Chapitre 104: Chapter 182 Eastern Front Deployment
The Polish campaign has concluded, but the results, starkly different from the original timeline, make Wilhelm feel quite awkward.
Due to his covert manipulations, the Great Purge in this timeline had a broader and more thorough impact, resulting in a drastic decline in the combat effectiveness of the Soviet forces. Surprisingly, they couldn't even break through the defensive lines on the Eastern front of Poland.
It seemed there would be no Katyn Massacre this time, unless the German forces voluntarily withdrew more than a hundred kilometers, handing over the occupied territory to the Soviets.
However, Wilhelm wasn't about to spit out the meat he had just bitten into, but he was concerned that there might be thorns in the meat, posing a risk if swallowed.
"What a mess. I gave them a chance, but they didn't seize it." Wilhelm complained to von Rundstedt. "Doesn't that guy realize why his troops are so ineffective? Now they're going for another round of purges, truly insane!"
"Your Highness, there's no need to be upset. This is good news for us, isn't it?" von Rundstedt smiled faintly.
Wilhelm sighed. "But this deviates significantly from our original plan. We've already pushed them to their doorstep."
Why did Stalin attack Poland? Partly to avenge the defeat in the previous Soviet-Polish War and partly out of fear of Germany, wanting to establish the so-called "Eastern Defense Line." Wilhelm, for the time being, didn't want to escalate tensions with the Soviet Union and allowed them to establish this "Eastern Defense Line." However, these inept guys only advanced five kilometers.
Now, the German frontline was only five kilometers away from the Soviet border. The cannons at the frontline could directly hit Soviet territory. Could Stalin sleep soundly?
Would the Soviets stab Germany in the back while the German forces were fiercely fighting on the Western front?
Although in the original timeline, Germany initiated Operation Barbarossa, attacking the Soviet Union, the Soviets also had the "Great Thunderstorm Plan." While it wasn't clear if this "Great Thunderstorm Plan" was genuine, Wilhelm was inclined to believe it was. "We are fighting on the Western front and must be vigilant about the Eastern front. This is not good news."
After pondering for a while, von Rundstedt suggested, "Should we consider changing the operational plan and continue advancing to the east? This way, Britain and France might maintain the status quo, right?"
Wilhelm shook his head. "No, too many unpredictable variables. I don't trust the Soviets, and I trust Britain and France even less. I can guarantee that if we attack the Soviet Union, Britain and France will spare no effort to support them. Moreover, this colossal Soviet entity is something we can't swallow on our own. We need to consolidate the strength of Europe to have any chance of crushing it."
General von Rundstedt nodded. "In that case, the Eastern Front can only assume a defensive posture. Fortunately, it seems the combat capability of the Soviet forces won't see a significant improvement in the short term."
"Yes, that's a piece of good news." Another positive aspect was the abundance of talented individuals within the German military. Not only skilled in offensive strategies, but there were also several adept defensive commanders.
Wilhelm personally knew of three defensive masters.
The first was Walter Model, always precise in deploying forces to the most appropriate positions, effectively thwarting enemy breakthroughs at critical junctures. In the Battle of Kursk, Model's defensive command talents shone as he inflicted severe damage on Zhukov, resulting in Soviet casualties five times greater than the German losses. He earned the nickname "Defensive Lion."
The second was Günther von Kluge, who assumed command of the Central Army Group during the most critical period for the German forces in the winter of '41, where the Soviets were launching a counteroffensive. Kluge led the Central Army Group to crush the Soviet attempts to encircle them, maintaining the integrity of the defensive line and avoiding complete destruction. It was noteworthy that the Central Army Group held its ground despite a severe lack of winter warfare equipment. Later in '44, Kluge served as the overall commander on the Western Front during the Normandy campaign. Though it ultimately ended in failure, Kluge, for a time, prevented the Allies from advancing far inland. If not for the Allies' overwhelming air superiority, Kluge might have achieved notable successes.
The third was the versatile military talent Erich von Manstein. He not only possessed formidable strategic skills in offense but was also a stalwart defender. Manstein advocated for the concept of mobile defense, using armored units for flexible maneuvering to halt enemy breakthroughs. He didn't confine himself to merely blocking the enemy at a specific defensive line but aimed to defensively counterattack, aiming to inflict significant damage or even annihilate the attacking enemy, regaining the initiative on the battlefield. His performance in the Second Battle of Kharkov showcased Manstein's exceptional defensive command abilities. He not only halted the Soviet advance but also regained the initiative on the battlefield, a classic example of a defensive victory.
As for who to appoint, Wilhelm raised the question in the high-level military meeting the next day. "I'm sure you've all heard about the Deep Battle theory and Blitzkrieg that I proposed. Today, I have a question: how do we defend against the enemy's Deep Battle strategy?"
Since I was the one who first proposed the Deep Battle and Blitzkrieg theories in this timeline, earning various honors, I'm interested in genuine insights, not mere flattery.
"Anyone interested can study it, but I want substantial contributions, not mere compliments. You have a week. Feel free to come to me whenever you have ideas."
After the meeting, Wilhelm brought up another matter. "Since the Polish campaign has concluded, it's time to discuss rewards."
"!!" The room fell silent as everyone's gaze focused on Wilhelm.
Seeing the reaction, Wilhelm chuckled. "Don't look at me like that. The specific promotion list will be released in a few days. Today, I'll announce one person. Our General von Rundstedt will be promoted to Field Marshal."
The room erupted in enthusiastic applause. The first Field Marshal in the German army in twenty years – what an honor!
With a flushed face, von Rundstedt stood up, saluting Wilhelm and nodding to those around him.
After the applause gradually subsided, Wilhelm continued, "After we conquer Europe, I believe we can promote around 20 Field Marshals. Of course, if we expand beyond Europe, more Field Marshals will emerge. However, whether it's thirty or forty, in the end, we will select the ten most outstanding Field Marshals to be crowned as Imperial Field Marshals."
World War II Germany had a total of 27 Field Marshals. If not for some generals having strained relations with Hitler, this number might have easily exceeded 30. Yet Wilhelm felt that having too many Field Marshals would devalue the title. It was similar to VIP status; while it could signify prestige, if everyone was a VIP, where was the exclusivity?
Seeing the audience engaged in discussions, Wilhelm announced the end of the meeting.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone