Trench Bolts and Magic

Chapter 205 New Orders

"Let's go, Captain Morin, the general is still waiting for you."

Seeing that Morin was standing there in a daze, the major urged him again.

"Okay, sir."

Morin snapped out of his daze, stuffed the three letters in his hand into his inner pocket, and then followed the officer into the staff vehicle.

The car drove north and soon arrived at the temporary command post of the Second Army Group again.

Stepping into the familiar yet somewhat disliked command tent, Morin immediately spotted General Bilo circling a map.

Upon seeing Morin enter, General Bilo immediately stopped the discussion and gave a fairly genuine smile.

"Captain Morin, you've arrived. Come here quickly."

He beckoned to Morin, gesturing for him to come to the map.

Morin saluted and walked to the map, already prepared to argue his case against any 'unreasonable' mission.

"That's right, Captain Morin."

General Bilo pointed to an area on the map and said bluntly:

"The General Staff has just issued new operational orders. We need to launch a large-scale attack on the junction of the Brittany Expeditionary Force and the Gallic Fifth Army."

"The junction?" Morin looked in the direction he was pointing; that area was located between Alas and Saint-Quentin.

"Yes."

General Bilo nodded and continued:
"The First Army will launch a major offensive in the north, with General Mackensen personally commanding the main force. Our Second Army's mission is to draw on a portion of elite troops to form a temporary combat group to cooperate with the First Army's operations from the south and completely sever the connection between the Britannians and the Gauls."

As Morin listened, he roughly understood.

Isn't this a classic pincer movement?

"This temporary combat group will be personally commanded by General Ludendorff."

General Bilo turned his gaze to Morin:
"And your training assault battalion will also participate in this operation as the spearhead of the combat group."

Hearing this, Morin felt a sense of relief.

Fortunately, I wasn't sent deep into enemy territory to carry out some kind of infiltration mission alone, but rather I was part of a larger force, cooperating in combat.

Moreover, this battle was supported by the First Army Group, and two friendly divisions were following behind, making the safety level much higher than the last one in Charleroi.

“I have no problem, General! I will carry out orders without hesitation,” Morin replied crisply.

“Very good.” General Bilo nodded in satisfaction.

After thinking for a moment, Morin couldn't help but ask, "General, I'm a little curious, why are we suddenly being asked to assist the First Army in combat? Isn't our main mission to advance south?"

Upon hearing this question, General Bilo's expression became slightly unnatural. He coughed lightly and mumbled:
"This is a unified deployment by the General Staff, for the victory of the entire Western Front. Yes, that's it."

He certainly wouldn't tell Morin that just last night, the commander of the First Army, the highly respected General Mackensen, whom even he treated with awe, personally sent him a 'friendly' telegram.

The telegram was simple. General Mackensen first extended his 'warmest congratulations' on the Second Army's brilliant victory at Charleroi.

He then “suggested” that in the upcoming battle, Bilo could send elite troops, “including but not limited to the training assault battalion,” to assist the First Army in launching a “decisive” strike against the enemy at the junction of the two armies.

When he received the telegram, Bilo almost spat out the coffee he was drinking.

This is no 'suggestion,' this is clearly an order!
Moreover, they specifically named the assault battalion as the targets of their instruction.

Bilo knew very well that General Mackenson, who had a close relationship with Morin, probably knew about how he had used the Training Assault Battalion as cannon fodder a few days ago, and also valued the Training Assault Battalion's combat capabilities.

Would he dare refuse? No, he wouldn't.

Firstly, Mackensen's seniority and prestige are undeniable; he can't afford to offend him.
Secondly, when he attacked the Liege and Namur fortress complex, he borrowed their precious armored airships.

It's time to repay this favor.

Therefore, Bilo had no choice but to accept it reluctantly, and even had to put on an act of 'actively cooperating and considering the overall situation'.

Of course, he wouldn't go into the details of these power struggles between high-level officials with Morin.

Seeing General Bilo's evasive manner, Morin guessed what was going on.

It's probably some kind of deal between high-level officials, where they used themselves as bargaining chips.

But he didn't care. As long as he wasn't sent to his death, what did it matter who he fought?
Moreover, this mission sounds quite promising.

"General, about my troops," Morin began, preparing to bring up the issue of troop rest and replenishment as previously agreed.

Before he could finish speaking, General Bilo waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, I've already thought about the arrangements for the training and commando battalion."

He had a "don't worry about me" expression on his face.

