Chapter Thirty-Three: Pursuit

  Everyone had no objection to Mongol's order, one was because this attack had already paid a heavy price. Within one day, the number of casualties reached nearly 30,000 people. Of course, when announcing to the outside world, we can't tell the truth, and at most, only announce the death toll. As for those who were seriously injured, sorry, you have to wait until after your death to announce your news. At that time, if there is still a battle going on there, you will be counted as a martyr in that place. If not, can't we just report you missing? If your family makes trouble, give you the title of surrendering to Germany, and I don't believe you can go to Germany to investigate.

  As for the Ministry of the Army, it's even easier to handle. Among the army generals, who doesn't have a few dirty secrets? Although outsiders may not be clear about the situation here, for Mungo, who has been in the army all his life, it's nothing to worry about. If you really push me, Mungo, to the limit, we'll all perish together. If I'm dismissed, everyone will be dismissed; if I'm defeated, everyone will be defeated; if my family collapses, everyone's family will collapse. Anyway, my wife is already dead, and as a widower, I'm not afraid of anyone. So even if the Ministry of the Army finds out about the concealment of casualties, they won't do anything about it.

  There are also media, several war correspondents from the group army headquarters who are all Mongolians. They are more tight-lipped than the military intelligence agents, and as for reporters from major domestic and international media outlets who come to interview, they are all treated with good food and drink. Those who listen are easy to handle, and when they leave, they are sent off with local specialties. As for those who don't listen, it's even easier to handle - aren't you trying to get informed? Just send them directly to the front line, and the German snipers will know how to deal with show-offs.

  The losses of weapons and tanks are also very particular. All the tanks that were hit cannot be reported as scrap, they can only wait until they are repaired and really cannot be opened before reporting the loss. So in the report of the group army's losses, the losses of tanks, personnel, and equipment are not many. Churchill and the bigwigs of the War Cabinet also understood these things very well, generally would not take these matters to discuss with a group army commander. What they wanted was victory, the glory of defeating Germany.

  The second point is that no one dares to oppose him because Meng Ke is absolutely a stubborn donkey. Whatever he decides, no one dares to oppose it. Those who oppose him will definitely not have a good ending.

  The original commander of the 7th Armoured Division, Lumsden, was relieved of his command. The reason for this was that he made a mistake when he first met with the corps commander. He said that the only question to be decided before launching an attack was who would lead the armoured forces in the attack on Rommel. Montgomery told him, "Our tanks will not launch an attack but rather let Rommel come to us." At this point, Lumsden insisted on his own views and argued with Montgomery... As a result, after the Battle of Alam Halfa, he was replaced by Brian Horrocks. Of course, he was just one of many commanders who were relieved of their commands.

  The third point, which is also the most important one, is that defeating the Germans requires evidence. For example, how many German and Italian troops were captured, how many tanks were destroyed, and how many artillery pieces were seized. Not only the Ministry of War but also Churchill and the War Cabinet would investigate these questions clearly. They can help you conceal your losses, but you must also make them look good. So, according to Montgomery's character, he should have been steady and cautious, but now with such a big loss, if they had only captured a few German and Italian soldiers, it would be impossible to justify.

  Even if Churchill and the War Cabinet would not fight again, being defeated and having a planned retreat could still be distinguished. What more for someone like Churchill who orchestrated the evacuation of Dunkirk?

  A large-scale pursuit battle began, as the Sahara Desert region was an ideal place for armored forces to fight. Therefore, the advance of the armored forces was quite fast. Along the way, the troops passed through places where there were burnt-out tanks, cars, artillery, and abandoned infantry guns, mortars, clothes, etc. The various pursuit units naturally included these in their own battle results. However, not a few soldiers of the German-Italian army were seen, nor was there even slight resistance encountered. Nevertheless, the frontline commanders would not make mistakes, and in the reports to the group army, they claimed to have defeated many enemy forces that blocked them, especially the number of tanks destroyed.

  The headquarters of the Mongol Group Army received a telegram from the front line and was overjoyed, with everyone confident in defeating Rommel. Within 24 hours, the number of German tanks destroyed reported by each front command added up to more than 400. This number also surprised Montgomery, knowing that according to intelligence reports, the German-Italian army had less than 600 tanks. In the flat desert terrain, except for a few places, it was basically defenseless. The power of the tank could be maximized, and within 24 hours, two-thirds of Rommel's tanks were destroyed, which was extremely good news. It can be said that now even if Rommel's reinforcements arrive, Montgomery is not afraid, as the German-Italian army without tanks is like a toothless tiger, posing no threat at all.

  Mongol was suddenly surrounded by a huge joy in his heart, and now Mongol has lost his beloved wife. The only thing that can still make Mongol feel happy is to defeat a strong opponent on the battlefield, which is the meaning of Mongol's existence as a professional soldier.

  Suppressing the excitement in his heart, Monger calmly said: "Immediately order all infantry divisions to accelerate their pursuit of the armored forces' offensive and carry out 'crushing' combat operations. Also command individual logistics supply convoys to increase fuel and ammunition supplies for frontline armored forces."

