I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 766 Different Strategies

Manstein observed the battlefield from a different perspective than his subordinates.

Manstein’s focus was always on the infantry-tank coordination of the French Army. He believed this was the key factor in winning tank battles and something that the German tank units must learn and could learn.

His subordinates, however, did not share his view. Observing the battlefield situation, the staff officer began to sweat nervously as he reported to Manstein:

"Colonel, our anti-tank guns can’t penetrate their tanks."

"And also, they are attacking us from several directions."

"If we don’t respond, they will encircle and cut us off!"

Manstein swept the surroundings with his binoculars and found that French tanks were flanking his position from three directions along the streets.

If they waited any longer, the retreat route from the town would likely be sealed by the enemy.

"Retreat, Colonel," the staff officer swallowed nervously and cautiously suggested, "We can’t win. Staying here changes nothing and has no meaning."

Manstein remained silent.

His thoughts differed from those of the staff officer.

He believed that holding the town was not as meaningless as the staff officer suggested.

Although the anti-tank guns couldn’t penetrate the enemy’s new tanks, and a single maneuver regiment couldn’t hold off the Shire Armored Division’s advance,

urban combat required capturing building after building, which could stall Shire’s armored division.

However, the cost would be that the maneuver regiment could be annihilated here, and his own life would be at risk.

After weighing the options for a moment, Manstein ultimately decided to abandon this approach.

Manstein was different from Erwin; Erwin would go to great lengths to hold Metz, but Manstein would not.

This decision was based on strategic considerations.

Manstein was the nephew of Hindenburg, and Hindenburg and Ludendorff always emphasized "East first, then West," which meant defeating Russia on the Eastern Front before concentrating on the Western Front.

Fajin Han and William II, however, advocated "West first, then East," meaning dealing with France first before turning to the vast Russian forces and territory.

Metz was the pivot point that could shift William II’s strategic direction.

"Retreat!" Manstein ordered, his tone calm.

Before descending, he took one last look at the French’s new tanks, seemingly with some reluctance.

"Yes, Colonel!" The staff officer, relieved, hurriedly conveyed Manstein’s order.

...

On the road to Yani Town, Erwin’s First Tank Division raced through the rain, abandoning seven tanks that broke down along the way.

"These poorly made things," Erwin, in an armored car, complained about the tanks pushed to the roadside, "Can’t they give us something durable? Those corner-cutting guys will get us killed!"

He was merely using it as a pretext.

Erwin knew that the "LK" tanks used car engines to ensure production numbers.

If durability were the focus, his First Tank Division wouldn’t have been able to regain combat strength so quickly.

Erwin was complaining because he was worried about Metz’s safety.

"Metz must not fall; otherwise, taking this hellish fortress later would be the German Army’s task."

"The maneuver regiment can hold off Shire, they certainly can."

"They have anti-tank guns, which are tank’s nemeses, and Manstein’s choice to ambush in the town, which is unfavorable for tank operations, is very wise."

However, a motorcycle squeezed through the tank column to stop beside Erwin’s armored car.

An orderly sat on the rear seat of the motorcycle, jumping off quickly and chasing the slowly moving armored car, shouting, "General, intelligence from Colonel Manstein."

"Stop!" Erwin ordered loudly to the driver, and before the car had fully stopped, he jumped down to meet the orderly running through the mud and eagerly asked, "How is it? What’s the situation? Did they hold them off?"

"No, General," the orderly answered breathlessly, "Our troops retreated. Shire deployed new tanks, and our anti-tank guns can’t penetrate their armor, not even the side armor."

Erwin’s mind buzzed in chaos.

New tanks? Can’t penetrate?

If the 37mm anti-tank guns equipped with armor-piercing shells couldn’t penetrate, then the 37mm guns on the "LK2" tanks certainly couldn’t either.

In that case, would sending the First Tank Division to engage be anything more than suicidal?

However, he hesitated only for a moment, then glanced around and quietly told the orderly, "Don’t tell this information to anyone else, or you’ll face a court-martial, understand?"

"Yes, General," the orderly replied, though confusion flickered in his eyes as to why this information was being kept secret.

With the help of the guards, Erwin climbed back into the armored car and spoke with a light tone, "The maneuver regiment failed; they were bombed by the French. Now it’s our turn!"

His subordinates responded one after another:

"Yes, General."

"We’re ready."

"We’ll defeat them!"

...

Erwin didn’t intend to defeat Shire.

He only wanted to hold Shire off for an hour or two, maybe even longer.

That was the only way to ensure more reinforcements could reach Metz.

So, he certainly couldn’t let his subordinates know that Shire was equipped with almost invincible new tanks.

Even if his subordinates would see Shire’s new tanks on the battlefield eventually, by then they would have no choice but to fight on!

...

Shire received the news half an hour after passing through Yani Town.

A "Camel" fighter jet flew low over the tank column, dropping a communication bottle.

Soon, an orderly reported to Shire, who was resting by the roadside, "General, German tank units, about fifty tanks, probably the German First Tank Division. They are only three kilometers away, approaching us."

Shire was a bit surprised.

The Germans in Yani Town had been repelled, and they should have immediately reported the "Shire B1" intel to Erwin.

Why would Erwin still bring his thinly armored "LK2" tanks to face them?

The next moment, Shire understood; Erwin aimed to hold off the First Armored Division to buy time for Metz.

With a slight smile, Shire ordered, "The 3rd Tank Battalion stays to prepare for battle, the rest continue advancing."

"Yes, General!"

As the orderly waved signal flags, the tank group swiftly adjusted its formation.

The remaining 3rd Tank Battalion was equipped entirely with the new "Shire B1" tanks, totaling 37 vehicles.

A full-strength tank battalion should have about 45 tanks, but only 37 could be produced in time.

Nevertheless, that was enough.

With 37 "Shire B1" tanks against over 50 "LK2" tanks, they might not have the numerical advantage, but they absolutely crushed them in strength.

Even the side armor of the "Shire B1" was 50mm thick, impervious to the 37mm guns of the "LK2."

Moreover, the "Shire B1" was innovatively equipped with two guns!