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

Chapter 56 Harassment Tactics
Charles listened patiently to what Gallieni had said, and he almost choked with anger.

"It is not for direct combat, General!" said Charles.

"I guess so!" Gallieni replied, "I've read Major Browne's report. He took a small path to penetrate the rear of the defense line and caught the enemy off guard. Is this the only way to fight with a sidecar? There have been some changes on the battlefield. Since Major Browne's great victory, the Germans have been on guard when stationing. They will at least dig two trenches in front and behind the station!"

This is the saying “where there is a spear, there is a shield”. The battlefield is a place where both the enemy and us are on guard against each other and risk our lives. It is impossible for the Germans to do nothing and be slaughtered again and again by three-wheeled vehicles.

Digging trenches is a good idea. A sidecar does not have the trench-crossing capabilities of a tracked tank, so a small trench is enough to block its path.

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

Charles thought about it and said, "We can try the harassment tactic. It may be suitable for the current situation!"

"Harassment tactics?" Gallieni's puzzled voice came from the microphone.

"Yes!" Charles explained, "It's the same thing: bypassing the enemy's defense line and going deep into the rear to harass the enemy's main force!"

Gallieni didn't quite understand: "What if they are still on guard? Besides, not all roads are suitable for sidecar attacks!"

The raid launched by a sidecar tricycle has very high requirements on terrain, requiring at least a large open area with relatively flat terrain, otherwise it would be difficult for the sidecar tricycle to pass through, let alone attack.

"That's why I said harassment instead of attack!" Charles explained, "We don't need many, just a few, pop up around the enemy and fire a few shots, day or night, they don't even need to cross the trenches!"

Gallieni said "Oh" and seemed to understand something.

Charles continued, "The mission of the tricycles is to scare the enemy, so that they frequently organize defenses or slow down their march, or wake up in the middle of the night and can't fall asleep. After a few days, they will be exhausted! Once the enemy is careless or a small unit is left alone, the tricycles can concentrate their forces to launch a surprise attack on the enemy..."

Gallieni nodded slightly. He was a veteran who had experienced many battles and could understand the power of this tactic.

At that time, the sidecar tricycles used for harassment will be like a group of flies, surrounding the enemy, unable to catch up or drive away, making it impossible for the enemy to eat and sleep in peace. However, the sidecar tricycles can always rely on their familiarity with the terrain and speed advantage to stay out of the enemy's range.

Even the German artillery was helpless against this fast-moving, small creature that could disappear into the woods at any time.

Wait until the enemy becomes frustrated and on the verge of collapse, then seize the opportunity to launch an attack!

"Very good idea!" Gallieni praised sincerely. "Another tactic that may allow the weak to defeat the strong. You seem to regard war as a game to play with your opponent!"

There was some regret in Gallieni's tone. It was a waste to use a military genius like Charles in business. He should become a staff officer to provide him with advice and strategies, and also train the troops and let the soldiers learn these tactics.

Charles reminded, "This tactic sounds simple, but it is difficult to implement, General. Be sure not to charge blindly or launch an attack at random. The most important thing is to fully grasp the enemy's intelligence, otherwise it is easy to be ambushed by the enemy!"

After a pause, Charles added, "When it comes to obtaining intelligence, I think a two-wheeled motorcycle is more suitable than a three-wheeled motorcycle. What do you think?"

"That's right!" Gallieni nodded repeatedly: "Two-wheeled motorcycles can go on almost any mountain road!"

"It can also be used for communication!" Charles added: "Motorcycles are much faster than horses, and more reliable!"

Charles almost added: There is a 9% discount if you order now, dear!

Gallieni didn't notice that Charles was selling something; at the moment, his mind was full of the signalman driving his motorcycle along the paths and roads.

After a while, he sighed: "If you were not only 17 years old, I would never believe that you had never fought in a war!" Then Gallieni felt that this was not appropriate. All the French who had fought in a war did not know this tactic and had not thought of these key points.

So, it has nothing to do with whether or not there has been a war!
Then why?
Rely entirely on imagination?
It’s incredible!
Charles on the other end of the phone just smiled. Gallieni could not imagine that what Charles knew were advanced modern tactics. They were the wisdom accumulated by mankind on the battlefield for thousands of years.

"Is there any other way to fight?" Gallieni's voice was full of urgency.

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

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

However, just as Gallieni was listening attentively, a noise came from the other end of the microphone:
"Release Master Charles!"

"You capitalists' lackeys, what evidence do you have to arrest people?"

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

……

"A German spy?" Gallieni was confused. "Which bastard did it to accuse Charles of being a spy?!"

There was chaos on the other end of the phone. Angry workers were trying to squeeze in around the tent where Charles was "imprisoned". Even Jules and his soldiers holding rifles horizontally to stop them was of no avail.

Jules explained loudly: "Gentlemen, you misunderstood, we just want to talk to Master Charles..."

"Lies!" someone shouted immediately. "We know what Major Laurent said!"

Jules understood that someone among the soldiers had informed the workers, otherwise the workers would not have known that this was an "interrogation."

Jules was about to explain when Laurent stood up angrily:
"Yes, this is an interrogation!"

"Not just Ciel, every one of you is suspicious..."

"Bang!" a stone flew over and hit Laurent on the head. Laurent lost his balance and fell to the ground, a stream of blood flowed down the brim of his hat.

The people did not intend to give up. They shouted to break through the soldiers' defense.

At this time, Charles came out of the tent and appeared in front of the workers: "I'm fine, gentlemen, thank you!"

The sound was not loud, but the crowd quieted down instantly. The workers were relieved when they saw Charles:
"Did these bastards torture you?"

"Don't worry, Master Charles, we will always stand by you."

"Anyone could be a spy, but you can't be one!"

……

Charles looked at Laurent, who was covered in wounds and was helped up by his subordinates, and he even felt a little bit sorry for him!
(End of this chapter)