Chapter 854 War is the best filter
Mirecourt is the "bow-making mecca" of France.
However, it is not the bow of "bow and arrow" but the bow of "harp bow".
There is a violin factory and a supporting school here, and ordinary citizens can usually play the violin well.
However, at this time it was in panic under the shadow of war.
Many people packed their bags and prepared to flee because the Germans were close at hand and the French Eastern Army Group stationed here seemed to have no ability to stop the enemy.
Although the military has repeatedly said that they will defend Mirku and ensure its safety, people still don't believe it:
"Only the Shire has the power to stop the Germans."
"The Eastern Army Group is not Charles's army. It obeys the orders of the parliament and the nobility. Most of the officers in this army are children of the nobility."
"Yes, including the Second Special Artillery Division. Such troops cannot possibly win. They only know how to run away!"
…
The Eastern Army Group's headquarters was located in the Mirku military camp.
This military camp was originally used to train new recruits to provide reserve forces for the Eastern Army Group. After the troops withdrew here, it was transformed into a command center.
At the desk by the window, Gan Molin was drinking coffee while reading the battle report. On the corner of the desk was an exquisite glass vase with a bunch of asters in the middle.
That was Gamelin's favorite flower, not because it was beautiful, but because aster was considered the "eye of Christ" in France, symbolizing wisdom.
Gamelin thought it suited him well, after all, he was known as "the smartest man in France".
(The picture above is Aster, which blooms from August to October and has purple and pink colors)
Gan Molin is very satisfied with his recent performance.
When the Germans attacked the Nancy Line and broke through the British Expeditionary Force's defense line, he actually didn't try his best. He just put up a symbolic resistance and then retreated.
Otherwise, the Eastern Army Group had an armored division and a mechanized division, which, after rest and replenishment, were equipped with more than 200 tanks and hundreds of 75mm guns, and might not be without the ability to fight.
But why did Army Group East have to hold off the Germans for Charles?
Wouldn't it be better to let them go and attack the Meuse River defense line?
Charles' flank would then be exposed to the Germans, and when the battle became stalemate, the Eastern Army Group would fight again to decide the outcome.
Then, fame, glory, and praise will fall on the Eastern Army Group. Gamelin will avenge his previous defeat and become the one who saves Charles from danger.
However, while Gamelin was still dreaming, Charles suddenly broke through the Reims Valley and then recaptured the city of Reims.
In just one day, the Germans were defeated and fled.
You useless guys, Gan Molin complained, I've already opened a way for you to go, can't you do something?
What to do now?
Attack while the Germans are in retreat?
No, that would attract German fire.
Let Charles worry about these things, the Eastern Army Group still needs to preserve its strength.
At this moment the telephone rang. It was the Minister of War, Gallieni:
"Major General Gamlin, after discussion in the parliament, it has been decided that the Eastern Army Group will be handed over to Charles for command."
"Charles believes that a team should be sent to assist your army in command."
"They are led by Brigadier General Tasini. As the Chief of Staff of the Eastern Army Group, they should be here by now..."
Gan Molin was stunned for a long time.
Is there such a thing?
Decided by Parliament?
What's up with those guys in the House?!
Then he suddenly realized what was happening and interrupted Gallieni:
"No, Your Excellency."
"I respect the council's decision and I obey Charles's command."
"But I don't need the assistance of the Chief of Staff and the General Staff. I am very capable in command..."
Gallieni interrupted him, his voice cold: "Really? That's not what you said in your previous attack."
Gan Molin was speechless.
If Charles's assistance in command was not needed, why did the last battle end in a disastrous defeat?
Gallieni continued:
"We should consider the greater good, Major-General. This is France's war, not yours or Charles'."
"It is obvious that the Eastern Army Group will need the cooperation of Charles's air force in combat. In addition, Charles is very experienced in the use of armored and mechanized forces."
"Also, this campaign requires a unified plan to achieve the victory we hope for."
"Are you sure you don't need assistance in commanding this team?"
The last sentence sounded like a question, but Gan Molin clearly heard the threat in it.
It's like saying: If you refuse to "assist in command", I will have no choice but to remove you as commander of the army group.
Gan Molin, who knew the situation, immediately changed his tone: "No, no, Mr. Minister, you are right, I need the assistance of this team in command."
"Very good." Gallieni was satisfied with the answer: "I believe that with your cooperation, we will surely achieve a brilliant victory!"
After hanging up the phone, Gan Molin was stunned for a while, then he immediately called all the staff officers to his side: "Charles will send a team to 'assist in command', do you know what to do?"
"Yes, General." The staff officers answered in unison.
Most of the officers of the Eastern Army Group are relatives of the emperor. They may not be good at fighting, but they are very good at "open and secret struggles".
Gan Molin nodded and ordered: "Pass the message on and let everyone be prepared!"
"Yes, General." The staff officers understood and forwarded the order to various troops.
Gan Molin stood up and walked a few steps, finally stopping in front of the window. With his hands behind his back, he looked at the army outside who had just received the news and were on high alert, with a hint of disdain on the corners of his mouth.
Charles wouldn't think that he could take away the command of Army Group East by sending a team to "assist in command", right?
He will find it difficult to move forward.
Because this unit is composed of Gan Molin's men from top to bottom, they can only pay lip service to the so-called "Chief of Staff".
…
On the train to Mirecourt, Tassini and his staff occupied a carriage to themselves. When they were about to reach their destination, Tassini called them together for a short meeting.
"There's no need to explain the purpose of this 'assisting command'." Tasini raised his head towards the staff officers, "Think about what they did to the 6th Army. We are just giving it back to them now!"
The staff officers laughed and rubbed their hands in anticipation.
"But let's not be impatient, and don't be too obvious, understand?" Tasini warned.
This confused the staff officer: "Brigadier General, if we are not anxious and obvious, how can we regain command?"
"War, Gabriel." Tasini said calmly: "War is the best filter. It can replace those incompetent commanders, and then we will succeed!"
The staff officers suddenly realized.
The biggest weakness of the Eastern Army Group was nepotism.
The result of nepotism is that officers are often incompetent, but this is not the case for soldiers.
If the General Staff promoted capable soldiers to become officers, and used this opportunity to purge the lower-level officers...
Charles and his staff team will gain support and morale.
And the entire aristocratic command system of Gamolin will be hollowed out!
(End of this chapter)
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