Amidst the noise of the treads "creaking," Shire led the First Armored Division into the rear of the Verdun Defense Line.
Shire's armored vehicle, protected by a tank platoon, drove up a small hill. He raised his binoculars to observe the German defense line, exuding a sense of dominion over the land.
In the lens, he saw large groups of German deserters. The German Fifth Army had completely collapsed.
Shire secretly counted his blessings.
The German Army originally had opportunities, opportunities for victory, and even opportunities to encircle and annihilate Shire's First Armored Division.
The reason was that Petain's attack was too weak, something Shire hadn't anticipated, thus presenting a flaw before the Germans.
There were about 100,000 German troops at the Verdun Defense Line, facing off against Petain's 200,000 French troops.
Shire had initially thought Petain's 200,000 French troops could hold back the 100,000 Germans; thus, he initiated the attack.
