Chapter 213 Wells's Considerations

At the last moment, Falkenhayn tried to force the German 4th Reserve Army to continue to encircle the French army in the Cape Town area, but it was in vain.

The French 1st Tank Brigade led two special artillery divisions with nearly 40,000 people to the hinterland of Cape Town, which was the core area of ​​the German 4th Reserve Army, especially the Cape Town Railway Station, which was full of ammunition and supplies transported from the rear.

After the French army captured it, they replenished a batch of supplies, and then burned them and the railway station to ashes.

On the other hand, Joffre cooperated very well and launched an attack on the German defense line head-on.

Joffre had to cooperate. If he dared to play tricks when 40,000 French troops were surrounded, it would not be a question of whether the French commander-in-chief could sit firmly, but whether he would be sent to a military court for trial.

The German army in Cape Town was on fire everywhere due to internal and external troubles. They chose to refuse to execute Falkenhayn's order and took the initiative to make a gap to let the French army break through.

This decision was correct. They only retreated three kilometers to the second line of defense, and most of Cape Town was still in the hands of the German army.

If they obeyed Falkenhayn's command and continued to insist, they might collapse across the board and lose the entire Cape Town.

...

At the moment when the Paris City Defense Command received the intelligence of the successful breakout, the staff cheered and congratulated Charles:

"A wonderful battle, Charles!"

"You deceived the Germans several times in a row, and they were played in your hands."

"I believe this includes Falkenhayn!"

...

The staff laughed knowingly.

Kobdo seized the opportunity to raise his camera and took a burst of photos, then started the interview on the spot with a notebook in one hand and a pen in the other:

"Major, I heard that you were not very confident about this battle before the war?"

"Yes!" Charles told the truth: "It would be almost impossible to succeed if the Germans did not withdraw their troops from Cape Town."

"So...what was the reason for your final decision to send the First Tank Brigade to reinforce?"

Charles turned his eyes to Gallieni, meaning that this question should be asked to Gallieni.

Gallieni hummed, took a sip of coffee to moisten his throat, and answered without blushing:

"I know this question. When Charles knew that more than 40,000 people were trapped in the enemy's encirclement and in danger..."

"He immediately asked for the First Tank Brigade to rush to reinforce!"

Charles was stunned. The facts seemed not to be so.

But Gallieni continued to speak, with a serious face: "I refused at first. I said, 'It's too dangerous, Major. No matter how many troops are reinforced, there is a possibility that they will never return'!"

Lying, these are clearly Charles' original words.

"But Charles still insisted. He didn't hesitate at all. He questioned me righteously: 'That's 40,000 lives and 40,000 families. No matter how dangerous it is, even if there is only a 1% chance, we should give it a try!'"

Liar, this is clearly what you mean!

"I was moved by Charles' spirit. He is very persistent. He can dedicate everything for the country, the army, and the French citizens. This is him, this is Charles!"

Charles couldn't listen any more, but he found that the staff officers around him were all moved, and some of them had tears in their eyes.

Kobdo also took notes seriously.

If it were someone else, they might not believe it, or even treat it as a joke.

But this is Charles. He has done so many things to save the country and the army. Is there anyone who doesn't believe it?

If there is, it would be an insult to France!

Finally, Gallieni concluded: "I was convinced by him and gave him full authority to command this rescue operation. Facts have proved that he is right. He successfully rescued our people!"

"Wow!"

There was a warm applause in the office.

The staff rushed forward to shake hands with Charles:

"Thank you, Charles!"

"Thank you for your contribution to France!"

"You are our pride!"

...

Charles was at a loss as to what to do and cast a doubtful look at Gallieni, but the old man drank his coffee leisurely, pretending that it had nothing to do with him.

At this time, the phone rang, and Gallieni picked up the phone:

"Hello!"

"Yes, he's here."

"Of course!"

Galieni held the microphone and raised it to Charles, with a smile in his eyes: "Wells, it's for you!"

Charles took the phone and identified himself. A steady but slightly trembling voice came from the phone. He seemed to try to suppress his excitement and tried his best to make his voice official:

"Hello, Major! I'm Wells!"

"It was an impressive command, very exciting."

"I want to say that if you need anything in the future, I'm very happy to serve you."

...

"Thank you, Mr. Wells." Charles replied calmly: "This is what we should do. In a battle, as soldiers, we must find ways to win. Each of us should do our best!"

Wells on the other end of the microphone agreed repeatedly: "Yes, you are right, thank you again!"

Then he hung up without saying anything.

In fact, both sides knew that Wells showed his support for Charles, and Charles said some polite words to avoid suspicion.

...

After Wells hung up the phone, butler Denis couldn't help but ask: "Sir, are we really going to support Charles?"

Wells nodded slightly: "Have you forgotten that Schneider is also our competitor?"

The butler said nothing more after hearing this.

Schneider started out in the steel and forging industry. Its advantage is that it can obtain the steel needed to build warships from its own steel mills. Therefore, although its experience in producing warships is not as good as that of the Brest Shipyard, it has a price advantage and is very competitive.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. There is nothing wrong with Wells doing this.

The reason why the butler was surprised was that Wells had always been unwilling to tear his face with Schneider head-on. Why now...

Wells ignored the butler. He walked to the window and sat in the rocking chair by himself, swinging gently.

The butler said nothing, walked out of the room and closed the door gently.

This is Wells' habit of thinking about problems. The rocking chair makes him feel like a warship sailing on a calm sea. Only at this time can he think about the problem clearly.

The reason why Wells chose Charles was not because he saved Tijani. Although this was a favor, it was not big enough to fully support him.

Wells saw Charles's sharp and accurate prediction of the battlefield. He could actually produce tanks that crushed all opponents, including the "Saint-Chamond", CA-1 and Germany's new tanks.

They were all vulnerable in front of Charles.

So, can Charles also see the direction of the navy's development?

Just one word or a hint can get the confused French Navy back on track.

This can also help the Brest Shipyard get out of trouble!