The Rise Of Australasia

Chapter 485: Chapter 384: Rapid Expansion of the Military Industry

On August 24, 1914, the Australasia Expeditionary Force, numbering more than 316,000 people, began to advance towards the European battlefield.

To help the Australasia Expeditionary Force reach Europe faster, Britain and France generously sponsored a large number of transport ships and promised to protect the expeditionary force's transportation throughout the journey.

Regardless, it would take Australasia at least a month to reach the French borders, and during this month, the borders of France could only be defended by the combined British and French forces.

After the border battles in France, France's casualties exceeded 140,000, forcing Cynthia to acknowledge the failure of the border operations.

Both France and Germany were fighting according to their established war plans, but the progress of the two countries shows that France's Operation 17 has already failed, while Germany's plan to invade through Belgium was successful.

Although the French army did not lose a significant number of troops, the defeat of the border wars allowed the German army to sweep through French territory like an unstoppable force, leaving devastation in its wake. Even the family tomb of French President Poincare in Nigarcool was dug up and used as a toilet.

Regardless of whether it was deliberate on the part of the German army, the current situation facing France fully demonstrates the crisis it is in.

After the failure of the border war, Cynthia was at headquarters thinking about the real reasons for the defeat and making decisions to save the situation.

Although Cynthia was criticized by both the military and the administration, he didn't panic.

Noticing his superior officer frowning in thought, Cynthia's assistant, Deputy Officer Captain Miller couldn't help but mention: "Your Excellency, don't you think there's a problem with the military deployment?"

Cynthia looked at his assistant surprised, without reprimanding him for the abrupt question. Instead, he asked with interest: "Captain Miller, what do you think the German army will do next?"

As a deputy officer accompanying the French Commander-in-Chief, Captain Miller's career was far from ordinary.

Originating from Saint Cyril Military Academy and distinguishing himself with multiple military honors, he was a highly competent young officer.

Cynthia had him by his side as a deputy officer, partially to cultivate him.

Upon hearing Cynthia's question, Captain Miller considered his answer carefully before replying: "Your Excellency, I believe the Germans' next goal must be to attack Paris. There are three routes to consider for the attack on Paris. The first is through Kemble, via Amiens, Luang axis, circumventing to Paris from the west side.

The second, through Mobridge, Saint Contan, Suva Pine axis, directly attacking Paris. The third is along Charleroi, bending southwest from Mobridge, chasing our main force, then attacking Paris. Considering our current state of fighting while retreating, it is most likely the Germans will choose the third route."

Cynthia nodded approvingly, looking at his deputy officer with relieved eyes, and continued to ask: "So, do you have any countermeasures?"

"Despite our recent defeat, our main force still has the ability to fight. The northern army can retreat to the Marne River to defend it. Additionally, dispatch an elite army group to be stationed north of Paris. This will not only defend Paris but also find opportunities to ambush the German side," Miller continued.

For the French army, retreating is fine, but constant retreat is not advisable. As the capital of France, if Paris falls too early, it will not only bring a huge blow to French people and the army, but it will also shock all the Allies.

It should be noted that the battlefield in the Westline is largely defended by the French army. If the French army loses its combat power too early, the offensive and defensive efforts of the Allies would be greatly diminished.

Cynthia's laughter grew, he nodded approvingly and said to Miller: "Captain, I think we should switch positions. You take the Commander in Chief, and I'll be your deputy."

While his words were tinged with a tone of jest, Cynthia wasn't entirely joking.

In fact, Miller's proposition was essentially aligned with Cynthia's thoughts, which showed that, to some extent, Miller was indeed fit to hold the position of Commander-in-Chief of France.

The day after Australasia dispatched its expeditionary force, which is on August 25, 1914, Cynthia officially changed the deployment and issued a new battle plan.

First, all French armies were forbidden from scattering, but incorporated armies were allowed to orderly retreat to Verdun, Ain River, Clawon, Laon, Raphael, Saint Contan, and along the Somme River.

It was unknown to Cynthia at the time that his order would trigger several of the most brutal battles during World War I.

From Verdun to the Somme River, Cynthia was setting up military facilities and creating an offensive defense position.

With France's decision, the Westline battlefield was plunged into a protracted trench war. Both parties were not only competing in manpower but also in materials, finances, and transport capabilities.

Since the beginning of the war, all military industries in Australasia have been operating overtime.

In the European battlefield, the consumption of weapons and ammunition is becoming faster, and Britain-France-Russia are discussing a large weapons trade order with Australasia.

According to the current circumstances, this weapons trade order consists of 400,000 rifles, 1,200 artillery pieces, 500 heavy machine guns, 100,000 hand grenades, 80 million rifle bullets, 10 million machine gun bullets, and 200,000 various artillery shells.