Starting with the smashing of Dunkirk

Chapter 56: Strategically, despise the enemy; tactically, take the enemy seriously.

On the same Christmas Day, the Bretonnia in Ypres were trying everything to rebuild their confidence.

The Demacian troops outside the salient encirclement exuded an air of arrogance, having just won a victory.

The ability to persevere in defeat is a rare quality. Among the Bretonnians in the salient, the one who was most resilient in defeat was probably Lieutenant General Douglas Haig.

To be humble in victory is an even rarer quality. Among the Demanians outside the salient, Captain Lelouch Hunt is undoubtedly the one who is most humble in victory.

"Finally, we've cut off the Britannians' main railway artery! Now the enemy in the Ypres salient is definitely getting restless, and that old bastard French is probably thinking about how to break out now!"

Lelouch's direct superior, Major General Karl, couldn't resist opening champagne on Christmas Eve and inviting his trusted subordinates to celebrate at the division headquarters. Even the army group commander, Duke Rupprecht, personally came to the front lines to inspect the situation and join the soldiers in the festivities.

Because of the victory on Christmas Eve, the troops did not have any combat operations on Christmas Day. All the soldiers were allowed to rest during the day, and the logistics department also provided everyone with extra chocolates, cigarettes and alcohol, and even arranged a rare barbecue feast.

Lelouch didn't want to spoil everyone's fun, so he didn't say anything to remind them during the luncheon gathering that day.

However, Duke Rupprecht and Major General Karl knew that Lelouch was one of the heroes of the victory, so they still managed to clink glasses with him at the luncheon to celebrate.

The Duke, whom he hadn't seen for several days, noticed that he wasn't in high spirits and kindly inquired, "What's wrong? You're not happy about the victory? We've cut off the enemy's supply lines!"

Lelouch hadn't wanted to bring it up, but since the other party had asked, he didn't hesitate to lower his voice and say a few words: "I think this battle is less than halfway through. Cutting off the supply lines is certainly very important, as it can cause the enemy to bleed continuously."

However, the Ypres Heights are filled with military supplies. Our own supply lines in the newly occupied territories have not yet been resolved, and the railway from Armandier to Stenford is currently unusable for both sides.

The problem isn't obvious yet, but it's because the 3rd Army was too cowardly, leaving us their supply depots in their hasty escape from Bayole. However, "borrowing food from the enemy" is a mistake that can't be repeated. The next time the enemy loses a stronghold, they'll definitely use a scorched-earth policy, leaving us not a single piece of firewood.

Lelouch went on to explain the main problems at length.

If Lieutenant General Haig of the Bu army could see this scene with his divine eye, he would definitely have a sense of déjà vu, as if they were seeing the same thing.

The two men's judgments were remarkably similar.

Upon hearing this, Duke Rupprecht and Major General Karl gained a deeper understanding of Lelouch's "never arrogant in victory, never discouraged in defeat" spirit.

It's truly remarkable that a young man isn't arrogant, and yet he's so calm and insightful.

They are all experts; they were just a little overconfident after their initial victory.

After Lelouch calmly pointed it out, they immediately judged with their professional eyes that these problems did indeed exist.

After thinking it through, the Duke muttered to himself, "That's right... the previous two victories were both due to the advantage of surprise attacks. But ultimately, war is about head-on confrontation, and some issues can't be avoided. Next, the entire army group must prepare for tough battles and strive to resolve two key points in the short term:"

First, we must storm Stenford and secure the railway. Second, we must take Kemmer Hill, the high ground north of the railway! At least capture the main peak, Hill 155! That place is only 7-8 kilometers from the railway; heavy artillery positioned on the hilltop could easily block it.

The Duke had fully grasped the situation. To annihilate the enemy and achieve a complete victory, he could proceed in three steps:
The first step, seizing control of the enemy, has already been achieved.

The second step is to break the enemy's grip on your neck; this is something you must do immediately.

The third step is to wait quietly for the enemy to stop breathing, or, while continuing to choke the enemy, induce them to struggle more and consume more oxygen, thus accelerating the process of them stopping breathing.

Of course, the enemy won't actually suffocate to death until the very last moment. Before they realize they're about to die, they'll definitely try to break out or save themselves. But by then, the Empire can at least render the enemy's fortified high ground useless, allowing them to annihilate the enemy attempting to break out in mobile warfare.

A grand goal was thus broken down into three smaller goals.

After clarifying the issue, the Duke formally ordered: "Today is Christmas, so let's leave it at that and let the troops have a proper holiday. Tomorrow we will begin executing the two smaller objectives of the second step. These kinds of tough battles cannot be won by shortcuts, and the assault battalions can't do much either. We will have to rely on sheer numbers and the main force to accomplish this."

