Chapter 855 Nominal Deputy Commander
Fort Dulevant, France, the headquarters of the British Expeditionary Force was located in a pasture with a wide view.
This farm belonged to a rancher named Theo, who fled to other places because of the war. It is said that he drove his sheep to Paris and sold them at a low price, leaving only a pile of sheep dung and a few dilapidated wooden houses for the British army.
Although both armies were defeated by the Germans, the British Expeditionary Force was in a much worse state than the Eastern Army Group.
After retreating to this area, Haig hastily organized a defense. He knew that open areas were not good for the troops, and this terrain was very suitable for German tank attacks.
Then he had to gather the remaining troops and negotiate with the colonial army, which kept Haig busy.
Haig intended to deal with the colonial army "mutiny" as usual.
Promise some benefits to the colonial troops, such as tax cuts for a certain colonial country, so that they will withdraw from the "mutiny", while on the other hand, severely punish the diehards.
In this way, by using one faction to fight against another, the crisis can be resolved quickly.
However, this time the colonial army was unusually stubborn, and all the troops refused to give in, including the white troops from Australia, New Zealand and other countries.
Haig discussed the matter in his office with General Monash, the commander of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
(The picture above shows General John Monash, the commander of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, who was originally a civil engineer.)
"I don't think this will do you any good, General." Haig advised earnestly:
"There is no honor in this, soldiers should obey orders and fight together."
"Even if there are any disagreements, they should be resolved through negotiation rather than through fierce resistance."
"We don't want to see the consequences of this behavior. The Germans' advance has caused us great losses."
General Monash nodded:
"I understand what you mean, General."
"But first of all, this is not for me to decide. The soldiers also refused to obey my orders."
"Secondly, they are not against fighting, they just want to fight under Charles' command. They don't want to waste their lives on the battlefield in vain."
This angered Haig, who waved his hands excitedly and retorted:
"I must correct you. Every soldier's sacrifice is valuable. There is no such thing as 'waste'."
"It is true that the battles commanded by Charles did result in fewer casualties. This is undeniable."
"But he was commanding the French army, which was well-equipped, well-trained and had seamless coordination."
This was Haig's new excuse: the British Expeditionary Force suffered heavy casualties because the quality of the colonial troops was uneven, and communication between them was poor. Most importantly, they were not united enough and fought each other.
Haig has thought it through.
If the colonial army wants to prove this statement wrong, they should unite and fight him.
And this is exactly what Haig wanted.
General Monash spread his hands and said nothing.
The British are always arrogant and treat others as fools, thinking that others don't know what tricks they are playing.
If this goes on, no one can break the deadlock.
The colonial army would not compromise because it was a matter of life and death.
Haig would not compromise because he believed the colonial army would succumb to his tactics or believe his lies.
Just when the atmosphere became awkward, the phone rang.
The staff officer held up the microphone and reported to Haig: "General, General Gallieni is calling."
Haig was stunned. French Minister of War?
Haig could not remember the last time he spoke to him on the phone. Was he calling now to mock the British army's "battle record"?
Haig looked displeased and stepped forward to take the phone and identify himself.
"General." Gallieni said politely. After all, the British Expeditionary Force was not under the command of France.
"We have a golden opportunity. We need your army to organize and launch a counterattack immediately."
"And there is only one way to restore your army's combat effectiveness. At least that's what I think."
"That is to let Charles go to the British Expeditionary Force to appease the colonial army. Do you agree?"
Haig was noncommittal: "Do you have any ideas, Mr. Minister?"
"Charles will not threaten your command," Gallieni said bluntly:
"He can't threaten your command either."
"We just need to give Charles a nominal command and let him take a tour of Fort Dulewan."
"Then all the problems will be solved, what do you think?"
Haig thought about it and nodded slightly.
He had no reason to refuse, as it was in the interests of France and the British Expeditionary Force.
"That's all right with me, Your Excellency," Haig said.
After hanging up the phone, he looked up at General Monash and said, "Your wish has come true. They have appointed Charles as the deputy commander of the British Expeditionary Force."
Monash turned his head suddenly as if frightened and looked at Haig. He had thought this was impossible. Haig would never let Charles interfere with the command of the expeditionary force, but now it seems that this is not the case.
"This, is this true?" General Monash looked surprised.
"Of course it's true." Haig took out his pocket watch and looked at it: "Charles has already left, and his plane will arrive in about an hour. Aren't you going to prepare a welcoming ceremony?"
"Yes, General." Monash stood up and shook hands with Haig excitedly. "That's good. I will tell the others the news right away."
As he walked out the door, Monash had a rough idea of why this had happened.
The British only gave Charles a nominal command, which actually changed nothing.
But this is enough. As long as the colonial army believes that it is Charles who is in command, or is involved in the command, the situation will soon be different.
Sure enough, when Monash passed the news on, cheers rang out in the colonial military camp.
The soldiers of the African Corps were still holding their rifles, dancing around the bonfire, and shouting in the native language: "Charles, charles, charles..."
…
Charles only brought a signalman and two pilots to Fort Dulevan, and the guards were temporarily served by people sent by the Fort Dulevan Police Department.
He received an unprecedented warm welcome at Fort Dulevant.
There were many black people. They came up to Charles one by one to shake hands, mumbling something that Charles could not understand.
There were white men too, some of whom were fellow soldiers: Australian troops who had fought with Charles in the Dardanelles.
Major General Richard smiled and walked over to hug Charles: "Do you remember me, General?"
Charles had no impression of him at all, but he still said "Oh": "You are, the 5th Light Cavalry Regiment..."
Charles only remembered the unit's number.
Major General Richard replied with emotion: "Yes, General. At that time, I was the commander of the 5th Light Cavalry Regiment, and now I have been promoted to the commander of the 5th Infantry Division!"
Charles nodded secretly, yes, promotion.
This relationship can be utilized!
(End of this chapter)
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