Chapter 576: An Unusual Holiday
Charles had initially planned to visit the Kobdo Newspaper, as well as the motorcycle factory, artillery factory, and the newly built tank gun testing facility. He had even thought about making time to meet with Wells and Steed.
Among these, Wells was particularly important. It was said that the navy had retrofitted 12 destroyers and, after weeks of training, they were ready to hunt German submarines. Charles thought it necessary to discuss the specific details with him.
At this moment, Charles truly understood the meaning of being "buried in endless affairs." The sheer number of issues overwhelmed him.
Sometimes, he even wondered how these projects operated so efficiently when he left them unattended during battles. Perhaps his "concern leads to confusion," and they managed just fine without his supervision.
However, in the end, none of Charles's plans came to fruition.
...
It was the fifth day of the holiday. The rain had stopped, and the weather grew increasingly cold. When Charles woke up, he noticed a thin layer of white frost on the rooftop.
After breakfast with Djoka, Charles planned to visit the artillery factory together. Although the British 6-inch, 26-hundredweight gun had a shorter range compared to the German 105mm gun, combined with rocket artillery in guerrilla tactics and air superiority, it was sufficient.
More importantly, Charles's purpose in producing this artillery was to develop the artillery industry and nurture talent within his system. With sufficient accumulation, he could eventually rival Schneider.
As Camille placed a platter of frost grapes on the table, she turned to Charles and asked, "Christmas is almost here. Can you ask for a few more days off?"
Djoka looked at Charles expectantly and chimed in, "Yes, if you request just three more days, you could spend Christmas Eve at home!"
"No, Mother," Charles shook his head lightly. "That’s not possible."
"Why not?" Camille was puzzled, her tone carrying a hint of displeasure. "You've done so much for France, and those people in Parliament won’t even let you stay home for Christmas?"
"This has nothing to do with them; it’s the military," Charles replied.
Djoka seemed to catch on. "Are you referring to last year's Christmas truce incident?"
"Yes," Charles nodded.
Camille, still confused, asked, "What does that have to do with Charles? Didn't he resolve that issue last year?"
Djoka sighed and shook his head. "Similar incidents might happen again this year, Camille, so the front line is tense."
Camille finally understood, lowering her head as she silently ate.
It wasn’t just "tension." To prevent another "truce" like last year, the British and French high commands had decided to initiate artillery bombardments and even offensives every Christmas from now on. They believed only such measures could sustain hostility between the two sides and prevent soldiers from "laying down their arms" to drink and sing together.
After a while, Camille complained again, "At the very least, during the holiday, let Charles rest properly at home."
Her words were directed at Djoka.
Djoka looked innocent. This wasn’t his doing; Charles was the one who wanted to keep himself so busy.
Charles pretended to focus on his food, as if he hadn’t heard.
Upon reflection, many tasks could still proceed without his involvement, but the speed and efficiency would drop significantly.
At that moment, a courier rushed past the window, followed shortly by urgent knocking on the door.
Charles sensed something amiss—something had happened.
Indeed, the telegram was from Foch.
Charles and Foch pretended to be at odds, so unless it was an emergency, Foch rarely sent him telegrams directly.
The message was simple, consisting of only a few words: "The Sixth Army Group has been transferred to Gembloux, Belgium."
Belgium? Gembloux? Charles was puzzled. As the commander of the army group, he hadn't even been informed that his troops had been relocated. He had assumed they were still on the Somme River.
Additionally, Christine hadn’t reported anything, which indicated that the army group might have already been taken over and the move kept confidential—even from him, the commander.
Were they planning to remove him as commander of the army group? Highly unlikely. Disbanding him right after quelling a mutiny would cause fear and backlash among the soldiers.
So, what was the purpose of this move? Control!
Charles realized that this seven-day holiday might not be coincidental; it was likely orchestrated by Parliament, or perhaps even the British.
"I must return, Mother," Charles said, giving her a brief explanation. He didn't even have time to pack, grabbing only his military coat before rushing out to hop into Laurent's car.
"Wait, Charles..." Camille hurriedly wrapped some apple pastries and frost grapes to bring to him, but by the time she reached the driveway, the car had already disappeared.
Djoka followed her out, standing beside Camille as they watched Charles leave. He then turned to comfort her, "The front-line troops need him, Camille."
Camille shook her head, her voice trembling slightly. "He didn’t even get to finish his holiday."
...
This situation stemmed from Foch’s underestimation of Parliament.
Foch, who had spent 25 years as a professor at the military academy before returning to active service a year prior to the war, didn’t fully grasp the nuances of Parliamentary politics.
He thought Parliament’s decision to transfer the Sixth Army Group to Belgium, placing Charles's two units together, would suffice. Charles, with his extraordinary command ability, could easily maintain control over them.
However, he underestimated Parliament’s skill in political maneuvering and military control.
Before Foch took office, Clemenceau had already held a secret meeting with Briand in the Prime Minister's office.
"The Sixth Army Group is being sent to Belgium?" Briand leaned back on the sofa, tugging lightly at his beard.
Sitting across from him, Clemenceau noticed the gesture and knew Briand was displeased with the decision.
"We are in a difficult position, Mr. Prime Minister," Clemenceau explained. "We all know Charles’s military genius. If the Sixth Army Group remains on the Somme or elsewhere, his influence will rapidly expand within the Central Army Group and the Eastern Army Group."
He continued, "If we place him in Belgium, it would be much better. At least the British are there to act as a counterbalance."
"Have you considered," Briand mused, elegantly holding a coffee cup, "that for Charles, controlling just the Sixth Army Group might already be enough?"
This was Charles, after all—a man who could rout the Germans with just 20,000 troops. Now, you’re handing him 200,000 more!
"Of course, Mr. Prime Minister," Clemenceau replied. "That’s why we made certain arrangements while Charles was on holiday."