Lelouch, didn't you tell Karl you were going to the rear to contact Krupp and discuss the railway artillery? I can grant you a week's leave. However, before Stenford is officially captured and Hill 155, the main peak of Mount Kemer, is taken, I hope you will return in time to participate in the subsequent battles.”

The Duke knew very well that the assault battalion was his most valuable asset at the moment. But this thing was used to find the enemy's weaknesses and then outflank and penetrate them, not for frontal assaults.

Whether it's fighting in urban warfare or launching a frontal assault on high ground, we must never waste these valuable special operations elites as cannon fodder.

Lelouch simply saluted silently, accepting the order, but he also realized that the Duke seemed to have underestimated the siege of Stenford and Mount Kemer.

The success of the previous two flanking maneuvers raised their expectations. Did they really think they could take a town and the most important mountain on the south side of Ypres Heights in just one week?
Lelouch didn't want to directly contradict his superior, lest it damage morale and shake the army's spirits, but he couldn't help but warn him of the potential risks involved.

After much deliberation, Lelouch finally said tactfully, "Then I wish the troops participating in the assault all the best in achieving these two small goals within a week. However, I still think we should not underestimate the Bretonnians' determination to hold out to the end."

I actually have some ideas about mountain assaults and urban assaults, if Your Highness is interested and willing to contribute the budget..."

The Duke had complete faith in Lelouch's judgment and immediately declared, "Just tell me, money and resources are no problem, as long as the method works."

Lelouch: "I think that if we are to face urban street fighting scenarios in the future, we might consider equipping some soldiers with shotguns to deal with close-quarters combat indoors. In addition, long-handled wooden grenades are not very suitable for combat in confined spaces."

Previously, due to time constraints, I only improved the long-handled grenade for grenade launchers. In the future, we may be able to imitate the Burma army's pineapple grenade and produce this type of grenade for defensive or indoor use. It is lighter, has a higher explosive charge ratio and more fragments, but the throwing distance is shorter.

Some other ideas are not yet clear. If problems arise in practice, we can analyze them in detail based on the specific circumstances.

Duke Rupprecht only thought for a few seconds before accepting the two suggestions: "Very good, shotguns are indeed suitable for this environment. Ask the rear for an emergency batch today. As for the pineapple shotguns, they require a certain production cycle. They won't be able to make it in time for the attack on Stenford this time, but they might be able to make it in time if we attack Ypres or Dunkirk in the future."

"Here's what we'll do. I heard that last time, thanks to your own idea, Bergman & Co. gave you 50,000 marks worth of equity in their R&D company. We can't be stingy. This time when you go back, I'll give you 500,000 marks for operating expenses. Go to Krupp first and get the order for the railway gun and the technical requirements sorted out. The rest is up to your own ideas. If you have any small ideas for military industrial reforms, go ahead and do them. Just remember to report and file them before final implementation."

This already shows a great deal of trust and authorization, and can be considered a "gratitude for recognizing and rewarding talent".

It was Lelouch's series of divine calculations that had built up such a strong reputation. "Thank you for your trust, Your Highness. I shall take my leave now..." Lelouch immediately accepted the order.

The Duke was taken aback: "You're not even going to the Christmas dinner?"

Lelouch: "Time is of the essence, and I also want to visit the military hospital in Brussels on my way back. I'll spend tonight with my wounded comrades."

The Duke looked at him with increasing admiration and stopped interfering, but instead had some gifts prepared.

……

After Lelouch finished handing over his duties in the afternoon and leaving military affairs to Captain Lister, the company commander of Company C, he drove away from the front line and spent the afternoon driving back to Brussels in the rear.

Also accompanying him on his temporary leave to the rear was Major Bock, the battalion commander—this was also planned, because Major General Karl said that Bock's uncle was the Chief of the General Staff, and taking him along to Krupp to place orders and make requests would make it easier to gain Krupp's attention.

Despite the fruitful results of the Christmas Eve raid, the assault battalion also suffered heavy losses, with many officers and soldiers wounded.

The two platoons that were at the forefront of the infiltration mission suffered the highest casualty rate.

Lelouch arrived at the Brussels military hospital, inquired about available beds, and went straight to the ward where the two platoon leaders, Model and Dieter, were located.

Model was slightly touched to see the company commander appear on Christmas Eve, and nudged Dieter, who had been unconscious the night before and had just woken up.

"The commander knew I wouldn't be attending the Christmas victory dinner to come see you, so he specially approved some nutritional supplements. Keep these condensed milk and canned beef for yourselves. Is your wound all treated?"

Lelouch casually put down the food as soon as he entered and then asked about his injuries.

Model pointed to the tattered bulletproof vest and broken helmet placed on the back of the chair next to the hospital bed.

