I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 752: Anti-Tank Gun

Manstein handed Erwin a cup of hot coffee and stood by, waiting. He hoped Erwin would sober up a bit before getting to the point.

But Erwin nonchalantly waved his hand, drinking his coffee as he said, "I can still think, Colonel. Bring it on."

Manstein raised an eyebrow. This country bumpkin from Heidenheim, if it weren’t for your practical experience against Shire, I wouldn’t even bother with you.

"Your strategy against Shire is wrong, General," Manstein said, his words carrying the usual coldness and arrogance of the nobility.

Erwin smiled faintly. "Strategic errors? You mean..."

"You are learning Shire’s tactics," Manstein responded simply.

"Yes, I am indeed learning Shire’s tactics," Erwin admitted openly. "But I don’t think that’s wrong."

Erwin looked up at Manstein. "No one understands tank warfare better than him, nor tactics, not even you, Colonel. So, curb your arrogance!"

If this guy dares to say he’s better than Shire, I’ll kick him out immediately.

However, Manstein calmly replied, "Yes, you’re right."

This puzzled Erwin. He looked at Manstein with confusion. Did he not realize that his words contradicted each other?

In an unhurried manner, Manstein explained:

"I don’t doubt that Shire is an excellent strategist and tactician. He invented the tank, understands it, and is very skilled in using it, unrivaled by anyone."

"But what I’m saying is, learning his tactics won’t allow you to defeat him, General."

"Because Shire’s tactics are designed to deal with infantry, trenches, and are used for rapid maneuvers. But you, having learned Shire’s tactics, hope to use them against his armored units."

Erwin suddenly realized that this arrogant fellow might be right.

Previously, he had simply assumed that Shire’s tactics were correct and had focused on learning and applying them on the battlefield.

He had never considered the specificity of these tactics.

Now reminded by Manstein, and combining it with previous battle examples, Erwin thought it indeed seemed true.

Manstein took a document from his briefcase and handed it to Erwin:

"Your success in the early stages of the Antwerp penetration was because your opponents were enemy infantry."

"The same was true for the Dunkirk penetration."

"But Shire, as you wished, never confronted you directly, instead interspersing your rear and ultimately winning, without exception."

"This isn’t due to poor performance on your part, but a very serious strategic error on your part!"

After a pause, Manstein added: "On the contrary, the Truk Forest battle, which you considered a disastrous defeat, had the correct strategic direction and was your closest attempt at defeating Shire."

Erwin let out a bitter laugh, self-mockingly saying, "You mean to say that the near total annihilation of the First Tank Division was a victory?"

"That wasn’t a failure of tactics, General." Manstein, showing no reverence for his superior, sat down in front of Erwin and took a sip of his own coffee. "No one could have predicted that Shire would invent the incendiary bullet, which changed the outcome, something we couldn’t foresee."

"Nice consolation, Colonel." Erwin smiled faintly. "Thank you very much."

His words were pleasant, but his tone carried rejection; he also despised the demeanor of noble officers.

"You’ve misunderstood, General." Manstein, unperturbed, replied expressionlessly: "This is not consolation; I’m telling you how to deal with Shire..."

"I understand what you mean," Erwin interrupted Manstein. "You mean to tell me to face Shire’s tank units directly, is that correct?"

"Yes." Manstein nodded, secretly admiring the insight.

The thoughtfulness and insight were rare, especially for an officer without higher military education, one might even say an innate talent.

No wonder he could stand up to Shire.

Manstein elegantly sipped his coffee and continued, "If we can intercept Shire’s armored units, he won’t be able to dissect our infantry, fortifications, and trenches, and we could possibly achieve victory."

"Easy for you to say, Colonel," Erwin retorted. "You should be aware of the difficulties in that."

Erwin didn’t say it explicitly, essentially posing a challenge to Manstein.

If Manstein didn’t know the answer to this question, it would mean he didn’t understand Shire’s tactics and had no right to give orders.

Manstein’s lips curled into an almost imperceptible smile:

"Of course, General."

"The difficulty lies in Shire’s unpredictability in maneuvers; he can change direction and destination at any time."

"Additionally, his units are fast, and he has air superiority, constantly monitoring our movements."

"Intercepting his units is almost impossible."

Putting down his coffee cup, Manstein met Erwin’s gaze. "I wonder if you’re satisfied with my answer, General?"

Erwin gave Manstein an unexpected look.

This guy, though detestable, had real expertise, unlike other noble officers who only had a good talk.

"So," Erwin asked, "knowing all this, you still want to intercept Shire’s units?"

Erwin didn’t think this was a wise approach.

The previous interception of Shire’s units in the Truk Forest had only succeeded because the First Tank Division happened to be on a retreating train; otherwise, they wouldn’t have arrived in time.

More frustrating was that Shire had ultimately set it all ablaze!

Manstein didn’t reply. He picked up another document from his briefcase and handed it to Erwin.

Erwin opened it and looked through it, then asked in confusion, "What’s this?"

"An anti-tank gun, General." Manstein replied. "It’s highly mobile, can be quickly deployed, and most importantly, it can penetrate about 15mm of armor at 500 meters and 25mm at 300 meters."

(The image depicts Germany’s TAK1918 37mm anti-tank gun, in service since 1918. It is Germany’s first generation anti-tank gun, weighing only 175 kg and can be manually towed with removable wheels for concealed deployment.)

Erwin was shocked by the performance of this anti-tank gun: "Penetrate 15mm at 500 meters, 25mm at 300 meters?"

This meant that at 500 meters, it could penetrate the side armor of the "Shire A1," and at 300 meters, it could penetrate its frontal armor.

At this range, the "Shire A1" wouldn’t even see the opponent.

Manstein nodded affirmatively:

"We can form quick response units to encircle and intercept, buying time for our main units."

"We can also use it in conjunction with our tank units."

"Or distribute it to infantry units to enhance their anti-tank capabilities."