noveltune Chapter 58 What can he do?
Chapter 58 What can he do?
Ochinlek remained calm and said lightly:
"It's normal that Montgomery doesn't tell you these things, after all, they are military secrets."
"But the problem is, there are some rumors circulating about you."
As he spoke, he took out several telegrams from his inner pocket, placed them on the table, and gently pushed them toward Thorne.
Thorne took it and looked at it:
"More and more MPs are attacking Churchill, arguing that Thorne's gains cannot be equated with a British victory."
"Some members of parliament believe that Thorne should be promoted exceptionally because he is the 'Rommel' of the British Army and only he is qualified to command the British Army."
"Thorne is likely in charge of formulating operational plans, so why do we still have Montgomery as the nominal general?"
……
Ochinlek took a sip of coffee:
"This call has received a lot of support, whether from the military, political circles or the general public."
"I don't know if you realize this, but this is not normal, it's very abnormal."
"Although you have achieved a brilliant victory, which can even be described as a miracle, tactical victory and strategic command are two different things."
Thorne nodded slightly; this was indeed abnormal.
It's highly unlikely that the British government would make statements like "replacing Montgomery with Thorne."
And the purpose of these words...
Thorne understood, and he looked up at Ochinleck: "They want Montgomery to come after me."
Ochinlek shook his head: "It's not hope, it's that they're already targeting you. I think his assignment of you as an advisor to the 10th Panzer Corps was the beginning of their plan."
"It was my fault," Ramsden said, his eyes filled with apology.
"I asked Montgomery to do it this way."
"At the time, Montgomery was still hesitant; he was reluctant to let go."
"But in the end, I agreed."
Ochinlek picked up the conversation:
"Because he wasn't sure if he could win on his own."
"We all know that Montgomery is an insecure person, and he always wants to play it safe."
"If Thorne were involved, his chances of winning would obviously be much greater."
Ramsden agreed:
"The same goes for the Prime Minister. You are of use to them, Thorne."
"You can increase their chances of winning and stabilize public sentiment to increase their approval rating."
"But once you become some kind of obstacle for them..."
Thorne swallowed hard. "They'll just kick me away."
An eerie silence fell over the conference room, broken only by the sound of the wind outside the window and the screeching of seagulls.
After a while, Ochinlek broke the silence:
"That's about right, Thorne."
"Don't be naive. That's just how politics is. They only ever talk about interests."
"Now, you should be thinking about what will happen in the future and how you should deal with it!"
Thorne's mind was in complete disarray. He realized that all his efforts over the past few months had been overturned in an instant, and he was even inexplicably in danger without even noticing.
This is what truly frightened him.
"What will happen?" Thorne asked.
Ochinleck turned his attention to Ramsden.
Ramsden picked up the briefcase that was placed to the side, took out a map from it, and placed it in front of Thorne:
"First of all, we simply don't have time to train. I estimate the counterattack will take about 10 days."
"Secondly, let's look at our position."
He pointed to the 1st and 10th Armored Divisions on the map:
"We were positioned on the northern section of the defensive line, directly opposite the German lines."
"We cannot infiltrate, because the north is the sea, and the south is the main force of our armored corps, the 7th Armored Division."
"so……"
Thorne nodded, looking dejected.
"Our only option is a direct, head-on attack."
"But on the front, the ground was littered with landmines laid by the Germans."
"Behind the minefield were various types of German anti-tank guns, including their 88mm guns!"
Ochinlake continued his analysis, his tone remaining consistently calm:
"Thorne's coordinated attacks might be of some use."
"But firstly, the training time is too short, and new tactics simply don't have time to take shape."
"Secondly, the artillery and air force that need to coordinate are all under Montgomery's control; he can decide your victory or defeat."
Ramsden laughed, a laugh tinged with tragedy and sorrow:
"Montgomery may have ordered our troops to launch a full-scale attack even though he knew the conditions were not right."
"Heavy casualties are inevitable, and we are still unable to break through the German defenses."
"And after the war, it will certainly be our responsibility."
Thorne was stunned.
Ramsden was referring to the Battle of El Alamein, which took place in history. After the battle, Ramsden was dismissed for refusing to carry out orders and being afraid to advance.
Ochinlek added:
"Montgomery's style is to demand absolute obedience from his subordinates; he cannot tolerate subordinates who have doubts about him."
"He has replaced the commander of the 7th Armored Corps, but it is difficult because Ramsden is a lieutenant general and has considerable prestige in the army."
"I once advised him that he should resign voluntarily..."
Ramsden shook his head:
"I am the commander of the armored corps, a general."
"I still have division commanders and regimental commanders under me. Once I resign, they will be the ones facing this situation."
"It makes me feel like a deserter."
Ochinlek got up, walked to the window, and let the sea breeze blow on him, speaking in a flat tone:
That's how it is.
"Actually, it makes no difference whether you say it or not."
"Because this is a dead end, there's nothing you can do."
That's absolutely right; it's indeed a dead end.
"But don't worry, Captain," Ochinlek said, turning to Thorne.
"You are not in mortal danger, and you still have value to Montgomery and even Churchill."
"I guess they'll leave you in command post and not let you participate in the attack."
"You will simply fall from grace."
What Churchill wanted was a complete victory for the British army, a victory that had nothing to do with Thorne.
Montgomery wanted to achieve victory even without Thorne, to prove to everyone that his military talent surpassed Thorne's.
Thorne murmured a few words: "But that would make me look like a deserter, General."
"No, Captain," Ramsden replied, "Don't be silly, this has nothing to do with you."
Ochinlek shook his head slightly: "That's your weakness, Thorne. You're too sentimental; it's pointless..."
Ramsden's eyes, however, held a look of satisfaction, as if to say, "I knew I hadn't misjudged him."
"What if I want to break this deadlock?" Thorne interrupted Ochinlek.
Ramsden laughed: "That's impossible."
Ochinlek looked helpless:
"There is only one possibility: after Montgomery issued the order to launch a counterattack, you led your troops to successfully break through the German defenses."
"Only in this way can you avoid disobeying orders and getting trapped in a quagmire of mines and anti-tank guns, suffering heavy casualties."
"Can you do it?"
Thorne's face was ashen:
"I'm not sure, General, but I can try."
"After all, I made a boast in front of the armored troops."
"I want to maintain their casualty rate at around 15% and achieve victory!"
Ramsden and Ochinlek exchanged a glance, their eyes seemingly saying:
"Is he crazy? There are only ten days left."
"There might not even be artillery or air support, or other infantry support either. The armored units will be fighting alone. What can they do?"