I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 55: After Revision - Harassment Tactics

Shire patiently listened to Gallieni finish recounting the events, almost losing his breath.

"It can’t be used for frontal combat, General!" Shire said.

"I guessed as much!" Gallieni replied. "I read Major Brownie’s report; he relied on side paths to infiltrate the rear of the defensive line and catch the enemy off guard. Are the sidecar units only capable of this kind of combat? The battlefield situation has changed since Major Brownie’s big victory. The Germans are now on guard when stationed; they’ll dig two trenches in front and behind their camps at the very least!"

This is the principle of "having a spear means having a shield." The battlefield is a place where enemy and ally both use their lives to counter each other. The Germans can’t keep getting slaughtered by sidecars again and again without taking action.

Digging trenches is a good method. Sidecars don’t have the trench-crossing capability of tracked tanks, and a small trench is enough to block their path.

But the role of sidecars is not just for surprise attacks.

Shire thought for a moment, then said, "We could try harassment tactics; they might suit the current situation!"

"Harassment tactics?" Gallieni’s confused voice came through the receiver.

"Yes!" Shire explained. "It’s similar to bypassing the enemy’s defensive line to penetrate the rear, but aimed at harassing the main forces!"

Gallieni didn’t quite understand: "What if they still have defenses? And not all routes are suitable for sidecar attacks!"

Surprise attacks launched by sidecars require specific terrain, at least a wide open area that is relatively flat; otherwise, passing through alone would be difficult, let alone attacking.

"That’s why I said harassment instead of offense!" Shire explained. "We don’t need many, just a few units appearing around the enemy to fire a few shots, day and night. They don’t even need to cross the trenches!"

Gallieni gave an "Oh," seemingly starting to understand.

Shire continued, "The task of the sidecars is to intimidate the enemy, causing them to frequently organize defenses or slow their march. They might even get repeatedly startled at night, resulting in sleep deprivation. After a few days, they’ll be exhausted! Once the enemy is lax in their defenses or small squads are isolated, the sidecars can concentrate their forces to launch a surprise attack on the enemy..."

Gallieni nodded slightly. He was a seasoned veteran who could appreciate the power of this tactic.

At that point, the harassment sidecars would be like a swarm of flies, circling the enemy, unable to be caught or driven away, preventing them from eating or sleeping in peace. Sidecars, on the other hand, could rely on their terrain familiarity and speed advantage to stay outside the enemy’s shooting range.

Even German artillery would be helpless against such fast-moving, small-target units that could disappear into the forest at any moment.

When the enemy is irritated and on the verge of collapse, that would be the chance to launch an attack!

"Great idea!" Gallieni genuinely praised. "Another tactic that could allow the weak to defeat the strong, it seems you treat warfare as a game to toy with the opponent!"

Gallieni’s tone carried some regret. Using a military genius like Shire in business was a sheer waste; he should be an advisor devising battle strategies and training troops to learn these tactics.

Shire reminded, "This tactic sounds simple, but it’s difficult to implement, General. It’s crucial not to rush blindly or attack indiscriminately. The most important thing is thorough intelligence on the enemy, or else one could easily fall into an ambush!"

Pausing for a moment, Shire added, "Speaking of intelligence, I think two-wheel motorcycles are more suitable than sidecars. What do you think?"

"Absolutely right!" Gallieni nodded repeatedly. "Two-wheel motorcycles can traverse almost any mountain path!"

"They could also be used for communication!" Shire added fuel to the fire. "Motorcycles are much faster than horses and more reliable!"

Shire was just short of adding: Order now and get a 10% discount, dear!

Gallieni didn’t notice Shire’s pitch; his mind was filled with the image of communication soldiers riding motorcycles back and forth along roads and trails.

After a while, he sighed, "If it weren’t for you being only 17, I would not believe you haven’t fought in a war!"

Then Gallieni realized his words were inappropriate; no one in France who had fought in a war knew of these tactics or thought of these details.

So, it had nothing to do with having fought in a war! freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

What was the reason?

Was it entirely imagination?

It was too incredible!

On the other end of the phone, Shire just smiled. Gallieni couldn’t fathom that Shire’s knowledge came from advanced modern tactics, wisdom accumulated from thousands of years of human warfare.

"Are there more ideas?" Gallieni’s voice was eager.

"I think special operations are also suitable for the current situation, General!" Shire said.

"Special operations?" Gallieni’s eyes lit up again.

However, just as Gallieni was eager to listen, a burst of noise came through the receiver:

"Release Young Master Shire!"

"You dogs of the capitalists, what evidence do you have to arrest him?"

"Young Master Shire saved France from the Germans, how could he be a German spy?"

...

"A German spy?" Gallieni was baffled. "Which bastard accused Shire of being a spy?!"

The other end of the phone was in chaos; angry workers were forcefully pressing into the tent where Shire was "detained." Even Jules, with soldiers holding rifles horizontally to block them, couldn’t stop them.

Jules loudly explained, "Gentlemen, you’ve misunderstood, we’re just asking Young Master Shire to talk..."

"Lies!" Someone immediately cursed. "We know what Major Laurent said!"

Jules understood now; someone among the soldiers had tipped off the workers, otherwise, the workers wouldn’t know this was an "interrogation."

Just as Jules was about to explain, he saw Lauren storming out angrily:

"Yes, this is an interrogation!"

"Not just Shire, all of you are suspicious..."

"Bang!" A stone flew over, hitting Lauren right in the head. Lauren’s balance crumbled and he fell to the ground, blood trickling from the brim of his hat.

The crowd wasn’t planning to stop; they shouted to break through the soldiers’ defenses.

Just then, Shire emerged from the tent, appearing before the workers at the right moment, "I’m fine, gentlemen, thank you!"

The voice wasn’t loud, but the crowd instantly quieted down. The workers felt relieved seeing Shire:

"Did these bastards torture you?"

"Don’t worry, Young Master Shire, we’re always on your side."

"Anyone could be a spy, but not you!"

...

Shire looked at Lauren, who was wounded and being helped up by his men, feeling even a bit sympathetic!