I was a tycoon in World War I: Starting to save France

Chapter 1025: Using the German fleet to wear down the British Royal Fleet?
In Pontisay, Belgium, Charles's command post remains firmly in place.

Charles knew very well that the war in other areas was basically settled and there was no risk.

While the much-anticipated Mediterranean campaign was important and even historically significant, the aircraft carriers and carrier-based aircraft had already created a generational gap for Britain.

Under these circumstances, nothing unexpected is likely to happen, and of course, there is no need for Charles to give orders.

Charles does not advocate weapon-centric or spiritual theories, nor does he say things like "the most important person in war."

He believes that war has always been a confrontation between "people and equipment".

People without equipment are useless, and equipment without people is equally useless; neither can be lacking.

The problem with the Royal Navy now is that while its personnel are comparable to those of the French, with its sailors having more combat experience, its equipment is far inferior to that of the French.

As a result, the situation became one where France relentlessly attacked them, and the role of "people" was completely rendered ineffective.

General Winter, General Elvis, and the British naval officers and men... Charles believed that many of them were willing to fight to the last moment and die for their country.

Unfortunately, they didn't have that opportunity.

They hadn't even seen their opponent; they were merely targets for bombers. Continuing would only result in a pointless and undignified sinking to the bottom of the sea.

This is the main reason why they ultimately chose to surrender.

just now.

Charles believed that the relationship between France and Germany was always important, which is why he was stationed in Pontiacburg.

With nothing to do, Charles casually opened a few letters piled up next to his desk.

The letters to Ciel have been constant, mostly from Ciel's fans, including some fanatics who send letters every week to Ciel seeking advice and discussing new tactics.

Ciel generally ignored these things.

After the victory in the Mediterranean campaign, the number of letters increased several times over, reaching several thousand a day at its peak, and they came from all over the world.

This kept the staff officers who were specifically tasked with handling these letters extremely busy.

The letter in my hand came from Africa. I must have been a child. He expressed his gratitude to Charles in his childish language and broken French:
"It is you who brought us hope, General."

"Otherwise, we will never see freedom, nor will we ever have independence."

"When I grow up, I hope to become someone like you."

"I may not be able to reach your level, but I will certainly uphold your French spirit and contribute to human peace."

Another letter was opened; it was from a Greek university student:
"Before this, I had never found my purpose in life, General. I felt that everything I was doing was meaningless."

"Born, grow up, learn, earn money to survive, and finally die."

"Life is just like this, repeating the path that others have walked."

"But now I know what to do. You showed me the way, you opened a window to this filthy and ugly world, bringing it happiness and beauty!"

……

Charles couldn't stand it anymore.

He knew exactly what he was doing and that the so-called "French spirit" was just an excuse; he didn't have such lofty beliefs.

Therefore, every compliment increased Charles's psychological burden, and every word in the letter carried a scathing sarcasm.

“Move these elsewhere to handle them,” Charles told his staff. “These shouldn’t be here interfering with command.”

"Yes, General." The staff officer responded, hurriedly leading the guards to move boxes upon boxes of letters out of Charles's sight.

"General." At that moment, a staff officer delivered a telegram: "The British have sunk three merchant ships in the Suez Canal, blocking the waterway."

“Oh.” Charles pondered for a moment, recalling the map in his mind, and understood what Britain was trying to do.

“Summon Etzberger,” Charles ordered.

"Yes, General." ...

Soon after, Etzberger appeared in Charles's office.

As chairman of the Armistice Commission, Etzberger spent most of his time in Liège, serving as a bridge between Germany and France.

To ensure the smooth operation of this "line," Germany specifically assigned an "armistice command post" to Etzberger in Liege.

In addition, two special planes were chartered so that they could fly back to Berlin in the shortest possible time to report in case of an emergency.

“Lieutenant General.” Etzberger removed his top hat, bowed to Charles, and smiled obsequiously.
"It is an honor to hear that your fleet has defeated the British Royal Navy in the Mediterranean."

"I can't believe it, the warships you captured from the Mediterranean Fleet could even form a fleet."

"Of course, I believe you don't need to do that."

If the Charr possesses an aircraft carrier that can make all battleships targets, then the Charr certainly doesn't need battleships.

At least that's what Etzberger thinks.

However, this idea is wrong.

Destroyers could be converted into escorts for aircraft carriers, and battleships could still play a role in combat against the British Royal Fleet, or be used for land bombing during amphibious operations.

After all, these are pre-made items, and it wouldn't make sense not to "make use of them."

Charles didn't offer much explanation. He picked up the telegram from the table and handed it to Etzberger: "What are your thoughts on this?"

When Etzberger received the telegram, he was shocked to learn that the British had sunk a ship and blocked the Suez Canal route.

Isn't this an important waterway connecting it with its colonies?

The next second he understood, and his expression changed from confusion to mockery: "They're scared, Lieutenant General. They want to blockade the French fleet in the Mediterranean."

Charles hummed in agreement: "And then?"

“Then…” Etzberger paused for a moment, “then they will try to blockade the Strait of Gibraltar with their fleet.”

It is pointless to block the Suez Canal without blocking the Strait of Gibraltar.

Charles then asked, "And then?"

Etzberger considered for a moment, then shook his head blankly; being a non-military person, this was the only way he could think of.

Charles gestured for Etzberger to come forward, pointing to the Brest shipyard on the map and saying:

"Then the British will attack here."

"This is another important port in France besides Toulon."

"As long as the Royal Navy wins, the French fleet will be permanently blockaded in the Mediterranean."

Etzberger suddenly realized: "So that way Britain can continue to be their hegemon?"

Charles nodded: "So, our crisis is not over yet."

When he said the word "we," Charles deliberately emphasized it.

“Of course, Lieutenant General.” Etzberger understood immediately: “What…what do you want us to do?”

"Is your fleet ready?" Charles stated bluntly, "It's time for them to show their strength."

“Yes, yes, ready, Lieutenant General.” Etzberger’s face was somewhat pale.

Could it be that Charles hopes to use the German fleet to wear down the British Royal Fleet?

If that's the case, the German Navy is doomed!

(End of this chapter)