Chapter 535: He Really Wants Me to Become Supreme Commander
This mobility was exactly the advantage of vehicle-mounted rocket artillery.
A single rocket artillery regiment had only 36 vehicles. With a streamlined crew and no excess personnel, all logistical support vehicles and extra equipment could be safely hidden within defensive tunnel systems, avoiding exposure to enemy fire.
However, these mere 36 vehicles could unleash firepower equivalent to ten conventional artillery regiments simultaneously—precisely, the firepower of twelve artillery regiments, given each launcher carried twelve rockets. They could then rapidly redeploy, evading even the well-trained German artillery response, which required at least ten minutes to target incoming fire.
Thus, the Germans appeared left with only two potential countermeasures: either significantly reduce their artillery's reaction time or predict the rocket artillery's withdrawal routes and intercept them. Both, however, seemed nearly impossible.
Moreover, Tijani had carefully prepared an ideal firing position:
He had selected a strategic hill north of the Meuse River, positioned approximately six kilometers from the German artillery positions at the "Riverbend Area." At the northern foot of this hill was a road completely obscured from German artillery fire—an ideal corridor for concealed maneuvering, ammunition resupply, and rest.
To the north of the road stretched open grasslands, and by advancing only a short distance onto these plains, the rocket artillery vehicles could easily launch rockets over the hill directly onto German artillery positions.
Tijani relocated his command post directly to this frontline hill, embedding himself into a bunker just a few hundred meters from the rocket artillery's ammunition depot.
This forward deployment not only facilitated direct command but also allowed Tijani to witness firsthand the devastating power of the rocket artillery—a sight he eagerly awaited.
He had even prepared a camera specifically for this occasion. When the rocket artillery first opened fire, Tijani, riding a motorcycle with a sidecar, approached close enough to photograph the barrage personally, euphemistically referring to this risky maneuver as "close-in photography."
Despite mentally preparing himself, Tijani was utterly shocked by the spectacle.
Flames erupted from behind each launch tube, illuminating the surroundings. Rockets streaked skyward with deafening whooshes, leaving thick, winding smoke trails behind. Dense smoke immediately enveloped the entire area. The grass behind the launchers burst into flames, and exposed earth was scorched black.
All this happened within just a few minutes. The massive salvo concluded swiftly, and a sudden silence reclaimed the field.
Tijani stood momentarily stunned until reminded urgently by his aide: rocket artillery tactics demanded an immediate withdrawal.
"Withdraw!" Tijani shouted hastily, leaping back into the motorcycle sidecar to speed away.
Due to excellent prior preparations—clear and multiple withdrawal paths established through the open terrain—the rocket artillery regiment reached safety within five minutes.
Only after Tijani returned safely to the concealed road and raised his camera again did the German counterattack finally arrive. Artillery shells rained down violently, blasting empty grasslands repeatedly, creating large craters but hitting nothing of value.
Tijani gleefully photographed the futile German counterattack, mocking sarcastically as he did so: "Excellent accuracy, gentlemen—but those fields were innocent!"
All the rocket artillery needed to do was select another firing position and repeat the process. Each salvo launched 432 rockets, and with around 20 such barrages per day, that amounted to 8,640 rockets fired daily.
Additionally, rocket artillery launchers had fewer maintenance needs, lacking rifled barrels that would wear out quickly. Although rockets had lower precision, firing thousands into the enemy positions over two days would inevitably produce results.
But rocket artillery effectiveness went beyond mere luck.
Charles had positioned artillery observers along the hilltop. When the German guns fired back, their muzzle flashes and smoke trails instantly revealed their precise locations.
(Author's Note: Artillery was generally deployed in concentrated groups—often at battalion or even regimental levels—due to limitations in communication. More dispersed artillery units would have difficulty quickly calculating coordinated firing solutions.)
Thus, subsequent rocket barrages targeted these now clearly identified German artillery positions.
Excited by the stunning success, Tijani immediately telegraphed Charles:
"You were absolutely right, Major General! Everything is proceeding exactly as you predicted."
"We need not worry about range or precision any longer."
"The enemy is completely helpless under continuous bombardment. I am certain their morale must be collapsing rapidly."
—
Meanwhile, Charles remained in Paris, seemingly in no rush to return to the frontline.
Indeed, there was no urgency: his forces had not yet initiated the final assault. They were still systematically degrading German artillery capability, waiting patiently until enemy artillery units reached a breaking point. Only then would Charles initiate a decisive armored assault.
Rushing in prematurely now would only allow German artillery—still partially operational despite the rocket attacks—to concentrate fire on his advancing tanks.
At the Ritz Hotel, Charles sat calmly in a warm meeting room, quietly sipping hot water in front of a fireplace. Traveling repeatedly by open-cockpit airplane during winter was incredibly uncomfortable. Despite additional clothing, he still felt chilled to the bone.
Hot water was wonderfully effective, quickly restoring warmth and vitality.
Charles had barely waited when there came a polite knock, and a somewhat crestfallen General Ferdinand Foch entered the room.
"Ah, Major General," Foch greeted him warmly, shaking his hand firmly. A faint trace of envy flickered momentarily across his expression.
"General," Charles rose respectfully, greeting him warmly and inviting him to sit. "Please, sit down."
"Why did you want to see me?" Foch joked lightly. "I hope you're not about to offer me a job as your advisor."
Charles had little need for advisors. Moreover, Foch—the architect of offensive warfare theory—could hardly counsel Charles, whose innovative tactics had already surpassed traditional concepts.
Yet Charles answered with earnest sincerity, "If you were willing, General, I would be honored to have you at any time."
Foch's eyes brightened momentarily, genuinely tempted.
Foch was not overly vain. While pride mattered, he yearned most to be involved directly, commanding troops once again. If he could return to active military command, he would willingly put pride aside.
However, Charles added firmly, "Although, personally, I think you deserve far more than just an advisory role."
Foch laughed bitterly at himself. "You've grown diplomatic this past month. Clearly, you're being polite."
Foch implied that Charles was simply offering empty compliments, suggesting he did not actually intend to employ him.
But Charles remained utterly serious. Sliding a cup of freshly brewed hot coffee toward Foch, he calmly clarified, "I mean it, General. I believe you should be our Supreme Commander—Commander-in-Chief of both the French and Allied forces."
Foch sat stunned for a moment, then laughed nervously, sipping the coffee to disguise his surprise.
It seemed impossible. After all, Foch had recently been relegated to heading an obscure military research center, far removed from active command.
Yet Charles's expression remained serious, respectful, free of irony or mockery. He simply waited patiently, watching Foch closely.
Foch's laughter gradually faded, giving way to astonishment and uncertainty.
Charles was entirely sincere—he genuinely believed Foch should be Supreme Commander!
(End of Chapter 535)
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