I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 784: The "Independent" Tank

Lorraine is located in the east of France, where the rainy season starts months earlier than other regions. By early May, thunderstorms are frequent, and entering June, there is continuous drizzle with occasional heavy downpours.

Although it was morning in Metz, the sky was dark as if it were night. The rain fell like beans hitting the river with a "patter," splashing small water flowers, causing the river to swell rapidly.

Haig’s command post was set up at the Metz Grand Theater, which he deemed the most suitable place for reorganizing the troops.

His reorganization was for the attack, to be the first to step into German territory and declare the prowess and victory of the British Expeditionary Force.

As for the defense of Metz, he hadn’t considered it at all.

The Germans would not attack Metz, which is also a place belonging to the French, and as a British general, he naturally would not think of building its fortifications and defenses.

However, the Hindenburg Line stood in front of the British Army, who suffered over 30,000 casualties in several attacks yet could not advance an inch.

"Cunning Germans." Haig cursed, "They anticipated today’s situation long ago and thus prepared their defenses in advance."

"Yes." The newly appointed Chief of Staff of the Expeditionary Force, Major General Kieger, agreed: "When we attacked Alsace, the Germans were already building this line, and it is now essentially complete."

"We should break through this line as quickly as possible." Haig stood up anxiously, murmuring to himself: "Otherwise, the Germans’ line will only become more solid and harder to break through."

Watching Haig pace back and forth in front of the desk, Major General Kieger cautiously suggested: "Perhaps we can let the First Tank Division participate in the battle. They are equipped with new tanks, said to have powerful firepower, which might help."

Kieger spoke so conservatively because he knew Haig was always reluctant to acknowledge the role of tanks, even though Shire had already proven their value on the battlefield.

"Equipped with new tanks?" Haig asked casually.

"Yes." Kieger replied: "It’s a tank called ’Independent,’ armed with a cannon and four machine guns."

(The picture above is of England’s "Independent" developed in 1924, the world’s first multi-turret tank, with four turrets equipped with Maxim Machine Guns around the main turret. This design reflected England’s inclination to use tanks as infantry fire support, making it England’s first ’infantry tank.’)

Haig, upon hearing the tank had a cannon and four machine guns, showed instant interest but then shook his head disdainfully: "It won’t be like the ’Whippet’ with four machine guns, will it? It won’t make any difference!"

"General." Kieger said: "Perhaps you could let the tank division commander explain? He is more familiar with the tank’s performance."

"Alright!" Haig nodded reluctantly.

He felt that any attention to the tank units was slapping his own face and might undermine his authority within the army.

Not long after, Monty appeared before Haig, a briefcase under his left arm.

By this time, he had been promoted to Major.

However, as the commander of the First Tank Division, many of his subordinates held higher ranks, often making him feel awkward.

Haig pretended to read documents while leaning back in his chair, asking nonchalantly: "I heard you’ve been equipped with new tanks?"

"Yes, General." Monty took out photos and data files from the briefcase and handed them over: "This tank was designed and produced according to my combat philosophy."

Haig glanced at the files: "Your combat philosophy?"

"Yes." Major Monty straightened up:

"My idea is different from Shire’s. I think tanks are more important for accompanying infantry to break through lines, preventing casualties like those in the Battle of the River Somme."

"Therefore, it should emphasize protection and firepower more than speed."

Haig most appreciated the first sentence: "Different from Shire."

That was normal.

England is the world’s number one power; it should have its own combat philosophy and design, leading trends and teaching others how to fight, not following Shire step by step. This is the shame of the Sun Never Sets Empire!

Haig did not look at the data; his eyes were immediately drawn to the tank’s multi-turret design after just a glance.

"Let me guess." Haig’s eyes lit up: "Each turret has one person operating it, and they can all fight independently, right?"

"Of course, General." Monty answered: "This is an improvement on the ’Whippet.’"

The "Whippet" also had four machine guns, but it lacked a rotating turret, limiting its combat angle and efficiency.

"Great improvement." Haig praised, setting down his pen and sitting up while examining the data file.

After a while, Haig furrowed his brow: "But the Germans dug a 21-meter long anti-tank ditch. Can it cross it?"

"No, we don’t cross the anti-tank ditch." Monty replied.

"Not cross it?" Haig looked at Monty in astonishment.

"Yes." Monty stood firm: "Shire has bridge-layers, but they can only span 18 meters. The Hindenburg Line apparently has targeted anti-tank ditches that they cannot cross."

Haig nodded slightly.

This was their previous conclusion.

The Germans evidently targeted Shire’s bridge-layers, thus extending the anti-tank ditches to 21 meters and placing them before the main defense line, making it difficult for the bridge-laying armored vehicles to function.

Monty took out a line sketch from the briefcase and handed it to Haig:

"My idea is for tanks to approach the anti-tank ditches but not cross them, instead maneuvering along the ditches to implement close-range fire suppression against the German Army."

"Even if it gets destroyed by the German Army, its wreckage can obstruct the Germans’ view, creating a steel defense line and widespread smoke in front of the Germans."

"This can cover our soldiers as they charge, and anti-tank ditches rarely stop infantry charges."

Haig slammed the table as he rose:

"Well said, Major Monty."

"This is what I’ve been implying: the main force of combat is always the infantry. They are the decisive factor on the battlefield."

"Everything else should assist the infantry, and tanks are no exception."

Haig shook hands with Major Monty, feeling he had found a talent, indeed a rare talent.

Incredibly, he only realized this now.

"You shouldn’t be a Major." Haig politely invited Monty to sit down on the sofa: "I will report to London to expedite your rank promotion."

"Thank you very much, General." Monty responded astonished.

"It’s what you deserve." Haig looked approvingly at the files in his hands: "You have your tanks and the tactics to go with them; I believe they can flourish on the battlefield, perhaps even surpass Shire!"

British officers should indeed step over French officers.

The French Army has geniuses, and England certainly does too!