This was indeed a trap laid by Charles. While the German A7V tanks were not the most advanced, they possessed formidable firepower: a 57mm cannon flanked by six Maxim machine guns. Despite their clumsy design, these tanks were nearly impregnable fortresses, claiming territory wherever they rolled—even the Charles A1 tanks were no match for them.
The Charles A1 tanks boasted a 25mm front armor plate, but their side armor was only 13mm thick. If the A7V's machine guns were equipped with K-bullets, they could penetrate this thinner side armor at a range of just 100 ters.
Charles knew he had to proceed carefully. Not only did he have to win, but he had to win decisively. Anything less would doom the tens of thousands of French soldiers depending on him to secure their escape route.
…
Back at the Paris Defense Command, Charles pointed to Samock on the map and announced, "I plan to ambush the German tanks here."
"Ambush?" Gallieni looked puzzled. "The enemy's front line is just a few kiloters away. Do you really think you can fool the Germans?"
"I'll establish an air blockade around this area." Charles traced a large circle on the map with his finger. "For several kiloters, we'll have fighter planes driving away any German reconnaissance aircraft."
"That won't be enough, Major," Gallieni replied, shaking his head. "It's difficult to hide a tank, especially in broad daylight. Besides, I've heard the Germans have stationed a small force in Samock to prevent the locals from aiding us."
With German soldiers stationed in the town, any attempt to hide the tanks would be in vain. If Charles' tanks attacked Samock, the local German garrison might not hold, but they'd certainly radio for backup.
"Perhaps," Charles replied with a small grin, "but they won't realize what they're up against."
"What do you an?" Gallieni looked at him quizzically. "Are you suggesting the Germans won't recognize your new tanks as tanks?"
Charles shook his head. "No, I'm saying they'll mistake them for sothing else entirely—a convoy of motorcycle sidecars."
Gallieni raised an eyebrow. "So, you're planning a feint with motorcycle sidecars? The Germans will assu it's just a reconnaissance team?"
"Precisely." Charles penciled a small circle south of Samock on the map. "Our main force—thirty Mark I tanks—will be positioned here. The German scouts will be focused on them, while my new tanks, disguised as tractors, will approach unnoticed."
"Tractors?" Gallieni interjected. "A tank is much larger than a tractor, Major."
"These tanks are small, General." Charles smiled. "They weigh only around eight tons."
Gallieni's eyes widened. "Just eight tons?" That was, indeed, roughly the size of a tractor. If the tanks were this small, disguising them as tractors seed feasible.
Still, Gallieni had reservations. Such a lightweight tank—could it really deliver in battle? By comparison, the Saint-Chamond weighed 27 tons, and even the CA-1 tipped the scales at 14 tons.
…
Charles' plan worked flawlessly. The Charles A1 tanks were camouflaged with wooden fras and canvas covers that concealed the upper parts of their treads, making them appear like simple transport vehicles for ammunition or fuel. Only a select few knew of their true identity, and even the motorcycle troops leading them mistook them for supply tractors.
It wasn't until the tanks reached Samock, where the soldiers removed the fras and canvas, that the truth was revealed. The French soldiers were stunned.
"These things are tanks?"
"I thought they were bread trucks!"
"Is this the smallest tank ever made? Are we that poor?"
…
The soldiers' disbelief was understandable; the Charles A1 was smaller than most tanks, leading many to assu it was an austerity asure. Even Colonel Brawny, the unit commander, was skeptical. The tank's 37mm cannon was technically a cannon, but could such a small caliber even pierce enemy armor?
The battle would soon settle all doubts.
As the fighting began, six Charles A1 tanks equipped with cannons fired a salvo, instantly taking out three German tanks. At a range of over 200 ters, the small tank's shells pierced the sides of the German giants with ease.
The German A7Vs, though imposing, actually had weaker armor than the diminutive Charles A1s in certain areas. As the German tanks sluggishly turned to face their attackers, another volley of shells struck, immobilizing a fourth tank in place.
"Fire!" Colonel Brawny shouted.
The French guns unleashed a thunderous barrage, with machine guns and mortars raining down on the German infantry caught off-guard. Separated from their tanks, the German soldiers were pinned down, unable to advance under the unrelenting French fire.
Then the Charles A1s began moving again, weaving nimbly to avoid enemy fire. Shells exploded around them, but none found their mark.
The A7Vs' suspensions were impressive, and their guns were powerful, but targeting fast-moving, compact enemies was challenging, especially in the chaos of battle.
Inside his tank, Colonel Matteo observed the small French tanks' movents through his viewfinder. When he saw one of their turrets rotating toward him, he snapped to attention, shouting, "Turn! Turn! Keep our front armor facing them!"
Matteo's driver responded imdiately, but the command couldn't be relayed to the other tanks fast enough. The crews were too engrossed in the battle, unable to heed the signal flags waving from the command vehicle.
Just as Matteo feared, the French tanks closed in, their turrets adjusting for a precise shot. They ca to a halt on a patch of flat ground, aid carefully, and fired a devastating volley.
(End of Chapter)
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