Chapter 220 The Popular "Charles A1"

Charles did not go anywhere that day. He just stayed at home to sleep. He read books when he woke up, and went back to sleep when he was tired. He only went downstairs for lunch when Camille called him.

He didn't care about anything and didn't think about anything. He forgot all the political intrigues, business intrigues, and the open and secret struggles on the battlefield.

Only then did Charles realize that the days that he thought were boring before seemed to be beautiful.

In the evening, when Deyoka came back from the factory and sat at the dining table, he casually said: "Count Spee didn't abandon the ship in the end, which is worthy of respect!"

"Count Spee?" Charles asked: "Scharnhorst?"

"You don't know?" Deyoka was a little surprised. Charles usually knew military affairs first.

The next second, Deyoka understood that Charles had stayed at home for a day and was almost isolated from the outside world.

"It happened in the morning." Deyoka explained: "The exact time is not clear, but the Spee fleet was almost wiped out, and only an auxiliary ship and a light cruiser escaped."

When Deyoka said this, there was a trace of regret on his face.

This is a bit strange. The Spee fleet was the enemy, and they were defeated by their ally Britain, but Dejoka had this expression.

Charles said "hmm" and said nothing.

This is the problem with naval warfare during this period. Slow warships are almost impossible to escape. Count Spee should have known this when he decided to attack the Falkland Islands.

However...

He chose to retreat after failing to strike, which seemed a bit hasty.

Even if he wanted to retreat, he should have left one or two warships in the main position for cover. If they were sunk, they could block the British army's route out of the port, so that the main force could escape.

Otherwise, one after another would be sunk by faster battlecruisers, and there would be no suspense.

...

The next day, when Charles returned to Paris to serve as usual, he just walked into the second-floor command post, and the staff cheered at Charles again:

"Salute to Colonel Charles!"

...

Lieutenant Colonel Fernand saluted Charles respectfully and said half-jokingly: "Colonel, I finally don't have to call you sir!"

As a lieutenant colonel obeying the command of a major, it is indeed a bit awkward to call him by his rank directly. Charles would not have this problem if he was promoted to colonel.

Charles looked at Gallieni in confusion.

If he was promoted from lieutenant to major by two levels, it would be understandable, because he was a low-ranking officer, but if he was promoted from major to colonel by two levels, it would be a bit exaggerated.

Pétain became a colonel at the age of 58, and Charles is only 17 now.

Gallieni seemed to understand Charles's idea. He handed the promotion documents to Charles and said meaningfully: "This is what you deserve, Colonel. I think they will not object to saving more than 30,000 people. In addition, this can also be said to be an early adulthood gift!"

Charles' heart skipped a beat. He understood what Gallieni meant.

Once Charles came of age, there was no restriction of "not being able to go to the battlefield". In the French army, even celebrities like Foch had to go to the battlefield to command, and Charles was certainly no exception.

So, Charles was always promoted during this period, not only because of his military exploits, but also because Gallieni did it on purpose.

His intention was obvious. If Charles had to go to the battlefield one day, the rank of colonel would undoubtedly bring him more resources.

Charles silently compared his power in the parliament in his mind:

Steed's Republican Party plus Wells's Radical Socialist Party, compared with Schneider's Socialist Party and the right wing, still had a disadvantage in comparison, not to mention that there were dozens of political parties with complicated relationships.

It seems that I can't catch up with the turnaround before adulthood!

"Another good news!" Gallieni raised his head to Charles: "How much do you plan to sell your 'Charle A1' tank for?"

Charle had already thought of the price and answered very straightforwardly: "30,000 francs, General!"

This time Charles learned his lesson. The "Saint-Chamond" tank is 21,000 francs. The "Charle A1" tank is a tank that can win battles. It is not excessive to sell it more expensive than the "Saint-Chamond".

In fact, Charles still left Gallieni some room for bargaining, but Gallieni just frowned and said "hmm", contrary to his usual practice, he did not bargain.

After thinking for a while, Gallieni asked again: "I want to know, if we buy a certain number of 'Charle A1' tanks, can we break through the enemy's defense line?"

Charle instantly understood what Gallieni meant.

Although Charles often won on the front line, the two armies were still in a state of anxiety overall.

Galieni seemed to want to change this situation with the "Charle A1".

But Charles shook his head and replied: "I don't think so, General. The 'Charr A1' tank can still only be used for short-distance breakthroughs. It always has track or other problems. In addition, the enemy may use some simple methods to stop the tank from moving forward."

"What method?" Gallieni asked puzzledly.

Charles leaned closer and lowered his voice to answer: "They just need to dig the trench wider."

Galieni said "Oh" and nodded to show that he understood. This is indeed a "simple method."

In fact, Charles did not go into details.

As the saying goes, "the higher the virtue, the higher the evil." If Germany knew how to dig an "anti-tank trench", that is, dig a trench deeper and wider than an ordinary trench in front of the position, and set up barbed wire and mines in it, then the tanks would only be able to stare at it.

Of course, Charles would not express this idea easily. It would be as stupid as Britain developing torpedo boats despite having the most battleships.

One day, if the Germans themselves find this way, Charles will have no choice but to accept his fate.

"Okay!" Gallieni said with helplessness on his face: "The military plans to buy 500 vehicles!"

Charles was frightened by this figure. 500 cars was 15 million francs, big business!

But when you think about it, it’s not surprising. This tank has sold more than 3,000 units in just one year in history. This is just the beginning!

Then Gallieni handed Charles a list and said: "In addition, several countries have also applied to our government. They want to purchase this tank, including the United States. I think you should find it." Time to talk to them!”

"Yes, General!" Charles responded.

He took the list and looked at it, and suddenly understood why Gallieni didn't bargain.

There are so many countries rushing to get it, and there are still a lot of orders. The United States even hopes to authorize production... This means producing a batch.

If Gallieni continues to bargain at this time, Charles may find excuses to reduce supply.

Charles sighed in his heart: It's different if someone is snatching it. Next time, he should try his best to create this kind of rush-buying atmosphere.

Or, you can find a few agents to cooperate with you!