CHAPTER 311: CHAPTER 311: 2-DAY DEADLINE

Shire didn’t answer. He wasn’t exactly sure, but he thought the latter was more likely.

"But." Tijani said, half-believing: "How could the enemy break through our defensive line in two days? I mean, if they can’t do it now, why can they in two days?"

The French defensive line should be increasingly difficult to break through. The first day was about landing and quick assaults, lacking in manpower, ammunition, and supplies, not to mention issues with fresh water.

By night, the fleet would constantly resupply them, and the west end of the defensive line was already receiving supplies from transport ships.

Coupled with the fire support from the fleet, why would the enemy believe they could break through in two days?

Shire answered softly: "Think about it, General. What might be the difference between the enemy now and the enemy in two days?"

Tijani was silent for a while, shaking his head blankly; he couldn’t think of any difference.

But he added: "Could it be the Germans? Will German reinforcements arrive here?"

"No, General," Shire denied: "Even if the Germans come, they may not fight better than the Ottomans."

It’s true; the Ottomans have shown great courage in this battle.

And the German Army, even though they have better training and equipment, on this unfamiliar land they may not have the Ottomans’ determination to defend their homeland to the last man.

"Then it’s..." Tijani became more puzzled.

"Grenades." Shire revealed the mystery: "And mortars. If these two things get into the hands of the Ottoman Army..."

Tijani exclaimed "Oh" and nodded slightly, his face instantly becoming serious.

The reason the French Army was able to repel Ottoman Army’s attacks time and again was because of the advantage of mortars and grenades.

But if the Ottoman Army also had grenades and mortars, they could suppress the French machine guns in the trenches with mortars. Soldiers could throw grenades into the French trenches from within the 50-meter line, instead of being stopped outside the 50-meter line like now.

Thinking of this, Tijani gradually lost his color. This could be a fatal blow to the French defense, differentiating between breaking into the defensive line and not.

Then, Tijani turned to Shire for help: "What can we do about it, Colonel? After all, you invented them!"

Shire laughed. Just because he invented them didn’t mean he had a way to counter them.

If there was a way, it could be said that the way to counter grenades is grenades, and the way to counter mortars is mortars.

Shire helplessly replied: "The only way is to make the enemy surrender within two days."

"But how can we do that?" Tijani’s voice was a bit frustrated: "We can’t just shout to the enemy at ’Point A’ through a loudspeaker, saying you’ve been deceived, there’s no naval supply line, surrender now!"

Of course, this wouldn’t work. Though it’s the truth, the enemy would undoubtedly consider it French propaganda and lies.

Shire didn’t answer because he couldn’t think of a way either. This was unexpected.

Shire realized he had underestimated the enemy. The enemy commander was an expert. He knew to dispatch someone like Bahar to ’Point A’ to boost morale and rally spirits, and he knew the spatial limitations of Shire’s defensive line. He also knew to use grenades and mortars against Shire’s defense.

He might even build up manpower, artillery, and shells over the next two days, then launch a thunderous attack on Shire’s defensive line.

At this moment, cheering sounded from outside the trench. Excitedly, Adrian squeezed into the trench to report: "General, Colonel, our reinforcements have arrived."

Tijani merely grunted in response.

While initially eager for the reinforcements, learning of the "two-day deadline" diminished his interest in them.

Several shadows stepped inside, the kerosene lamp failing to illuminate their faces. Only the leader’s wide-brimmed hat, leg bindings, and holstered pistol were visible. From the insignia, one could discern that he was a Colonel.

"General Tijani?" The Colonel looked at Shire, introduced himself proficiently in English: "I am Richard, Colonel of the 5th Australian Light Horse Regiment, pleased to meet you!"

(The above picture shows the ANZAC Corps landing at Gelibolu, uniforms modeled after the old British Army attire)

Shire turned his gaze to Tijani, prompting Tijani to step forward disinterestedly to shake Colonel Richard’s hand: "Hello, Colonel Richard, welcome."

Although saying the words, in his heart, thinking, you might not know you’re here to die.

"General." Colonel Richard felt somewhat awkward recognizing the wrong person, saluting him apologetically: "Please give your orders, what are we to do?"

With an eager look, seemingly impatient to join the fight.

This puzzled Shire slightly, a strange look in his eyes as he regarded Richard.

The Australian Army, didn’t they know they were a colonial force? Didn’t they realize this war had nothing to do with them? Didn’t they understand they were being used?

If it were other things, like fleece shearing, it could be excused.

But this was war, requiring them to sacrifice lives, bleed and shed tears without any glory, why so keen?

This stemmed from Shire’s limited perspective.

Living in France, he didn’t know that the Australian Prime Minister immediately stated unconditional support for Britain, even boldly proclaiming: "Australia will firmly stand with Britain, fight to the last drop of blood!"

In truth, Australian soldiers performed more bravely on the battlefield than the British, such as outshining the British 29th Division in the Gelibolu campaign.

Tijani found nothing strange in this, coolly telling Colonel Richard: "Familiarize yourself with the environment tonight and reinforce the works, there might be a fierce battle tomorrow."

"Understood, General." Colonel Richard saluted energetically.

As he turned to leave, one of the guards beside him gasped softly: "Colonel, that’s Shire, I saw him on the ship!"

"What?" Colonel Richard spun around, his gaze sweeping the command post until it locked on Shire, astonished: "Are you, are you Shire?"

"Yes," Shire nodded.

Colonel Richard hurriedly approached and saluted Shire, then nervously extended his hand:

"My apologies, Colonel, for not recognizing you."

"I’m honored. I have heard of you, and of your battles here..."

"A perfect plan, Colonel! It’s brilliant, it changed the entire situation, I believe victory is near!"

Tijani responded with a noncommittal smile.

Shire sighed inwardly. If no solution is found, two days later you’ll witness this plan’s failure firsthand!

(The above picture is a close-up of Australian Corps soldiers)