Chapter 760: It's Time to Upgrade to Truck-mounted Guns
"Truck-mounted artillery," Charles answered without hesitation.
Truck-mounted artillery was already extensively used within the First Armored Army, each division having at least one artillery regiment of around forty guns. In practice, however, the actual numbers were higher, as units had quickly realized how effective these guns were. Both armored and mechanized battalions typically equipped themselves with additional truck-mounted artillery due to their versatility in battle.
Tijani shook his head doubtfully. "I recall you previously mentioned that these motorized infantry divisions would primarily operate like traditional infantry units, didn't you?"
"That's true," Charles nodded. "Their purpose is rapid redeployment rather than heavy assault."
"That's precisely the issue," Tijani handed Charles a unit formation document. He pointed to a line and explained, "I've added two extra artillery battalions equipped with 105mm howitzers captured from the Germans. I believe these guns are absolutely necessary."
Charles immediately understood Tijani's concern.
Armored and mechanized units could manage effectively with just 75mm artillery, as they typically led offensive operations supported by aircraft and tanks. In combat, when encountering German 105mm artillery, Charles's tactics were straightforward: bombers first attacked enemy artillery positions, after which "Saint-Chamond" tanks and truck-mounted 75mm guns advanced behind tank cover. Once within firing range, their rapid-firing 75mm guns would effectively suppress enemy artillery.
However, the motorized infantry faced a fundamentally different scenario.
Their units rarely had armored vehicles or tanks, and their trucks or motorcycles couldn't safely reach the front lines, forcing troops to dismount several kilometers short of the combat zone. If these infantry divisions only had short-range 75mm artillery, they'd quickly become easy targets for enemy 105mm guns, unable to respond effectively at greater distances.
They would be forced to halt their advance or face heavy losses from enemy artillery fire outside their own guns' effective range.
"Good insight," Charles complimented him. "You've accurately identified the motorized infantry's vulnerabilities."
Tijani shrugged humbly. "Anyone conducting a few drills would realize it. The real challenge is finding a solution, General."
The 105mm howitzer was a severe limitation—setting a frustratingly slow maximum speed for the entire unit.
Charles briefly considered the problem and then stated decisively, "We'll mount the 105mm howitzer onto trucks as well."
Tijani stared at Charles, incredulous.
"But... those are 105mm howitzers, General!" he exclaimed. "We can't just put something like that on a truck! It's not merely about the truck's weight capacity—the recoil alone would destroy the truck chassis."
Charles smiled slightly, his mind already racing ahead. It was clearly time to upgrade their mobile artillery platforms. France consistently lagged behind in long-range firepower; mounting larger caliber artillery onto mobile platforms would greatly enhance their overall combat capability.
"Weight capacity isn't difficult to address," Charles replied calmly. "We simply need more powerful engines. We can use the latest tank engines from our factories, coupled with four-wheel drive systems if necessary. Cost isn't an issue—this is about building the most effective combat force possible."
"And about firing directly from trucks..."
Instead of elaborating verbally, Charles took out a piece of paper and swiftly sketched out a design.
Soon, an advanced truck-mounted artillery diagram emerged, highlighting key improvements such as deployable stabilizers and recoil-absorbing legs to reduce stress on the chassis when firing.
(The image closely resembled modern 155mm truck-mounted artillery, notable for its long barrel extending well beyond the driver's compartment, minimizing damage from muzzle blasts when firing at low angles.)
Tijani stared at the sketch in amazement, finally muttering, "You're not joking, are you? Can we really mount it onto a truck?"
"Absolutely," Charles said confidently.
It wasn't a high-tech concept. As long as the truck had sufficient carrying capacity, the remaining issues boiled down to durability—ensuring the vehicle could withstand recoil stresses without mechanical failure.
Tijani considered this briefly, then put on an exaggeratedly serious face. "General, since the motorized infantry divisions are still experimental, perhaps it would be prudent to test such a prototype with a more established formation first?"
Charles already anticipated Tijani's intentions. "So you're suggesting we let the mechanized divisions field-test these guns first? Perhaps even prioritize equipping them ahead of other units?"
"Exactly!" Tijani cried out theatrically. "Amazing how our thoughts align—"
Tijani's voice suddenly trailed off when he caught Charles's sharply skeptical gaze.
Instantly pivoting his stance, Tijani quickly added, "However, upon deeper reflection, motorized infantry divisions unquestionably need this upgrade most urgently. Mechanized units can still succeed without this equipment—but motorized infantry divisions without proper fire support face existential threats. From a strategic perspective, priority must therefore clearly go to the motorized infantry divisions!"
The word "priority" seemed painfully forced from his mouth.
Charles simply nodded calmly. "Indeed, our thoughts align remarkably well, General."
Tijani sighed dramatically, gazing longingly at the sketch of the new 105mm truck-mounted howitzer. It truly was a work of art, even if it hadn't been built yet. Mechanized and even armored divisions would undoubtedly benefit enormously from this enhanced artillery capability.
However, Charles swiftly changed the subject back to his primary reason for coming.
"Don't you think there's another, more immediate issue facing us?" Charles asked casually.
Reluctantly turning his eyes from the artillery sketch, Tijani nodded slowly. "We're trapped along the Meuse River, unable to advance further. And beyond that river lies another obstacle—our own forces."
Tijani pointed roughly eastward, beyond the Meuse River, toward territory controlled by the Eastern Army Group. "Parliament's last major stronghold—the Eastern Army Group—stands squarely in our way."
Tijani gave Charles a knowing, almost amused look. Did Charles seriously expect Parliament to step aside willingly? They'd likely prefer Charles to fail spectacularly in battle.
Charles responded with a faint, enigmatic smile. "No, General, we don't need Parliament's permission to advance. In fact, I've already heard that they themselves are planning a new offensive soon."
"I've heard the same rumors," Tijani confirmed skeptically. "They desperately want a victory. But even if they fail, do you honestly believe Parliament will allow you to intervene afterward?"
After all, letting Charles achieve another victory would decisively overshadow Parliament and the government. They certainly weren't foolish enough to permit such a scenario.
Leaning closer, Charles quietly whispered a few words into Tijani's ear.
Tijani stared at Charles in shock, eyes wide with disbelief. Pulling away, he stammered, clearly unsettled, "You really think... we can actually do something like that?"
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