Chapter 604 The collision of old and new ideas

The counterattack using tanks was Erwin's attempt at a new tactic, derived from the Shire's "elastic defense."

Unlike the "elastic defense", Erwin did not allow the British army to break through their own defense lines, but directly launched a counterattack based on the defense lines.

This is based on the current reality of the German army: the German army has opened a gap about 20 kilometers wide in the defense line. This narrow channel is the logistics supply line for forward troops to penetrate.

Once the enemy is placed inside, this logistics supply line is likely to be cut off by the British army.

Therefore, Erwin believed that he could not give in even a step and must seal the British army in Antwerp!

Also considering that the British infantry and cavalry offensive is likely to enter the trenches and engage in hand-to-hand combat with the Germans.

This is what Erwin least wants to see, because the British-Belgian coalition forces are much more numerous than the German troops, and hand-to-hand combat is obviously not good for the German troops.

"Our advantage is aircraft and tanks." Colonel Erwin analyzed to Lieutenant General Nicholas: "I think we should make full use of this. Only in this way can we obtain the maximum benefit at the minimum cost."

"But how can tanks defend themselves?" Lieutenant General Nicholas asked.

He understood the aircraft's defenses, which could dive and strafe charging enemies.

But for tank defense, are they placed behind the defense line and used as artillery?

What's the difference between that and a 77 gun?

"Counterattack with tanks, General." Colonel Erwin replied: "The best defense is offense."

As he spoke, Colonel Erwin's eyes were filled with murderous intent. He wanted to destroy his opponent's mobile troops before they could react, or at least severely injure them. Only in this way could the safety of the German supply lines be guaranteed.

Originally, Colonel Erwin was not very confident because the cavalry had high flexibility and external awareness. They could quickly withdraw from the battle after realizing that the attack was meaningless.

However, when Colonel Erwin saw the British cavalry colliding with the tanks and not retreating, but still looking for an opening to charge, he knew that his goal could be perfectly achieved.

"These idiots." Colonel Erwin put away his binoculars with disdain in his eyes: "Do they think their flesh and blood can hit a tank?"

…

Namur Castle, the headquarters of the 1st Mechanized Division.

Charles received a battle report from Antwerp, which was sent by Major General Eden: "The stupid British, they ordered the cavalry to charge the enemy tanks, and their proud cavalry division was killed and wounded in less than half an hour. In addition, There are more than 7,000 casualties. This is not a battle, General, you should be ready for the next step!"

Tijani was not surprised when he saw the telegram.

"This is what you call survival of the fittest, Lieutenant General." He said: "This is not only a battle between the British army and the German army, but also a collision between old ideas and new ideas, just like the emerging capitalist household machines that eliminate traditional aristocrats. "

Ciel nodded in agreement.

This was not just World War I. Even in World War II, there were still examples of cavalry charging towards tanks.

It looks stupid and no one in their right mind would do it.

However, humans are always accustomed to doing things according to traditions and habits, so the process of elimination is much longer than imagined.

…

Dunkirk, British Expeditionary Force headquarters.

Kitchener sat quietly at his desk waiting for news. He thought that whatever he did now was redundant because he had no more troops to mobilize.

It was really ironic that the British army was much larger than the German army, and the Belgian army was even twice as large as the German army, but they were defeated without any troops to mobilize.

At this time, the staff hurriedly sent an urgent telegram: "More than half of our cavalry division suffered casualties and more than 7,000 infantry casualties. We still failed to break through the German defense line."

Kitchener said "hmm", which he had expected.

"Now." The staff officer said anxiously, "Shall we ask Lieutenant General Ives to contact Charles?"

"No." Kitchener shook his head and said softly, "I'll do it!"

At this time, letting Lieutenant General Ives contact Charles and ask him for help would be more uncomfortable than killing him.

Fortunately, the phone line from Dunkerque to Namur was still open, and Kitchener managed to get through to Charles.

"I believe you have seen the crisis, General." Kitchener's voice was very calm, as if he was recounting something that had nothing to do with Britain: "Once the Germans take Ghent, it will not only be the Antwerp defense line that will be in supply trouble. But all of France.”

Kitchener used "France" rather than "Western Front".

The unspoken meaning is: You are the one who is anxious, General. If you don't take action, France will be destroyed, and the best Britain can do is withdraw to the island.

This was a "soft meal, forced to eat", and it was clearly the British army that was responsible for the trouble, but when the situation was out of control and they asked Charles for help, they still looked arrogant.

"I understand, Your Majesty Marshal." Charles pretended to be helpless: "I have to save him, right?"

"Of course." Kitchener replied, with a hint of pride in his voice: "Because you are a smart man and you won't do stupid things."

All things remained the same, Kitchener thought. He could still control France with the supplies he had.

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"Aren't you worried that I can't save you, or that it's too late?" Charles asked.

"Of course not." Kitchener laughed: "I have always had great confidence in you in this regard."

It is true that the military genius of the Shire is unmatched.

Only stubborn fools like Haig and Ives would think that Charles relied on luck.

"Okay." Charles replied: "You win, Marshal, leave the rest to me!"

However, Charles added meaningfully: "The Quartermaster sends you his regards."

After that, he hung up the phone.

Kitchener was stunned, "The Quartermaster sends you his regards", what does this mean?

On second thought, the "Quartermaster" is the former "Secretary of the Navy". It is said that he and Charles have reached an agreement to some extent. Is it true?

Kitchener suddenly felt that something was wrong. Charles might not only fight back against the German army, but also against Britain's control over supplies.

But what can Charles do?

The Quartermaster is also British, and he will definitely stand on the side of Britain in this regard.

Kitchener slowly hung up the phone, frowning, staring blankly at the void in front of him.

He couldn't figure out how Charles would break the deadlock.

Suddenly, a staff officer shouted excitedly. He shouted to Kitchener from more than ten meters away: "Marshal, the Royal Navy has won a great victory. We sank 12 German submarines at one time."

"12?" Kitchener was stunned: "Are you sure? At one time?"

This is almost impossible. There has never been such efficiency in anti-submarine warfare. No country has ever done it.

"Yes, I'm sure." The staff officer ran up like the wind and handed the telegram to Kitchener: "This is because the French Navy participated and installed the anti-submarine equipment newly invented by Charles."

Kitchener was stunned.

He knew what Charles' confidence was, and he also knew that Britain would lose its absolute control over supplies.