Chapter 604: Clash of Old and New Ideas
Using tanks to launch a counterattack was Erwin's new tactical experiment, inspired by Charles's "elastic defense."
But unlike Charles, Erwin didn't allow the British to penetrate his defenses first; he immediately counterattacked from his defensive lines.
This was due to the reality facing the German forces: they'd opened a narrow corridor, approximately twenty kilometers wide, serving as the frontline's vital supply route. Allowing enemy forces to penetrate would risk having this supply line severed.
Thus, Erwin concluded that he couldn't retreat even a single step. The British had to remain trapped inside Antwerp.
Moreover, Erwin anticipated that the British tactic—infantry supported by cavalry—might result in fierce trench fighting and close-quarters combat. Erwin wanted to avoid this scenario at all costs because the combined British and Belgian forces greatly outnumbered his men, making melee combat disadvantageous for Germany.
"Our advantage lies in planes and tanks," Erwin explained to Lieutenant General Nicholas. "We must exploit this fully to achieve maximum results with minimal losses."
Nicholas was puzzled. "But how do tanks defend a position?"
Aircraft, he understood clearly—strafing advancing infantry was logical. But tanks used defensively? Wouldn't that simply make them slow-moving artillery?
"By counterattacking immediately, General," Erwin clarified confidently. "The best defense is always a strong offense."
As Erwin observed the battlefield, determination hardened in his eyes. His goal was clear: eliminate the British mobile forces quickly, dealing them a devastating blow before they could reorganize. Only then could he ensure his supply lines remained secure.
Initially, Erwin wasn't certain of success. Cavalry were agile and responsive, capable of quickly withdrawing if they realized their assault was futile.
Yet when Erwin saw the British cavalry recklessly charge into his tanks without hesitation, stubbornly seeking gaps despite overwhelming odds, he knew victory was within grasp.
"These fools," Erwin sneered, lowering his binoculars. "Do they truly believe their flesh can triumph over steel?"
…
Namur Castle, Headquarters of the First Mechanized Division.
Charles received an urgent telegram from Major General Eden: "The foolish British have ordered cavalry charges against enemy tanks. Their prized cavalry division has suffered catastrophic losses within half an hour, with over seven thousand infantry casualties. This isn't a battle, General. Prepare yourself for the next move."
Tijani wasn't surprised upon reading the message.
"This is precisely what you described as survival of the fittest, General," he remarked thoughtfully. "It's more than just a battle between British and German forces. It symbolizes the collision between outdated and modern thinking—like industrialists using machines to replace traditional aristocrats."
Charles nodded in agreement.
Such absurd scenes—cavalry charging tanks—would persist even into World War II. Although seemingly senseless, old habits died hard. Military commanders clung stubbornly to tradition, making adaptation painfully slow.
…
Dunkirk, British Expeditionary Force Headquarters.
Kitchener sat quietly behind his desk, waiting silently for reports. He had no more reinforcements left. Ironically, the British vastly outnumbered the Germans—alongside Belgian forces, nearly twice as many—but they'd been routed so badly they now had nothing left to deploy.
Suddenly, an aide rushed into the room holding an emergency telegram. "Our cavalry division has sustained over fifty percent casualties, and infantry losses exceed seven thousand, yet we still haven't breached the German lines."
Kitchener nodded grimly. He'd expected this outcome.
"General," the aide asked nervously, "should we instruct Lieutenant General Avis to contact Charles immediately?"
"No," Kitchener replied wearily. "I'll do it myself."
Ordering Avis to beg Charles for help would be humiliating—far worse than death for Avis at this stage.
Fortunately, the telegraph line from Dunkirk to Namur remained operational. Kitchener promptly made direct contact with Charles.
"I'm sure you're aware of our predicament, General," Kitchener began evenly, his voice carefully devoid of desperation. "If the Germans capture Ghent, it won't just be the Antwerp line in danger—it'll threaten the entire French front."
Kitchener deliberately mentioned "France" instead of the broader "Western Front," subtly implying Charles should be worried. Without Charles's intervention, France—not Britain—risked catastrophic collapse. Britain could always retreat to the safety of its island.
Kitchener was attempting a bluff—making the disaster appear Charles's problem despite British errors.
"I understand perfectly, Marshal," Charles replied casually. "You mean, I'm obligated to rescue the situation?"
"Exactly," Kitchener affirmed smugly, pleased by Charles's quick grasp. "You're intelligent enough not to refuse."
Nothing had fundamentally changed, Kitchener thought. He still controlled the critical supplies. Ultimately, France depended upon British resources, ensuring their compliance.
"You're not concerned I might fail or be too late?" Charles asked curiously.
"Absolutely not," Kitchener laughed confidently. "I have complete faith in your capabilities."
Kitchener meant it genuinely. Charles's military genius was unmatched. Only stubborn commanders like Haig and Avis still doubted Charles's proven brilliance.
"Very well," Charles replied calmly. "You win, Marshal. Leave the rest to me."
Just before hanging up, Charles added mysteriously, "Oh, and the Minister of Munitions sends his regards."
Then he disconnected.
Kitchener frowned. What did Charles mean by mentioning the Minister of Munitions? Suddenly it dawned upon him—was Charles collaborating with Britain's new Minister of Munitions, formerly the First Lord of the Admiralty?
A chill ran through him. Charles wasn't merely planning to counterattack the Germans—he might be preparing to break Britain's control over vital supplies altogether.
Yet, Kitchener reasoned, the Minister was British, after all. Surely he'd never betray Britain's interests outright?
Kitchener replaced the receiver, deeply troubled by Charles's cryptic message, staring into empty space.
Before he could puzzle it out, another aide rushed excitedly into the room.
"General, incredible news! The Royal Navy has just scored a massive victory—they've sunk twelve German submarines in a single engagement!"
"Twelve?" Kitchener said, shocked. "In one attack? Are you certain?"
Such success was unprecedented. No navy had ever achieved that kind of efficiency against submarines.
"Yes, sir, absolutely!" the aide confirmed breathlessly. "The telegram clearly states this victory was possible because the French navy participated, employing anti-submarine equipment invented by Charles!"
Kitchener was dumbstruck.
Now he understood the source of Charles's confidence. He also realized Britain was about to lose its absolute leverage over supplies, thanks to Charles's latest innovation.
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