Chapter 4 Gallieni

At the headquarters of the 6th Army in Paris, the telephones kept ringing, and documents and intelligence flew to the desk of Lieutenant General Gallieni like snowflakes in the crowd.

Lieutenant General Gallieni was the most powerful general in France. He once competed with Joffre for the commander-in-chief of France. It was said that he lost to Joffre because he was too old.

This statement is not credible because he was only three years older than Joffre.

The real reason was that Joffre succumbed to capital while Gallieni hated capital and opposed it everywhere, so it was reasonable for him to lose.

The most obvious point:

If Joffre could be competent for the position of commander-in-chief of France, there would be no need to recall Gallieni, who had retired, to take charge of the defense of Paris when the war broke out.

Why didn't he think Gallieni was too old at this time?

Gallieni was resentful at this time. He left him aside in peacetime and thought of him in wartime.

Why did he take on the difficulties when others enjoyed the blessings?

What was even more hateful was that all the big capitalists and government officials who usually enjoyed a life of luxury in Paris fled, leaving him and his officers and soldiers to wait for death in Paris.

This battle was indeed like waiting for death for Gallieni. He knew that the quality of the French army was far inferior to that of the German army, so Paris was in a dilemma:

Fighting outside the city would be defeated by the German army like the 5th Army.

Although staying in the city had complete fortifications, it would face the dilemma of being surrounded by the enemy. More than two million soldiers and civilians who lost supplies would starve to death if they did not surrender.

However, Gallieni had to take on this task that might cost him his life. He knew in his heart that he had to save millions of poor French soldiers and civilians!

How to break this curse?

Gallieni placed his hopes on the 5th Army that had fled back. He pointed to the map and said to Major General Maunoury, the commander of the 6th Army:

"There is only one way to go. The 5th Army holds its ground and the two armies work together to stop the enemy's First Army!"

Major General Maunoury answered with difficulty:

"But Lieutenant General, the 5th Army has been defeated. They have lost all their baggage and a large amount of ammunition. I'm not sure if they still have rifles!"

After a pause, Major General Maunoury added:

"Paris may still have some supplies, but once the 5th Army is brought in or the supplies are transported out..."

Needless to say, the two armies will be surrounded in Paris and unable to move. In addition, the supplies in Paris must be prepared for future encirclement. It is unwise to transport them out of the city.

Just when Gallieni was at a loss, the staff officer came forward and reported:

"General, there is a businessman named Francis who said he is willing to help us. He will do his best to buy food. In addition, he has a machine gun factory. All of these can be provided to our retreating troops free of charge!"

Galieni's eyes lit up and asked:

"Where? I mean the specific address!"

The staff officer searched on the map for a while and pointed to a point and answered:

"Here, Darvaz!"

Galieni was overjoyed. Darvaz is located in the southeast of Paris and on the south bank of the Marne River. It is the perfect place for the 5th Army to rest and organize a counterattack.

"Connect with the headquarters!" Gallieni ordered. He needed to report the situation to Joffre and suggest that he change the direction of the 5th Army's retreat.

Galieni exclaimed in his heart: God, we are saved! It seems that capitalists are not all bad people!

At this time, he did not expect that this good situation was just beginning.

…

In the early morning, the town of Darwaz woke up with a burst of birdsong, and the sun dispelled the mist and shone on Charles' face through the window.

Since they were almost "expelled from home", the Deyoka family did not live with Francis. Francis's luxurious villa and factory were in an open space one kilometer away from the town, and Deyoka lived in the southeast corner of the town.

At this time, the Deyoka family was enjoying breakfast: bread, sausages and a glass of milk.

Charles was not used to it, but he did not say much because he followed the local customs.

Taking a bite of the dry and hard bread, Charles asked Djoka across from him in a vague voice:

"Father, can I use your bicycle?"

Djoka agreed without thinking, but asked again:

"Where are you going? The Germans may call at any time, I think you'd better stay at home!"

Mom Camille, who was still busy in the kitchen, became nervous when she heard the conversation. She lifted her skirt and took her plate to sit next to Charles:

"Listen to your father and don't go out!"

Then she cast an inquiring look at Djoka:

"Shouldn't we go to the south to hide? How was the talk last night?"

Djoka said "uh" and didn't know how to answer. He couldn't say that Charles pushed things in another direction, right?

Charles answered the previous question: "I'm going to the tractor factory. Francis asked me to help Joseph run the tractor factory!"

Djoka and Camille stopped what they were doing and looked at Charles in surprise.

Camille suddenly realized something and covered her mouth, as if trying not to shout.

She turned her eyes to Djoka, who nodded slightly to indicate that this was true.

Although Djoka didn't know the exact reason, he knew that it should be related to the conversation in the study last night.

"Go!" Djoka nodded carefully: "But come back early!"

Then he added: "If you hear any rumors, I mean about the Germans, come back immediately!"

"Okay!" Charles drank the milk in two or three gulps and grabbed the half-eaten bread and went out.

Watching Charles riding away on his bicycle, Camille asked Djoka excitedly:

"Does this mean that Mr. Francis recognized Charles?"

Djoka's expression was a little strange, and he replied:

"I think my father may not only recognize Charles!"

Camille asked puzzledly:

"What?"

Djoka explained:

"Father said last night that we educated the children very well. I think he may recognize us because of Charles!"

Camille was stunned for a while, but she still couldn't believe it:

"You, are you serious? Because of Charles..."

Djoka nodded with emotion and relief:

"Yes, because Charles seems to have grown up!"

Camille was overwhelmed with emotions, and tears burst out uncontrollably.

For many years, Camille has always regarded herself as a sinner. Djoka and Charles lost the qualification to inherit the Bernard family business because of her.

Now, things seem to be turning around, and she has hope to put down the burden on her!

However, Djoka is a little worried:

"You were not there last night, and Charles... is as smart as his father! I'm not sure if this is a good thing..."

"He is different from your father, Djoka!" Camille immediately countered: "He is your son, you should be proud of him. So, of course, this is a good thing!"

Djoka shut up, he knew he couldn't reason with a woman, especially this woman is a mother.