claude was lucky; he and his unit had just spent two weeks on the second line of defense when the Germans launched their gas warfare.
At this time, the French front adopted a rotation system. They divided the troops into several groups, first stationed in the rear for training, and then pushed forward layer by layer along the trenches after two weeks, until they stayed at the front line for two weeks and then returned to the rear for rest, and repeated this process.
Today happens to be the day for the rotation of guards. If the Germans launch the attack one day later, Captain Claude's troops will be the ones killed in large numbers by the poison gas at the front.
However, Captain Claude was unfortunate.
As one of the main initiators of the "Christmas Ceasefire Incident", he was never promoted despite his many military achievements.
Moreover, the most dangerous missions were always reserved for Claude's Second Infantry Company.
For example, this time, because they were worried that the 105th Infantry Regiment was not aware of the situation on the front line, they sent Claude to garrison at the front with the 105th Infantry Regiment.
"We can't plan to hold out, General!" Captain Claude argued. "I know you are Charles's troops, and I know you won in Gallipoli, but this is different. This is poison gas. It is different from all the battles we are familiar with."
"I know, Captain." Tijani looked at Claude teasingly: "We are here to solve the problem."
Claude explained to the map:
"I have an idea, General!"
"It is very likely that the Germans themselves had no anti-gas measures and they would not attack immediately after releasing the gas."
"Then why don't we hide our forces on the flanks and rear and make the enemy think we have retreated."
"When the Germans enter our position, the poison gas will have dissipated. I think this is a good time to counterattack!"
…
Tijani looked at the captain in front of him with great interest. Although his military rank was not high, he was very thoughtful and much better than those generals who only emphasized attack.
At this time, a dark figure entered the tunnel, and before he arrived, he spoke: "Why do you think the Germans have no anti-gas measures?"
"Because they attacked very cautiously," Captain Claude replied. "They could have followed us closely, but they didn't. They only advanced 3.25 kilometers before stopping to dig pits and build fortifications!"
The French army retreated five or six kilometers in panic that day. The Germans could have advanced at least two kilometers or even more, but they did not do so.
The only explanation is that they themselves were highly skeptical of the new weapon, poison gas. They were not sure how long it would last or how much damage it would cause, and they might even poison themselves.
Charles hummed, agreeing with the middle-aged captain.
At this time, the kerosene lamp gradually illuminated Charles' face. Claude stared at Charles with wide eyes, shocked beyond words: "Charles, Charles...it's really you!"
Charles looked at the middle-aged captain in confusion: "Do you recognize me?"
"Of course, Colonel." Claude stood up and answered, his voice sounding a little strange because of excessive excitement: "Also, remember Christmas?"
Charles said "Oh" and raised his finger slightly to recall: "Are you the captain who negotiated with me?"
"Yes, my name is Claude, Colonel." Claude reintroduced himself considerately.
"I'm sorry, I forgot your name." Charles admitted generously. He was a Chinese at heart and had almost no memory for French names.
"No, it's okay, Colonel." Claude said with respect.
"But I remember something you said." Charles looked at Claude with a smile and asked, "Is it still valid now?"
"Of course, Colonel, of course it works." Claude nodded heavily.
After the last negotiation, Claude said to Charles before he left: "My men and I are eager to fight under your command one day!"
After a moment's hesitation, Claude corrected himself: "But that was not a promise, Colonel, it was a wish, and now the wish has come true. I feel very lucky!"
"No, Captain." Charles shook his head meaningfully. "You shouldn't feel lucky to be on the battlefield."
Claude said nothing. He disagreed. He insisted that it was a blessing to be able to fight under Charles' command, and his men thought so too.
Tijani, who was standing nearby without saying anything, exchanged glances with Claude.
Tijani felt the same way, especially after experiencing the "art of war" of the Charles, he felt that he would not be able to fight if he left the Charles.
"Now." Charles turned his gaze to the map and asked, "What's the situation on the front line?"
"It's bad, Colonel." Claude pointed to the map and replied: "The left wing of our defense line is the sea, and the right wing is the French 45th Division, but we can't have any hope for it."
Charles asked, "Were they frightened by the gas?"
"You can say that." Claude nodded, and then added: "They are the Algerian division."
Charles understood instantly that it was the French colonial army.
From the perspective of the Algerian Division, they would not fight for the French army at this time. France usually discriminates against and exploits them in various ways, and at this critical moment, they are sent to be fed with poison gas. It would be a miracle if they could hold on.
(The picture above shows the French 45th Division, French Algeria Division in World War I)
Captain Claude seemed to see through Charles's thoughts and his face was slightly embarrassed, because the French and British armies were not much better and he could not say anything about the Algerian Division in this regard.
However, Captain Claude did not say it out loud. He continued to analyze the map and said, "Once our defense line is breached by the enemy, the Canadian Corps and the British Army on the right wing, a total of 50,000 people, will be surrounded by the Germans. The gap in our defense line will become larger and larger, and may even cause a chain reaction like a domino effect."
"So, we have nowhere to retreat?" asked Charles.
Captain Claude nodded: "There is no way to retreat!"
In fact, they could retreat another two kilometers, but it would cost tens of thousands of lives to fight back these two kilometers.
(Note: In order to fill this gap, the British Second Army launched a counterattack, resulting in a total of 70,000 casualties)
"There is a problem with your plan, Captain," Charles said. "You want to launch a counterattack when the Germans have entered our position and have not yet established a firm foothold. This is a good idea. But..."
Charles pointed his finger at the defense line. "What would you do if the wind direction was right and the Germans used poison gas to defend?"
Captain Claude's expression changed instantly.
At that time, the French army had no choice but to launch a charge towards the poison gas, otherwise the 50,000 friendly troops on the right wing would be surrounded!
(End of this chapter)
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