Chapter 759 - 759: The Heavy Army Group

Charles nodded approvingly at Foch's cooperation and continued:

"As for the Central Army Group command, I see no other choice but Pétain."

Charles deliberately emphasized "no other choice," his voice filled with reluctant resignation. He intended for Foch to understand clearly that giving Pétain command wasn't his preference. Yet, considering Pétain's defense of Verdun and the popularity of his defensive theories among many officers, appointing someone else would appear unjust.

Foch offered no objection. "Though I differ greatly from General Pétain on tactics, his achievements on the battlefield are undeniable. I agree with your choice."

"And finally," Foch hesitated, eyeing Charles cautiously, "we have the Eastern Army Group command..."

General Castelnau, who currently commanded this group, was firmly backed by Parliament. Indeed, the Eastern Army Group was Parliament's last military bastion, heavily influenced and infiltrated by politicians. Could Charles really uproot even them?

Yet Charles had no intention of doing so.

With Gallieni, Weygand, and Pétain appointed—plus Foch himself as overall commander—the balance of power was already in Charles's favor. Three army groups versus Parliament's one meant that Charles effectively held control of the military. There was no need for a complete purge at this time.

Furthermore, Charles planned soon to push Clemenceau into the position of Prime Minister. Once Clemenceau was installed, Parliament would become significantly easier to control. The Eastern Army Group would soon cease being an issue.

"General Castelnau has done adequately," Charles stated. "He hasn't accomplished any great victories, but at least he's maintained his defensive lines."

"Yes, exactly," Foch quickly agreed, secretly relieved.

At first glance, the four army groups represented distinct factions: Parliament's influence (Castelnau), offensive-minded generals (Weygand), defensive-minded generals (Pétain), and Gallieni's forces loyal to Charles. On paper, this appeared a delicate balance that Charles could not easily dominate.

But Foch soon realized he'd underestimated Charles's ambitions.

Charles casually continued:

"Commander-in-Chief, during recent battles, I've observed certain units performing uniquely well."

"For example, our Aviation Corps, the First Armored Army, and the motorized infantry divisions currently being formed."

"These units differ fundamentally from regular infantry formations in both tactics and strategic employment. To ensure efficient command, I propose we separate these specialized units into a new Army Group."

Foch stared at Charles, dumbstruck. Charles intended to strip all elite units from everyone else's command and consolidate them under his personal control?

But Foch did not openly question this—after all, these elite troops had always been Charles's creation and remained loyal exclusively to him. It seemed only logical they should remain under his authority.

"Quite logical," Foch said, feigning calmness. "If these specialized units operated alongside regular troops, confusion could certainly arise."

Charles pretended to ponder momentarily. "What should we call it...? Perhaps the Heavy Army Group?"

Foch nodded enthusiastically. "An excellent name! Aircraft, tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, trucks, motorcycles—truly a heavy force in every sense."

Feigning modesty, Charles asked, "Commander-in-Chief, who do you believe is best suited to lead this Heavy Army Group?"

Foch didn't hesitate for an instant. "You, of course, Lieutenant General. No one else in France could match your experience or accomplishments."

Indeed, who else could even command such a group effectively?

The First Armored Army, the elite Sixth Army, and the Aviation Corps—each of these formidable units had been personally created, trained, and equipped by Charles. Every tank, airplane, artillery piece, truck, and motorcycle came from factories Charles controlled. Anyone attempting to usurp his position would face immediate failure.

Charles accepted the appointment gracefully, standing up and formally saluting Foch. "I won't let you down, Commander-in-Chief."

Inside, Foch felt an overwhelming sense of resignation.

It didn't take much imagination to foresee what would happen next. Charles's Heavy Army Group would rapidly expand, attracting the best officers and troops nationwide. Soon it would surpass all other Army Groups in power, skill, and prestige.

Currently, men like Foch and Pétain might still exercise some leverage over Charles. But once the Heavy Army Group reached its full strength, no one in the military would be able to compete with him—or even stand on equal footing.

…

After leaving Mézières, Charles proceeded directly to Buzancy. His main objective was to meet with Tijani, though he first briefly stopped at Pétain's headquarters.

His reason was clear—to secure Pétain's personal loyalty.

"General Pétain, I'm honored to inform you that you will be appointed commander of the Central Army Group."

"Yes, General. Commander-in-Chief Foch and I made this decision together."

"Your defense at Verdun was truly exceptional. This position is rightfully yours."

"There's no need to thank me; this appointment reflects your own merits and capabilities."

Charles said nothing more, but the implication was obvious to Pétain:

Foch despised him. Therefore, if Foch had agreed to this appointment, it was purely under pressure from Charles.

Undoubtedly, Charles was behind this advancement.

It was clear to Pétain: his future lay with Charles.

…

Outside Buzancy, at the First Mechanized Division's headquarters, Tijani sat at his desk, deeply troubled as he reviewed stacks of documents and statistics. Charles had tasked him with creating new motorized infantry divisions. Two divisions from the Sixth Army had already arrived, but Tijani struggled to shape them effectively.

Initially, Tijani assumed this task would be straightforward. Infantry sat at one extreme; armored divisions were at the other. Mechanized divisions occupied a middle ground, slightly closer to armor, while motorized infantry naturally fell nearer regular infantry—just faster. Logically, removing slow tanks would make them faster and more agile.

Yet recent maneuvers proved otherwise. Even without tanks, their mobility improved little. Tijani puzzled over these unexpected results.

As he mulled over the figures, a car pulled up outside his headquarters. Tijani's mood brightened considerably upon seeing Charles step out.

"You must be here to solve my problems, General," Tijani laughed warmly as he approached Charles.

"What?" Charles teased him. "Something's troubling the man Germans call the 'French butcher'?"

Tijani chuckled. His successful counterattacks near Buzancy had earned him a fearsome nickname. His highly mobile mechanized units, supported by precision bombing runs, had crushed eight separate German breakout attempts, leaving them demoralized and fearful.

"I was merely executing your plans," Tijani replied modestly. "Though honestly, I'd prefer a nickname more fitting of my style—perhaps 'the artist of war'?"

Charles laughed out loud. Tijani clearly cared less about glory and more about having a nickname to suit his refined tastes.

Seating himself comfortably, Charles immediately asked, "What exactly is troubling you, General?"

Tijani gestured at the maps and documents scattered before him, shaking his head. "Motorized divisions. Our artillery is slowing them down severely—particularly the 75mm guns."

Infantry without artillery support was inconceivable. Yet trucks towing artillery through muddy roads severely limited their speed, establishing a frustratingly low limit for their mobility.

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