Chapter 226: A Simple Strategy
Charles was silent for a moment, knowing that the British would ultimately choose to launch a landing operation in the Dardanelles. This decision wasn't only driven by the British Navy Minister or British strategy. Historically, the northern and southern factions had debated this for months without resolution. Finally, Russia's emergency—caused by the blockade of its sea routes—forced Britain to agree to a southern landing plan.
The real turning point, then, was Russia's dire situation, which had a direct impact on the Eastern Front and possibly on the fate of the entire Allied alliance.
Charles decided to be candid with General Winter: "You're right, General. I don't support a landing—any landing. But if we must proceed, I believe a northern approach will minimize the potential losses and casualties."
"What?" General Winter looked at him in disbelief. "The north? That's where Germany has its main forces! Our troops would also have to avoid the German High Seas Fleet. We wouldn't face these issues in the south."
Charles shook his head slightly. Did Winter think the southern route would be easy? The Dardanelles Strait was 61 kilometers long and only 1.2 kilometers wide at its narrowest. The Ottoman Empire didn't even need to do much; just laying a field of mines and positioning shore artillery to barrage British ships would make it a nightmare for any invading force.
Charles continued without further explanation. "Here's my plan: we conduct a real landing in the north while staging a decoy landing in the south to draw Germany's limited resources and reinforcements there. Then, they'll be unable to respond to the main force landing in the north."
"That's unrealistic, Colonel," Winter interrupted. "While Germany does have supply issues due to the British blockade, the north is essentially German territory or close enough to be fully supported by their supply networks."
Charles ignored him and continued, "We could make a series of diversionary moves in the south, including feints to tempt the German fleet into making a breakout attempt…"
General Winter's expression shifted as he began to catch on. "You mean, our real goal is to trap the German fleet?"
But a moment later, he hesitated, realizing something was off. If Charles intended to trap the German fleet, he likely wouldn't state it outright.
Charles gave no response.
After some thought, General Winter suddenly understood. "The south…you've always intended for the south to be the real target!"
Charles continued sipping his coffee, not raising his head.
As Winter processed this, he grew more and more excited. "Of course! If Germany thinks we're only interested in a northern invasion and that all activity in the south is just a feint, they'll be unlikely to heavily reinforce the Ottomans. They'll send little in the way of artillery, mines, or troops to the region. Even if we conduct a southern landing, Germany might still assume it's a ruse!"
Winter was so excited that he grabbed Charles' shoulders, ignoring the coffee sloshing from his cup. "Brilliant, Colonel! Absolutely brilliant! This could give us the advantage we need. By the time the Germans realize what's really happening, it could be too late!"
Charles replied calmly, "I must remind you, General, that the southern approach isn't as easy as it sounds. You should be fully aware of the challenges it presents."
"No problem, Colonel!" Winter agreed readily. "I'll make sure to relay your warning to the Navy Minister."
He paused, then leaned in to ask quietly, "How should we go about leaking this 'northern landing' plan to the Germans without raising any suspicions?"
Charles replied without hesitation, "Simply agree with King Albert's northern strategy while discussing the decoy operations. Then, proceed as usual."
"And that's it? Nothing else?" Winter looked surprised.
After all, only high-ranking officials aware of the plan would discuss it, and each of them was deemed trustworthy. But if the whole thing was a ruse, how would Germany get wind of it?
Charles added one last piece of advice, "The real objective should be known only to British officers, and as few as possible at that. Understood?"
Winter's eyes widened in realization. Charles was hinting that it was the French officers who would unwittingly leak the false plan to the Germans.
Realizing this, Winter gave Charles a knowing smile, while Charles couldn't help feeling a bit embarrassed. The lack of a sophisticated intelligence network was a persistent weak point for France.
Britain, despite its struggles in other areas, had long maintained a robust intelligence infrastructure. The British Security Service (MI5) handled internal intelligence, while the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) focused on external operations. Together, they had formed a relatively well-coordinated system with effective counterintelligence measures.
In contrast, French intelligence was more limited, with only the Second Bureau handling counterintelligence—and not much else.
At the Schneider Arms Factory, snowflakes drifted past the floor-to-ceiling windows, adding to the tense atmosphere inside the office.
Pauline wore a disheartened expression as she handed a report to Mr. James. "Sir, here's the tank order the military placed with Charles' tractor factory—30,000 francs per unit, with an initial order of 500 tanks. And, other countries are already clamoring to place their own orders."
James took the report between signing other documents, glancing briefly at it before tossing it aside with a nod. "I see," he said, continuing with his work.
Pauline let out a sigh. James' indifference made it seem as though he had given up competing with Charles altogether. The development of Charles' tanks had been astonishingly swift and flawless, to a degree that was hard to believe.
The performance of the "Charles A1" tank during the Cape Town campaign had stunned military observers. A mere eight-ton tank had managed to decimate much heavier opponents, fully outmaneuvering and outclassing them. Pauline had pored over the battle report, hoping to find a scenario in which Schneider's "Saint-Chamond" tank could prevail. However, each time, the "Charles A1" had outmatched it with the same tactics, effortlessly exploiting mobility to avoid being hit.
Seeing James' silence, Pauline began to walk away, assuming the matter was settled.
"You've already given up completely, haven't you?" James called out after her, pausing his work.
"What else can we do?" Pauline turned back, her voice tinged with doubt.
"You've done an excellent job," James replied. "Keep it up."
Pauline's expression became puzzled. She couldn't see the point of continuing to compete with Charles.
Sensing her confusion, James offered her a smile and said in a relaxed tone, "There's a simple, albeit slow, way to get Charles to slow down. Meanwhile, we'll study his tactics and designs. One day, surpassing him won't be impossible."
"A slow way?" Pauline asked, her interest piqued.
At first, she didn't understand. Then, it dawned on her, and she nodded in agreement.
(End of Chapter)
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