Chapter 591: Elastic Defense
Charles remained at Gembloux for one day, handing over command of the 6th Army to Christine.
Although the 6th Army had more than 200,000 soldiers, commanding them wasn't especially complicated. The majority were infantry soldiers specializing in trench warfare and defensive operations. Yet, under Charles's command, the tactics employed by the 6th Army were notably more advanced. He positioned the 1st Special Artillery Division in a flexible defensive arrangement behind the front lines.
"We'll position the 1st Special Artillery Division in the third line or even farther back," Charles said, pointing to a map in front of Christine. "Deploy them by regiment, spreading them out widely."
Christine frowned, clearly puzzled by this strategy. "General, if we do that, the frontline won't be able to receive reinforcements from armored units. Our defenses could easily be breached by the Germans."
"I know," Charles replied calmly. "Our defenses aren't meant to hold indefinitely. In fact, the purpose is precisely to allow enemy breakthroughs."
Christine stared blankly. Had he misheard? Defenses designed not to hold, but rather to be deliberately breached by the enemy?
Charles continued patiently, "We must also reduce troop density on the front lines, as well as the second line, then progressively increase concentration toward the third line and the rear."
"But..." Christine shook his head uneasily. "How will we withstand the German offensive then?"
Without armored support for the front lines, and with reduced troop density, Christine had never seen such defensive tactics.
Charles's answer was straightforward: "Let them in—deliberately, of course. We'll draw them into open terrain where our tanks hold a tactical advantage."
Christine suddenly understood. "Then counterattack with armored forces and push them back?"
Charles nodded approvingly. Using armored units' mobility to conduct maneuver warfare and repeatedly engage the enemy—this was precisely the essence of elastic defense.
Christine stared silently at the map, visualizing how such battles might unfold. After a moment, he took a deep breath and looked up at Charles in astonishment and admiration. "I understand, General. I'll immediately begin deploying troops based on this strategy."
It was an ingenious tactic. It abandoned the rigid trench warfare doctrine, seamlessly combining infantry lines and armored mobility into a dynamic defensive system. Properly implemented, the German forces would face a terrible dilemma:
If they chose not to attack, their offensive would stagnate indefinitely.
If they broke through, their infantry would flood into carefully prepared open killing fields, where French armor could annihilate them, resulting in massive casualties while ultimately restoring the defensive lines.
Good heavens, this tactic could defend positions effectively with far fewer soldiers. It would also facilitate the continuous practice of infantry-tank coordination. Strategically defensive but tactically aggressive—it was something only Charles could conceive!
In this, Christine was mistaken. This tactic wasn't invented by Charles but rather famously employed by Erwin Rommel in North Africa during World War II, when facing severe manpower shortages.
It would be interesting to know how the current Rommel would react if confronted with it!
After settling affairs with the 6th Army, Charles left the next day with Tijani, returning to Namur Castle and the headquarters of the 1st Mechanized Division.
Charles believed that mechanized and armored units were of far greater importance. Their role in penetrating behind enemy lines and delivering decisive blows made their command more complex and crucial than the predominantly infantry-based 6th Army. This was where his presence was truly needed.
Upon reaching Namur Castle, Charles was somewhat surprised to find Weyers waiting in the office. Tijani was equally startled to see his father and quickly stepped forward, asking in confusion, "Father, what brings you here?"
He glanced back at Charles, assuming Weyers had come to discuss the imminent anti-submarine campaign preparations.
Charles was also puzzled initially, but upon approaching Weyers for a handshake and noting his peculiar expression, he quickly understood the reason for Weyers's visit.
"No, General," Charles said, turning to Tijani. "Mr. Weyers is here because of you."
Weyers didn't deny it, only smiling awkwardly.
Tijani paused, realizing the truth immediately—his father had come to stop him from "rescuing" Charles earlier at Gembloux. He laughed bitterly and sarcastically remarked, "It seems you're a bit late, Father. You've also misjudged the situation. Charles didn't need my 'rescue.' Moreover, Charles won. According to your own philosophy, shouldn't you be supporting my actions instead?"
Without another word, Tijani turned away from his father and sat at his desk, immersing himself in documents, ignoring Weyers completely.
Charles shook his head quietly, recognizing another episode of father-son conflict stemming from fundamental differences in ideology.
Weyers, clearly unable to handle his stubborn son, looked toward Charles with a pale, frustrated expression, though he tried to sound indifferent. "I've raised a fine son!"
"Let's talk in here, Mr. Weyers," Charles offered, leading him into the conference room.
As soon as they sat down, Weyers spoke first, somewhat embarrassed. "Tijani is right about one thing—I didn't think you'd defeat the Parliament this time, so..."
"You don't need to apologize, Mr. Weyers," Charles interrupted gently, handing him a cup of coffee. "It's perfectly understandable. You must consider many factors. Naturally, you'd prefer to align with the victors. I fully understand."
Charles wasn't naïve. Capitalists formed alliances based purely on shared interests. Weyers was no exception, despite their mutual involvement in Saint-Étienne and FN industries. Only someone like Tijani—an idealistic young nobleman obsessed solely with the art of warfare and indifferent to politics—would recklessly rush to Gembloux out of friendship and loyalty.
"Actually, I also believe Tijani shouldn't have gone to Gembloux," Charles continued. "Without official orders, Parliament might now see him as aligned with me."
Weyers nodded slowly, sighing unconsciously. He ought to have shrugged it off, as Charles did, yet inexplicably he felt a lingering sense of guilt and defeat.
After a moment of hesitation, Weyers abruptly changed the subject. "Our destroyers are ready. Intelligence indicates that German submarines are preparing significant operations. I think it's the right time to move."
"No," Charles replied evenly. "The time hasn't come yet."
"Not yet?" Weyers stared at Charles, puzzled. The young general seemed increasingly mysterious. "Are you actually hoping German submarines will sink more merchant ships?"
Charles nodded slightly.
"But why?" Weyers asked, genuinely perplexed. "If your goal is to seize control of supply logistics, wouldn't earlier intervention be preferable?"
He added quickly, "I should remind you, a portion of the supplies aboard those merchant ships is destined for French troops, specifically Lebel rifle ammunition and shells for the 75mm guns."
"I know," Charles replied softly, "but let's wait a little longer. As for why, you'll soon understand."
Weyers stared at Charles incredulously. This young general must be mad, playing such a risky game.
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