  "Yes, General." The aide replied hastily.

  "I have also to report that the present battle has lasted for ten days, during which time our troops have fought with great bravery and inflicted very heavy losses on the enemy. The enemy is now at the breaking point and is beginning to withdraw. Our attacking forces are pursuing the enemy along the main coast road to the west, inflicting further heavy casualties upon him. The enemy is in full retreat and his situation is desperate. I am calling upon all troops to continue to exert the utmost pressure upon the enemy and not to allow him a single moment's respite. We may be able to capture the whole of the enemy armoured force. I have every confidence that under the continued onslaughts of our brave Empire troops, Rommel will be defeated. Africa will soon be re-occupied by us, God save the King."

  The telegram, which would later be called the "Ah Lai Man Great Victory" by historians, was sent out soon. Monger's face finally showed a rare smile, and he could imagine the reaction at home afterwards. The promotion of one rank is not a problem, and it is possible to become a field marshal in advance. As the first general to win a war, even the royal family would probably grant him a noble title. Such an honor has not been achieved by anyone in the army for nearly 20 years, and this time he will be filled by me, Monger.

  What an honor it would be, and when the time comes, I won't have to bow down to the royal family like before. Why? Because I was injured in World War I, and I also made contributions in North Africa, even saving the British Empire. I have earned this qualification. Thinking of myself walking proudly on the marble floor of Buckingham Palace, with the humble heads of domestic nobles on both sides, and the king himself coming down from his throne to shake hands with me. Every noblewoman's face shows a shy smile towards me.

  Just as Monger was about to ascend to heaven or die, the corners of his mouth were already starting to secrete crystal-like saliva. A loud explosion of a shell broke off Monger's imagination, followed by intense gunfire. Then came several violent explosions from the adjacent communication company's barracks.

  Meng Ge couldn't help but stare blankly for a moment, then turned to the crowd and said, "What's going on here?"

  It was already 8 o'clock in the evening, and night had fallen over the command center. Everyone was stunned by the explosions and gunfire coming from outside, and when Meng Ge asked questions, they quickly picked up the phone to inquire about the situation. However, many phones were not answered, and the wireless signal was lost. The entire command center was thrown into chaos. The gunfire grew more intense, with occasional bursts of cannon fire exploding in the distance. Some shells even landed near the command center, causing the tent to shake violently from the shockwaves.

  "Take cover, incoming artillery fire." Chief of Staff General Kanmuri directly picked up 2 British-made steel helmets, one for Mongol to put on his head and the other for himself. Then without saying a word, he pulled Mongol under the table.

  Montgomery was suddenly displeased. He thought, "My great image has been ruined by you." However, facing this trusted person's kind intentions, he did not refuse. Under the table, he was secretly worried, and at that moment, German troops emerged from there. They had all reached my command center.

  But the sound of gunfire is all British-made machine guns and submachine guns. It can't be that battalion rebelling. If it really rebels, I'll lose my face completely. Ah, it's also my fault for not being ruthless enough to replace all the commanders of the troops.

  The gunfire outside grew denser and closer. Amidst the sounds, there were even the explosions of 40-caliber shells from the Matilda 2 tank, as well as the dull, muffled roar of its coaxial machine gun.

  Hearing the sound of 'Matilda' 2 tanks, Meng Ge became even more certain that it was a mutiny by his own troops. He thought to himself, "How could Gan Gang command like this? He's actually driven the troops to desperation." They're actually firing at my command center, it seems that as the chief of staff of an army group, Gan Gang is still incompetent. It seems that I can only use Gan Gang as a scapegoat, as long as the troops' fire dies down and the situation stabilizes, then I'll slowly settle accounts with them later.

  These ideas, if known to Gan Gang, would be unjustly killed. Yes, no matter which order was not carried out according to Meng Ge's intention, now that there is a problem, they turn their backs and disown people. This is simply more resentful than Dou E.

  Just as the commander under the table was about to send someone to investigate, a soldier rushed in hastily. As soon as he rushed in, he found that there was no one in the spacious command center, and he was a little stunned. Ah, everyone had crawled under the table, how could he find anyone? The personnel of each command post also followed their commander's example and crawled under the table.

  It was still Meng Ge's sharp eyes that caught sight of the British soldier. He hastily asked, "Soldier, what's going on outside? Why are our own people fighting each other?"

  It was then that the British soldier noticed someone under the general's desk. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be their highest commander and chief of staff. He hastily stood at attention and saluted towards the desk. In the cramped space under the desk, Monger also returned a salute with difficulty.

  "Report to the general, an unidentified army has appeared outside. They are attacking us with tank cover. The captain of our guard squad has been killed and the phone is not working. Our brothers can't hold on any longer, our deputy captain asked me to inform the command center to evacuate immediately."

  Meng Ge fainted as soon as he heard the bad news.

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  The second update is released together, so that everyone will no longer be worried about it.