I Became a Tycoon During World War I: Saving France from the Start

Chapter 142: The Special Artillery Battalion

At some point, a subtle "anti-Charles" sentiment began wafting through Paris.

This wasn't sparked by the general public but rather was subtly influenced by the media, which unexpectedly shifted from its previous admiration of Charles to a tone of skepticism:

"Charles's tank didn't even enter the bid? Did he think it couldn't compete?"

"Is Charles running out of ideas? In an industrial age, one man's intellect is no match for seasoned arms manufacturers."

"Rumor has it his tank doesn't even have a cannon!"

Some newspapers even published comparisons between the "Saint-Chamond" and Charles's original tank model. While official details of the Saint-Chamond were kept classified, a few tantalizing features were hinted at: it had a cannon, four machine guns, and an advanced electric-drive engine.

People who'd once placed their faith in Charles were now swayed by this onslaught of media speculation, beginning to waver in their confidence. Out loud, they still expressed admiration:

"For a 17-year-old, he's already accomplished incredible things!"

"No one else has achieved what he has on the battlefield."

"Charles is the best, at least for now."

But beneath this surface loyalty, doubts had begun to take root. Was Charles becoming outdated? While he had supplied the initial concept, perhaps it was time for experienced arms manufacturers to fully realize the tank's potential. After all, defeating the Germans might require a more seasoned commander, one with a broader vision.

…

In the Lafaux area, approximately ten kilometers from the front line in the village of Fay-le-Vineux.

As dawn broke, the rain intensified, pouring down in bright silver sheets like countless waterfalls from the sky. General Joffre stood by the window of the temporary command post, frowning as he watched the gusts of rain sweeping across the scene outside. His mood was as heavy as the storm.

He had arrived here in the dead of night, hastily setting up his command post, even disrupting his usual routine of retiring and rising at precise hours.

But Joffre had little choice. He needed a victory to reestablish his heroic image among the soldiers and the public alike. Only by surpassing Charles could he secure his position and reclaim the command he had lost to Gallieni.

"General!" Vice Commander Canet entered, carrying a file. "One hundred CA-1 tanks and sixteen Saint-Chamond tanks have arrived on the train, and they should be here by two this afternoon."

Joffre gave a terse nod, his gaze still fixed on the rain. "And what of Colonel Christian? Are he and his men ready?"

"Absolutely, sir!" Canet replied. "They're eager for this battle."

"Then tell them to be fully prepared." Joffre issued his command without turning. "This victory must be seamless. A flawless victory, with no margin for error."

"Yes, General!" Canet replied, snapping to attention.

As he left, Canet walked over to his desk, opened a drawer, and retrieved a pre-prepared file. He paused briefly, as though considering handing it to a staff officer, but then decided to deliver it personally to Colonel Christian.

Colonel Christian was a celebrated hero of the First Army. A month prior, during an attack on Alsace, the First Army had been routed by the Germans, with most units in full retreat. Christian, then a major, had led his 200 men to feign death, lying still among the corpses on the battlefield. As the German forces pursued the fleeing French soldiers, Christian and his men leaped up and charged, wielding bayonets and swords to ambush the Germans. Taken by surprise, the Germans thought they'd fallen into a larger ambush and descended into chaos, giving Christian the opening to rally the Second Infantry Battalion and drive the enemy back. In that battle, Christian had killed seven Germans with his own sword and still bore the scar on his face.

"France needs heroes like him," Canet murmured to himself as he walked through the corridor, then down the stairs to where Christian was waiting by a sofa in the lounge.

He handed over the file, smiling approvingly. "Your unit is remarkably courageous, Colonel, so we've decided to designate the First Infantry Regiment as the 'First Special Artillery Battalion.'"

"Special Artillery Battalion?" Christian was confused. "But, sir, we're an infantry regiment. None of us know how to operate artillery…"

"You misunderstand, Colonel," Canet said, smiling. "We don't need you to operate artillery. You'll still fight as infantry."

Christian felt even more lost. "Then… why call it artillery?"

Canet's gaze took on a hint of mystery. "Have you heard of tanks, Colonel?"

"Of course, sir," Christian replied, slowly beginning to understand. "Are you saying we'll be fighting alongside tanks?"

"Yes, and the most advanced tanks in all of France!" Canet couldn't hide his pride. He reached into his file folder and drew out a document, which he handed to Christian with exaggerated care. "One hundred CA-1 tanks and sixteen Saint-Chamond tanks, representing France's strongest military force. I'm entrusting them to you, Colonel!"

Christian opened the file carefully, examining the detailed specifications, firepower configurations, and photos of both tanks from various angles.

"But… sir," Christian began hesitantly, "how are we supposed to coordinate with these tanks?"

"Just like I said." Canet's voice brimmed with confidence. "Your men will fight as they always have, while the tanks will cut through the enemy's barbed wire and lead you in a breakthrough."

Canet leaned back on the sofa, adopting a relaxed tone. "Think of it: each tank is equipped with a 75mm cannon and two to four machine guns. They're like a moving arsenal, Colonel, with you marching forward behind them. Altogether, 116 cannons and 264 machine guns—a whole armory advancing beside you. They'll wipe out any enemy in your path. Every last one of them!"

Canet's voice held a note of envy, as though he were saying, "Lucky man. You're about to be part of the first large-scale tank battle victory in human history. This is an honor."

"I understand, General," Christian replied, his voice flat, though he continued to study the document in his hands.

He found it hard to believe that a battle could be this straightforward. Based on his experience, actual combat rarely matched the perfect image painted in the planning stages.

Perhaps these generals, long sheltered in their offices, had severely underestimated the Germans.

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