Model was stabbed by a bayonet during close combat with the enemy in the trenches during the final stages of the Christmas Eve infiltration assault. However, the 3-centimeter-thick dense silk bulletproof vest also had some stab resistance, so the bayonet only penetrated a little over an inch into the flesh before being caught in the silk.

In the close-quarters combat environment of the trenches, rifles were ineffective, but pistols could still be fired. Model was twice shot in the chest and abdomen by a Burgundian officer with a pistol, but both times his silk bulletproof vest, worth three thousand marks, protected him, leaving him with two bruises and subcutaneous bleeding.

After treating his wound, the doctor said he wasn't in serious condition and would recover in a week. He could be discharged in three days if he wanted, and after his dressing was changed, he could go to the front lines and wait for it to heal.

Dieter, who led the machine gun platoon, was more seriously injured than him.

Although Dieter's position was further back, allowing him to hide in the trenches and avoid being at the forefront, his machine gun position was also targeted by the enemy last night.

While Dieter was peeking out to observe enemy fire, he was hit by a stray bullet on his M15 steel helmet, which resembled the M56 helmet of later generations.

That was a full-power rifle bullet. Fortunately, the angle of attack was too large, causing it to ricochet. The helmet was pierced twice, and after the bullet hit, it deflected and bounced out, leaving a bloody gash on the forehead. The skin and flesh were completely torn open, and even several millimeters of the skull were worn away. It is estimated that there is some mild concussion, and the patient will have to stay in bed for one or two months.

“You are all warriors. I put you on the most dangerous mission. These are all the supplies I got from dealing with the Britannians that day. Keep them for your recovery expenses. I also emphasized your contributions in the report, saying that you were the main operatives in cutting off the enemy's railway line last night. The division commander has already signed the documents. Once you are discharged from the hospital, the formalities will be completed and you will be promoted to lieutenant.”

Lelouch felt ashamed after seeing his comrade's injuries, and explained the conditions he had secured.

As he spoke, he left Model two thousand marks and Dieter three thousand marks. This was equivalent to six months' and nine months' salary, respectively.

The two were deeply moved and quickly said that they couldn't do that, as they had already received official war injury compensation.

"Sir, how can we let you bear this burden... Besides, many of our comrades were more seriously wounded than us last night, and so many more died in battle..."

Lelouch's face hardened, and he said in an unquestionable tone, "I have my own way of handling things, and I will ensure fairness! You can take what you need! I know what's going on with the others too."

Lelouch wouldn't mention that he himself had cashed out a total of 80 marks; that was none of anyone else's business, and only he knew the details. All the men needed to know was that their company commander was absolutely fair and just.

Lelouch also decided that after this matter was settled, he must find an Italian arms dealer and buy more silk bulletproof vests, each costing 3,000 marks, to ensure that at least one of the promising officers he valued would receive one.

Later, once they've all earned merit and been promoted, these "potential talents" will gradually disperse, and they'll become company commanders and battalion commanders. At that time, they won't be as close to the front lines as they are now, and their personal safety won't be as urgent.

Once this battle is over, the current two assault battalions will definitely be expanded. Even if the Junkers' officer corps doesn't react that quickly and only imitates the expansion within the Bari army groups, equipping each of the 12 divisions with one assault battalion, the total number will still reach six times the current number.

Therefore, Lelouch's elite core members may very well become ordinary soldiers who, if released, could serve as deputy squad leaders, leading a 6-person fire support team or an 8-person assault team.

Every soldier under his command will at least become a corporal or even a sergeant in the future. Every platoon leader under his command can be sent out to become a company commander. Most of them will be promoted one rank. This is a group of valuable talents that should not be underestimated.

After visiting Model and Dieter, Lelouch also comforted the other unnamed wounded comrades, giving them Christmas gifts: a box of condensed milk and a can of beef for each of them.

Finally, amidst the tears of emotion from his comrades, Lelouch bid farewell and departed, traveling overnight by train with Battalion Commander Major Bock to Düsseldorf in Essen.

They slept in the train sleeper berth, and the next morning, they took the documents approved by the Duke and headed straight to the Krupp headquarters.

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PS: Although it's not available for purchase yet... I've already written 8,000 words today. I just hope to get through the slower parts of the plot as soon as possible, so that the main storyline can progress a little bit every day and make it more comfortable for everyone to follow along.

I've been updating 8,000 words a day during the free period, so please comment, follow, favorite, and vote every day. That's not too much to ask, is it?

Please, this book is on the life-or-death line of whether it can be included in the Three Rivers (a popular online literature platform). If everyone promises to follow the updates daily and comment as much as possible, there's a chance. But if we stop following the updates, we'll be immediately removed from the Three Rivers candidate list.

(End of this chapter)