Chapter 891: Vips Time
By the third day of the battle, the British and American Allied Forces had penetrated 12 kilometers into the German defense line, and artillery could directly bomb the target area.
Freman is only 20 kilometers away from Saarbrücken. At this rate of advance, it will only take two days to capture this important industrial city of Germany.
By then, the entire Hindenburg Line would be undermined by lack of ammunition and the loss of this transportation hub.
This greatly boosted the morale of the British and American troops.
Haig published an interview article in the Vips Times, in which he expressed his views fiercely and passionately:
"To all the brave men and women fighting on the front lines, both British and American, I am proud of you."
"You have proved with your lives and blood that the German Hindenburg Line can be breached."
"Brave people will not be intimidated by its apparent strength. Only cowards who seek fame and reputation will doubt themselves and spread rumors of failure."
"Some people even build their own defenses, trying to find a pitiful sense of security from them."
…
The report didn't mention Charles at all, but it targeted Charles everywhere and was full of ridicule.
Haig had an ulterior motive when he published it in the Vips Times.
This newspaper is not an official newspaper, but a newspaper founded by the 12th Royal Rifle Battalion, famous for its black humor and satire, for the entertainment of frontline soldiers.
(The picture above is the cover of the film based on the wartime military newspaper "The Vips Time", shot in 2013, telling the story of a British soldier who found a printing press during the war and suddenly had the idea to use it to create this war newspaper)
Haig's intention was obvious. He used this to make fun of Charles and undermine his reputation. Only in this way could he consolidate the position of the British army.
Of course, Haig would not miss such a good publicity opportunity. He ordered the newspaper to be reprinted and sent to the US military, under the pretext of relieving the pressure on the soldiers.
…
Pershing remained at Freeman's headquarters.
He had always been with the soldiers and even commanded on the front lines, but this time, contrary to his usual behavior, he did not dare to step out of the command center.
He had discussed this with Baker a lot in the past few days, and he even ordered his staff to go to the front line to collect evidence to support his ideas.
He was making another attempt at this time.
"Minister." Pershing handed a stack of photos to Baker: "Please take a look at this."
Baker's office was a small single room next to Pershing.
He was supposed to stay at the British Expeditionary Force Headquarters, with the responsibility of promoting cooperation between the British and American armies.
But Haig told him: "Our problem is not here, Mr. Secretary. The resistance has always been Pershing. You just need to keep an eye on him and make him obey orders."
So Baker stayed here.
Baker looked at Pershing helplessly, took the photo and flipped through it, saying impatiently: "What does this prove? The Germans fled into the forest?"
Pershing pointed to the map and analyzed:
"The entrance to Saarbrücken is sandwiched between two forests, Your Excellency."
"To the northwest are the Hunsrück Mountains and to the southwest are the Waltering Mountains."
"Although they are not high in altitude, the forests are dense. Our infantry failed to occupy these high ground and penetrate deep into it, while the main force attacked the enemy's hinterland..."
(The red arrow in the above picture indicates the direction of the main attack of the British and American forces. There are hills and forests on both sides, forming a natural pocket formation.)
Baker spread his hands: "What does this prove?"
"This is a trap." Pershing emphasized: "Can't you see it? Our main force will be surrounded..."
"No, Brigadier General." Baker interrupted Pershing:
“We are gaining ground.”
"You may be right. We failed to occupy the forest and the main high ground, but you overlooked one point. This kind of terrain is also easy to defend and difficult to attack. It is difficult for the Germans to break through our defense."
He pointed his finger heavily at the edge of the forest:
"Haig knows what to do. He has a lot of combat experience. He can think of anything you can think of."
"So he built a defense line at the edge of the forest and deployed heavy troops to defend it."
"The Germans will be locked up in the forest and won't be able to do anything to us!"
They might even starve to death in there, Beck thought. Where would the Germans in the forest get food and ammunition?
Without these, how could they counterattack?
Pershing certainly didn't think so.
If the Germans had planned this, they would certainly have stored food and ammunition in the forest in advance.
But what’s the point of saying this?
Unless they could go deep into the forest, find the German ammunition depot and take a photo of it for Baker.
"There is another suspicious point," Pershing insisted: "We killed and captured very few German soldiers, only more than 2,000 in three days of fighting."
Baker laughed:
"It just shows that the Germans are fast, Brigadier General."
"It just proves that Haig was right, that the Germans are at the end of their rope, that they don't have the ability to fight us any longer."
"Also, I don't know if you noticed that many of the German soldiers we captured were old men and children."
Pershing was speechless, that was the fact.
Baker spread his hands, meaning "Here's the evidence."
Finally, Baker handed Pershing a newspaper, the Vips Times, sent by the British.
"Take a look at this, Admiral," Baker said. "It might help you relax."
Pershing took the newspaper reluctantly: "Yes, Your Excellency."
Pershing returned to his seat and was stunned for a while, then opened the newspaper and took a look. When he saw Haig's remarks, he shook his head slightly.
Does this guy think he has won? British arrogance, he will pay for it!
Looking at the map again, the troops are only 8 kilometers away from the target. It is time for the Germans to close the net.
Even if we convince Baker now, I'm afraid we won't be able to withdraw the troops in time.
So, let’s wait for the facts to give the answer!
…
In heavy snow, a squadron of Camel fighters flew over Saarbrücken.
This was not the first time they did this. In order to test the strength of the German army, the British Expeditionary Force sent fighter planes to conduct reconnaissance deep into German territory several times.
Finally, the aviation team concluded:
"The German triplanes were able to achieve a great victory at Lambeville Airport mainly because of the surprise attack."
"Their triplanes are still probably no match for the Camel fighter."
"I think we still have air superiority, and the German Air Force doesn't dare to fight!"
…
Major Hackel, who led the squadron, firmly believed this because he had led air raids on the Saarbrücken railway station twice, and the German army had no response except for the ground anti-aircraft fire.
This time would be no exception, Major Hackel thought.
He gestured to both sides and pointed at the target below, meaning "finish the work early."
The subordinate responded happily, then lowered his altitude and rushed towards the target.
But at this moment, several shadows suddenly jumped out of the sunlight, and they dived towards Harker's fleet quickly and fiercely...
(End of this chapter)
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