Chapter 763 This is Charles's Army
The sky was getting light and a light drizzle started to fall in Toul.
The German soldiers in the trenches were shivering in this sudden late spring cold, and they couldn't help rubbing their hands and stamping their feet to keep themselves warm.
Suddenly, the sharp whistling sound of artillery shells rang out in the air, soon turning into a sickening sound of tearing cloth, and finally exploding near the trench.
The noise was deafening and the air was filled with smoke.
The German soldiers calmly retreated into the trenches to hide.
After confronting the French army on the defense line, they have become accustomed to the enemy's artillery attacks, and even the death of several soldiers in the explosion has become commonplace and cannot cause any ripples in their hearts.
"These shells must have just been shipped from America." Colonel Hans, who was hiding in the tunnel, cursed: "The French always can't wait to use up all the shells as soon as they have them, these prodigals!"
The staff officer chuckled. "Do you want them to fight like the Shire? If so, we would probably be dead by now."
Colonel Hans snorted disdainfully, took off his helmet and threw it heavily on the wooden table: "It's not much better now!"
The officers and soldiers around smiled but said nothing, with helplessness on their faces.
Colonel Hans was right, death was more like a relief for them.
This is not only because life on the battlefield is hard and boring, but also because there is absolutely no hope of victory.
How can France defeat this war monster when it has Charles?
When the officers and soldiers thought of this, they felt powerless.
The phone rang, and the staff officer picked up the phone. The smile suddenly disappeared from his face. He turned to look at Hans: "Colonel, your wish may come true. Charles' troops are attacking us!"
"What?" Colonel Hans, who had just sat on the ammunition box, stood up in shock and the cigarette in his hand fell to the wet ground.
The staff officer nodded: "The tank troops are attacking us."
Colonel Hans still didn't believe it. Charles's troops should be on the other side of the Meuse River. When did they cross the river to attack Toul? !
However, when he stuck his head out and looked out through a telescope amid the artillery fire, he had to believe it.
Within the aperture of his telescope, one "Charger A1" tank after another covered the French soldiers attacking the defense line.
They were well-trained and used typical infantry-tank coordinated tactics. Colonel Hans even saw submachine guns in the hands of the enemy.
This is the equipment and tactics that only Charles has, there is no doubt about it!
…
In Metz, Erwin is receiving a batch of newly arrived tanks.
The "LK2" tank uses a car engine and is basically a tractor with armor and a gun installed, so it can be produced very quickly.
So far, 67 tanks have been added and the tank division has recovered some of its vitality.
Erwin was glad that he had abandoned the tank and brought some of the tank soldiers out alive.
Even if the tanks are gone, we can continue to build them, but if the experienced tank soldiers are gone, the grassroots troops will have to start from scratch with everything.
"General." At this time, Manstein hurried over, waving the telegram in his hand and reporting before he arrived: "He has taken action, Charles's troops."
"What?" Erwin looked at Manstein and asked impatiently, "Where, where is he attacking?"
"Toole," said Manstein, handing over the telegram.
Erwin took the telegram and glanced at it, his face changing from gloomy to happy.
"That doesn't seem right, Colonel," Erwin said.
"What?" asked Manstein.
Erwin turned his gaze to Manstein and shook the telegram in his hand: "They broke through the defense line and turned to Nancy."
"Yes, what's the problem?" Manstein replied: "Toul and Nancy are both transportation hubs. Occupying them will cause great difficulties for our reinforcements and supplies."
Erwin shook his head thoughtfully:
"Charles wouldn't fight like this. His armored forces are always at the forefront and reach their destination at the fastest speed."
"But now, his armored division is wavering on the defense line."
"This seems to be giving us time to prepare."
Manstein disagreed:
"General, I am sure that it is a tank unit of the Charr, countless 'Charr A1' tanks and armored vehicles."
"Maybe this is what Ciel wants, he won't let you guess what he wants to do."
"Besides, I believe that the Parliament and the Eastern Army Group would not want to see Charles stand out on the battlefield."
Manstein understood French politics better and knew that the parliament was afraid of Charles's ability, so it was normal for this situation to occur.
Manstein thought that Charles was probably forced by pressure from Parliament to use tanks to assist infantry attacks.
Only in this way can the credit go to Army Group East.
But Erwin remained skeptical: "I think we should wait and see and not act rashly."
Manstein was helpless: "What are you worried about, General?"
Erwin was not sure either. After thinking for a while, he said, "I think Charles' target will be Metz, which is an important city in Lorraine and also the flank of Alsace."
Then he pulled a map from his pocket, spread it out on the tank tracks, pointed to the location of Metz and said:
"Think about it, Metz is easy to defend and has castles everywhere. What's more, it consists of three islands and is surrounded by rivers."
"This kind of terrain is almost impossible for the Charr's armored and mechanized forces to break through."
"And once Charles conquers Metz, it will be like driving a nail into our heart..."
Manstein interrupted Erwin: "I know, General, but what are you worried about? Where can Charles's troops attack Metz?"
Erwin was stunned.
To the west was the Meuse River defense line, which was almost impossible for Charles' troops to cross, even with amphibious tanks as before. The German army was ready with 77MM infantry guns.
Then the French army would have only one direction of attack: Toul and Nancy.
Manstein pointed his finger at Nancy. "As long as we hold them back here, no one can attack Metz, General."
Erwin still felt that something was wrong, but he couldn't find any fault with what Manstein said.
Perhaps, it was because of the psychological trauma caused by Charles, Erwin thought.
Finally, he nodded slowly: "You are right, Colonel, get ready to go!"
Metz is easy to defend but difficult to attack, and it won't be occupied by Charles so quickly.
At worst, we can call back the mobile forces to assist in the defense.
After obtaining permission, Manstein saluted Erwin and rushed off to organize his own mobile force.
He couldn't wait to see the anti-tank gun destroy the enemy tank.
More importantly, this is about defeating Charles, the legendary undefeated god of war!
As long as we defeat him, we can destroy the French military and civilians' belief in victory, and the decline on the Western Front may be reversed!
(End of this chapter)
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