I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 802

Pershing did not resist or argue against Kitchener's arrangement. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

He, along with his Chief of Staff Hubbard, spent three days inspecting the training base.

The facilities at the training base were complete, situated in the suburbs of Dunkirk, with dormitories, mock trenches, shooting ranges, and more.

This was originally a British Army training base where, after landing, they conducted battlefield and climate adaptation training. They established three similar bases, the best of which was allocated exclusively for use by the US Army.

Pershing quietly communicated and discussed with the British Army instructors, even training alongside them to understand the entire process.

After three days, he summarized the qualities, tactics, and equipment of the British Army instructors, sending a list of issues to the White House:

"The equipment is British-style Lee-Enfield rifles."

"The tactics are standard trench warfare, and the British generally advocate 'offensive theory.'"

"I asked Admiral Avis, who is our chief instructor, and I wanted to know if the US Army would have tanks in coordination when entering the battlefield in the future."

"The answer I received was: 'We're very sorry, our production of tanks is not enough to equip the British Army. However, you need not worry; the US Army will hardly use tanks in the war, and we will arrange low-intensity battles for you.'"

"Besides, artillery is also severely lacking, and as for airplanes, forget about it."

"I have only one question, Mr. President."

"Without tanks, sufficient artillery, or airplanes, even if, as they say, we are involved in low-intensity battles, how can we break through the enemy's defenses?"

"You must know that using this tactic in an attack, the Germans simply set up a few machine guns and within a day killed and wounded 100,000 British soldiers."

...

President Wilson's scalp tingled upon reading Pershing's report, especially the final casualty figures: 100,000 in one day.

At such a rate of casualties, the first batch of one million US servicemen would only suffice for ten days.

This was clearly extremely unfavorable for Wilson's re-election campaign.

After thinking for a while, Wilson responded: "Then, what do you think we should do?"

Pershing replied:

"If we must fight under British command, I believe we can at least abandon British equipment and tactics."

"Otherwise, it will be a nightmare, Mr. President."

"They have failed on the battlefield but arrogantly try to teach us their combat experience."

"Teaching what? Experience in death and surrender? This is extremely irresponsible towards the lives of the US Army and soldiers!"

Wilson did not hesitate and immediately agreed to Pershing's request.

After all, the British Army's reputation was indeed not commendable, and Wilson could not afford such heavy casualties.

...

Upon receiving Wilson's telegram, Pershing immediately rushed to Kitchener's picturesque seaside command villa.

The work inside the villa proceeded in an orderly fashion.

It wasn't due to Kitchener's arrangements, but because the task of the British Expeditionary Force in Dunkirk was solely to transport supplies and personnel.

It was around nine in the morning, and Kitchener hadn't gotten up yet; the staff said it was because he had worked late into the night on official business.

Pershing unceremoniously asked the staff to wake Kitchener up, then handed him President Wilson's command: "Marshal, both the President and I agree that the US Army should be equipped and trained by ourselves. You wouldn't have any objections to this, would you?"

The sleepy-eyed Kitchener was taken aback and advised earnestly:

"This is not a wise move, Brigadier."

"You should understand that we have been fighting here for nearly two years, and we are familiar with everything here and understand the adversary."

"As for you, most of your soldiers were factory workers tightening screws not long ago..."

Pershing interrupted Kitchener:

"I know, Marshal."

"But even so, you still haven't learned how to deal with the Germans."

"Can you name a victory against the Germans?"

Kitchener was left speechless.

Indeed, there was no commendable victory for the British, if there was any, it was only partial victories on the Ypres and River Somme fronts.

But these were just 'partial,' and compared to the glory of Shire, they were insignificant.

Then Kitchener understood what Pershing intended to do, his face darkened: "Are you planning to find Shire?"

"Yes." Pershing openly admitted: "He's the one who continually achieves victories on the battlefield."

Finally, Pershing left with a sentence:

"Sorry, Marshal, I must be responsible for the lives of soldiers."

"This is the reality of the battlefield, and we must face this reality."

"Otherwise, all that awaits us is failure and death!"

Pershing implicitly criticized that the British Expeditionary Force refused to acknowledge Shire's correct tactics, unwilling to change, and also reluctant to replace the failing commanders.

Before leaving, Pershing cast a meaningful glance at Kitchener, with a hint of sarcasm at the corner of his mouth.

Kitchener understood the meaning of Pershing's glance.

It seemed to be saying: If tactics and commanders are to be changed, then outdated figures like Kitchener should also be replaced.

Kitchener struggled to remain calm and graceful, but once Pershing left, he coughed a few times heavily and sat back in his chair.

As the Minister of the Army of the foremost power, having been a marshal wielding authority across the battlefield for decades, the most unbearable thing was such a look.

It was like looking at a rookie who couldn't fight, understood nothing about war, and only sought fame and fortune.

It shattered all of Kitchener's pride and self-confidence instantly, making him doubt whether he was worthy of his position, even sparking a desire to retire in that moment.

...

Bicangxi training base.

Shire's bomber had successfully flown into the sky, bringing a radio and establishing contact with the artillery unit on the ground.

Tijani excitedly reported to Shire: "This is equivalent to giving the artillery a pair of eyes, General, they are invincible; no artillery opponents them. No, technically no army opponents them."

Shire had no objection, this statement was indeed accurate.

The reason is that the 105mm artillery has a range of over ten kilometers, beyond visual range.

With coordination from the radio on the bomber, it created the advantage of "I can see and accurately hit the enemy, while the enemy can't even see me."

It's practically like modern stealth aircraft overwhelming fourth-generation jets.

"General." Just as Tijani was overly enthusiastic, a guard came forward to report: "Brigadier Pershing hopes to meet with you."

"Pershing? Who?" Tijani asked, puzzled, having never heard the name.

Of course Shire knew, he wasn't surprised at Pershing's visit at all.

"Commander of the American Expeditionary Force." Shire explained: "He's here likely to scout for a chief instructor."

As he spoke, Shire turned his gaze to Tijani.

"Why are you looking at me?" Tijani asked.

"Don't you understand?" Shire said: "I definitely can't be the chief instructor of the American Expeditionary Force, but you can."

Finding Shire is for purchasing equipment.

Looking for Tijani would be for nothing else but the chief instructor's position!