"I know your troops have just gone through a major battle and need rest and replenishment, but the situation is urgent, so I can only ask you to make do for now. However, the compensation will definitely satisfy you!" General Bilo's tone carried a hint of smugness.

"In addition to the fact that all personnel have been replenished, I have specifically instructed the logistics department to prepare ample supplies for you, based on three times the ammunition consumption you demonstrated in the Charleroi battle! I guarantee you'll have a blast!"

"in addition."

General Bilo paused for a moment, then dropped a bombshell.

"The 77mm field artillery battalion that was temporarily assigned to you is now officially under the command of your training assault battalion, effective today! And that's not all."

General Bilo's smile widened as he looked at Morin's gleaming eyes.
"This field artillery battalion itself has also been reinforced!"

He walked to the map, picked up a red pencil, and drew a circle around Charleroi's location.

"Didn't the 8st Imperial Guard Cavalry Division capture twelve 75mm magic cannons from the Gauls in the southern suburbs of Charleroi? You also captured a few more in the street fighting. I discussed it with General Hopner, and we finally managed to gather eight 75mm magic cannons to form two magic cannon companies, which will also be reinforced to your artillery battalion!"

"Oh haha~"

Morin raised an eyebrow in surprise. The other party's sudden generosity made him doubt that the mission was as simple as he had made it out to be.

A 77mm field artillery battalion consists of three artillery companies, with a total of twelve 77mm field guns.

Now, two more companies of 75mm magic cannons have been added, making it eight cannons in total.

This means that he now directly commands an enhanced artillery battalion with twenty cannons!

Moreover, an infantry battalion is attached to an artillery battalion.

This is absolutely unprecedented in the history of the Saxon Army.

Seeing Morin's somewhat surprised expression, General Bilo laughed heartily, appearing to be in a very good mood.

"Hahaha, you're surprised? I even told those captured Gallic artillerymen to do nothing but train our gunners for the next two days, teaching them how to operate those magic cannons. What do you think, Captain Morin? Isn't my arrangement generous enough?"

"That's great! General, you're a good man!" Morin nodded. The increased artillery firepower was definitely good news for the training assault battalion.

This is like a pork knuckle falling from the sky!

He now understands why they say "the squeaky wheel gets the grease."

The effect of my commotion at the command post a few days ago was immediate.

Not only did they resolve the issues of the unit's positioning and benefits, but they also managed to acquire a reinforced artillery battalion.

"Alright, Captain Morin, these cannons weren't given to you for nothing."

General Bilo patted Morin on the shoulder, his tone becoming more serious:
"I'm giving you such strong firepower in the hope that you can achieve even better results in the upcoming battles and not disappoint me or General Mackensen."

"Yes, General!" Morin immediately stood at attention and saluted, his voice booming.

"Ah."

General Bilo nodded, then added:
"Oh, and there's one more thing about your achievements in Charleroi. The General Staff replied very quickly; all the fallen and wounded soldiers will receive the highest level of compensation and honors. Those who participated in the battle will also receive corresponding medals. As for you personally..."

General Bilo looked Morin up and down, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"After this battle, it'll be time for your rank to be promoted. Do a good job, Captain. Oh no, future Major."

No one could be unhappy upon hearing that they were about to be promoted, and Morin was no exception, so he saluted General Bilo again.

"Hehe, thank you for your guidance, General!"

"Alright, stop with the platitudes."

Bilo waved his hand. Of course he knew that Morin was joking with him. After all, just a couple of days ago, this young captain had been eager to kill him.

"Hurry back and prepare. General Ludendorff has already set off with the main force of two divisions. Your training assault battalion is highly mobile. I'm giving you time to complete all preparations before noon and then set off immediately, using trucks to catch up with the main force."

"Yes!"

After finishing his conversation with General Bilo, Morin left the army group headquarters with light steps.

Upon returning to camp, Morin immediately sought out Kleist and Manstein, conveying the new combat mission and departure time to them.

"What? We're getting ready to leave now?" Kleist and Manstein were both taken aback.

"That's right, the order is urgent."

Morin nodded, then continued giving instructions:

"Immediately notify the entire battalion to complete all pre-departure preparations as quickly as possible! Check weapons, distribute ammunition, and pack personal equipment! Also, have the supply truck drivers check all their precious trucks, fill them with Brilliant Crystal fuel, and try to avoid any problems along the way!"

"Yes, Battalion Commander!" The two men accepted the order and immediately went off to relay it.

The entire training assault battalion camp instantly became noisy, with soldiers quickly switching from rest to combat readiness, and everything proceeding in an orderly manner.

(End of this chapter)