Chapter 533: Chapter 533 He Has No Idea What He’s Going to Lose
This matter is quite coincidental. Previously, Shire took the initiative to collaborate with Petain in order to break through the parliament’s encirclement of him.
And this cooperation has continued until now. Shire has been providing mines and directional mines for the Verdun front, without interruption.
Now, Shire plans to deepen this relationship further, or at least make others believe he has deepened this relationship.
Thus, even with his tight schedule, he made time to visit Verdun.
...
Verdun Defense Line, Saint Michel Castle Command Center.
The sky drizzled lightly; whether it was related to the war or not, the rainy season had come particularly late this year.
The rainy season is never good for the battlefield, especially for the troops fighting at the River Somme. They will charge at the enemy through the mud.
More seriously, the rainy season is particularly prone to outbreaks of plague. Rainwater soaked with decayed corpses will flood into the trenches, spreading disease everywhere.
At this moment, the pressure on the Verdun front has eased considerably.
The outbreak of the River Somme battle has caused the German Army to deploy a large number of troops and artillery away from Verdun. According to incomplete statistics, at least six artillery regiments and five infantry divisions have been reallocated, and many supplies reserved in Verdun have also been transferred to the River Somme for emergency.
However, Petain believes that it is still too early to launch an attack.
Always emphasizing "defense," he believes that an attack will always consume more materials and troops than the defending side, and a reckless attack could very well eliminate the accumulated advantage.
For example, like the River Somme battle, with 100,000 casualties in a day, the Verdun Defense Line would immediately collapse.
Therefore, Petain’s attitude is extremely cautious. He ordered the troops to hold the Douaumont Line firmly without attacking.
At the same time, he organized a large number of civilians to build roads in the rear, widening and reinforcing the only road leading to Verdun, continuously sending military supplies to the front line through it.
That afternoon, Petain was drinking coffee as usual, tracking the progress of the road expansion.
Expanding and reinforcing the road while transporting supplies is very challenging; it requires nearly perfect coordination and planning, a difficulty no less than fighting a battle.
Suddenly, cheerings came from outside:
"It’s Shire, General Shire is here."
"General Shire is inspecting our defense line!"
...
Petain frowned, wondering why Shire was here.
Inspecting?
He is not my superior, what authority does he have to inspect Verdun?!
Then Petain remembered that during the last meeting at Chantilly Castle, he chose not to support Gallieni.
Damn, this guy might cut off the supplies of mines and directional mines because of that!
Petain’s face changed dramatically. Those are crucial defensive weapons; if their supply is cut off at this critical moment and the German Army hears about it, the recently improved situation could be reversed again.
Thinking of this, Petain hurriedly put on a smile and brought his men out to welcome Shire.
Stepping out of the command center, he saw Shire in a raincoat chatting happily with Major General Lacos. Soldiers around, including Major General Lacos, all looked at Shire with admiration.
Petain felt uncomfortable and his expression involuntarily darkened.
But, thinking about the mines and directional mines, Petain forced a smile and walked up.
Shire noticed Petain coming and took the initiative to shake hands with him: "Long time no see, Major General Petain. How are things?"
"Everything is fine, Major General Shire," Petain replied.
He initially wanted to say, "Your mines and directional mines have been very helpful."
But saying so would seem like Verdun’s victory was Shire’s credit, and it would let Shire know how important the mines and directional mines are and choke Verdun’s neck by this.
Thus, Petain swallowed these words.
After a pause, he chose a different expression: "The front line has stabilized. I am widening the road, which is very important."
Widening the road is a measure Shire had not implemented. By emphasizing this, Petain signifies that his approach is different from Shire’s.
He constantly wants to break free from Shire’s shadow.
"Certainly, General." Shire smiled approvingly: "Nothing is more important than supplies; it is the foundation of victory. Your approach is very wise."
Shire’s response surprised Petain.
But he quickly realized that Shire might have a hidden meaning. What Shire emphasized was actually supplies, indirectly referring to mines and directional mines.
Petain’s heart chilled. He said nothing further and made a gesture inviting Shire into the command center.
In the conference room, there were only Shire and Petain. Petain didn’t want their conversation to be overheard, especially regarding mines and directional mines.
This suited Shire perfectly: the two of them in the conference room with no one else present would absolutely look like they were conspiring, perhaps on how to cooperate against British control over the French Army.
"Sorry, Major General Shire," Petain handed Shire a cup of coffee, "I didn’t take a stand at Chantilly last time, due to the pressure from the situation. I knew we couldn’t stop Nivelle from launching an attack."
"I understand." Shire didn’t mind this matter.
This was true; from the beginning, Shire never believed Petain had the ability to stop Nivelle’s attack plan, nor did he intend to stop Nivelle’s attack plan.
This bewildered Petain. If not for this matter, then what was Shire’s purpose here?
Sensing Petain’s confusion, Shire explained: "I came here to see if Verdun needs anything else."
"Anything else?" Petain couldn’t immediately think of what he needed.
Shire raised an eyebrow:
"For example, the rainy season is coming, and you are widening the road. I am not sure if you need tractors?"
Petain was deeply moved.
Tractors are the best transport tools in muddy terrain, whether for moving construction materials for road repair or transporting supplies, they are indispensable. They can even leave the road and bring large quantities of supplies to the front line, even during the rainy season when road conditions deteriorate.
Shire continued: "You know, I happen to own a tractor factory."
Petain hesitated instead: "Major General, I know these tractors are not cheap, and our budget is very limited..."
It was a time of extreme scarcity of materials and rapid devaluation of the franc, making it difficult to purchase tractors.
"Free." Shire generously spread his hands: "I am personally donating them to the Verdun front, the first batch of one hundred. If it’s not enough, I will continue to add more."
Petain was stunned and remained speechless for a long time: "Really? That would be wonderful! You are indeed a generous friend, Major General Shire."
"It’s only right." Shire smiled slightly: "For France, for Verdun, and for our cooperation!"
Petain nodded emotionally: "Of course, Major General!"
Afterwards, Petain seemed to understand why Shire was doing this.
Shire was fighting against Nivelle’s faction, while Petain stood in the middle, becoming an object of both sides vying for favor.
Good thing, this is absolutely good. He could benefit from both sides!
Petain’s lips showed a hint of a smug smile, thinking his previous worries were unnecessary.
Shire also smiled slightly; this guy had no idea what he was going to lose!