Chapter 770 Different Strategies
Manstein's perspective on the battlefield was different from that of his subordinates.
Manstein's focus was always on the French army's infantry-tank coordination. He believed that this was the key factor for victory in tank battles and something that the German tank troops needed to and could learn.
But his subordinates were not like that. The staff officer who was observing the battlefield situation had sweat on his forehead. He nervously reported to Manstein:
"Colonel, our anti-tank guns can't penetrate their tanks."
"Plus, they're coming at us from several directions."
"If we don't respond, they will divide and surround us!"
Manstein swept his telescope around and found that French tanks had encircled his position along the streets from three directions.
If we wait any longer, I'm afraid the town's retreat routes will be blocked by the enemy.
"Retreat, Colonel." The staff officer swallowed and suggested carefully: "We can't win. Staying here can't change anything. There is no point."
Manstein said nothing.
His ideas are different from those of the staff officer.
He believed that staying here and holding on was not "meaningless" as the staff officer said.
Although anti-tank guns could not penetrate the enemy's new tanks, a mobile regiment was unable to withstand the attack of the Charles Armored Division.
However.
Street fighting requires the capture of one building at a time, which can delay Charles' armored division.
But the price is: the mobile regiment may be wiped out here, and their own lives may be in danger.
Manstein weighed the matter for a while and finally decided to give up this approach.
Manstein was different from Erwin. Erwin tried every means to defend Metz, but Manstein did not.
This is based on strategic considerations.
Manstein was Hindenburg's nephew. Hindenburg and Ludendorff had always emphasized "East first, West later", that is, defeat Russia on the Eastern Front first and then turn around and concentrate their forces to deal with the Western Front.
However, Falkenhayn and William II advocated "West first, East later", that is, to solve the problem of France first and then deal with Russia, which has a large number of soldiers, generals and vast territory.
Metz is the fulcrum that can force William II to change his strategic direction.
"Retreat!" Manstein ordered in a calm tone.
Before going downstairs, he took a last look at the new French tanks, seeming a little unwilling.
"Yes, Colonel!" The staff officer felt relieved and hurriedly relayed Manstein's order.
…
On the road leading to the town of Yani, Erwin's First Tank Division rushed all the way in the rain, and seven tanks broke down and were abandoned along the way.
"These are shoddy things." Erwin, who was in the armored vehicle, complained to the tanks that were pushed to the side of the road: "Can't they give us something durable? Those guys who cut corners will kill us!"
He was just taking advantage of the situation.
Erwin knew that the "LK" tank used automobile engines in order to ensure production.
If it wanted to be durable, his 1st Tank Division would not have been able to recover its combat effectiveness so quickly.
Erwin complained because he was concerned for Mace's safety.
"Metz must not be lost, otherwise it will be the German army that will take down this hellish fortress."
"The Mobile Regiment can stop Ciel, for sure."
"They have anti-tank guns, which are the nemesis of tanks. Manstein also chose to ambush in a town where tanks are not easy to fight. This was very wise."
However, a motorcycle came from the opposite direction and squeezed through the tanks and stopped next to Erwin's armored vehicle.
A signalman was sitting on the back of the motorcycle. He quickly jumped off and chased the slowly moving armored vehicle from behind, shouting as he chased: "General, information from Colonel Manstein."
"Stop!" Erwin ordered the driver loudly. Before the car came to a complete stop, he jumped out and ran towards the signalman running in the mud. He asked impatiently, "How is it? What's going on? Have you stopped them?"
"No, General." The signalman replied breathlessly, "Our troops have retreated. Charles has deployed new tanks. Our anti-tank guns cannot penetrate their armor. I guess it will be difficult to penetrate the side armor."
Erwin's head suddenly became confused.
A new tank? Impenetrable?
If the 37MM anti-tank gun equipped with special armor-piercing shells cannot penetrate it, then the 37MM gun of the "LK2" tank certainly cannot do so either.
In this case, wouldn't the First Tank Division be seeking death if they go up?
However, he only hesitated for a moment, then looked around and whispered to the signalman: "Don't tell this information to anyone else, otherwise you will be punished by military law, understand?"
"Yes, General." The signalman responded, but there was confusion in his eyes. Why couldn't this information be disclosed?
With the help of the guards, Erwin climbed back onto the armored vehicle and said in a relaxed tone: "The mobile regiment failed. They were bombed by the French army. Now it's up to us!"
The subordinates responded one after another:
"Yes, General."
"We are ready."
"We will defeat them!"
…
Erwin had no intention of defeating the Ciel.
He just wanted to hold Charles back for an hour, two hours, or maybe longer.
Only in this way will more reinforcements arrive in Metz.
So, of course, he couldn't let his subordinates know that Charles was equipped with a new type of tank that was almost invincible.
Even if his subordinates will eventually see Charles' new tanks on the battlefield, they will have no choice but to fight!
…
Charles received the news more than half an hour after passing through the town of Yani.
A Camel fighter flew low over the tank group and dropped a communication bottle.
Soon, a signalman reported to Charles who was resting on the roadside: "General, the German tank unit. There are about 50 tanks, it should be the German First Tank Division. It is only three kilometers away from us and is heading towards us."
Charles was a little surprised.
The German troops in the town of Yani were repelled, and they should have reported the intelligence of "Char B1" to Erwin as soon as possible.
Why would Erwin bring his thin-skinned and big-stuffed "LK2" to die?
The next second Charles understood that Erwin wanted to delay the 1st Armored Division to buy time for Metz.
Charles smiled softly and ordered: "The 3rd Tank Battalion stays and prepares to fight, and the other units continue to advance."
"Yes, General!"
As the signalman waved the signal flag, the tank cluster immediately made adjustments.
The remaining 3rd Tank Battalion was equipped with all newly equipped "Char B1" tanks, with a total of 37 tanks.
A fully staffed tank battalion should have about 45 tanks, but only 37 can be produced at present.
But this is enough.
37 "Char B1" tanks against more than 50 "Lk2" tanks. Although they do not have an advantage in numbers, they are still crushed in strength.
The side armor of "Char B1" even reaches 50MM, which cannot be defended by the 37MM small cannon like "LK2".
In terms of firepower, the "Char B1" is groundbreakingly equipped with two guns!
(End of this chapter)
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