Chapter 469: Pressuring Foch
Verdun is located in northeastern France, known for its flat terrain and having been an important military stronghold since the Middle Ages. The few elevated areas were transformed by the French army into fortifications, with trenches built in front to allow infantry to protect the fortresses when necessary, forming a circular defense. By this time, most of the trees in front of the fort had been either chopped down or destroyed by explosions, leaving behind a barren expanse of yellow dirt and scattered shell craters.
Colonel Dérion, now in his sixties, commanded the 19th Infantry Regiment stationed at Verdun. Inside the fort, he anxiously peered through binoculars, observing the increasing number of German soldiers in the trenches. Occasionally, he spotted camouflaged artillery pieces hidden in the cover, which, despite their concealment, were still visible to Dérion's trained eyes.
"Colonel," a soldier approached from behind to report, "The 7th Army says they are to remove the artillery from the fort."
Turning to face him, Dérion saw a major and a group of soldiers entering.
"No, Major," Dérion quickly stepped forward to stop them. "Other places may be fine, but not here. This is the front line. We need the artillery!"
The major shrugged helplessly. "These orders come from above, Colonel. We're just following them."
The major added, "If you have concerns, you should consult with the Supreme Commander."
Dérion hesitated before sighing and stepping aside, watching as the artillery was dismantled and carried off in parts.
Dérion had already raised concerns with Foch before, but the response was always the same: "I know what I'm doing. You just need to follow orders, Colonel."
Foch would even complain, "These people are always reluctant to part with their equipment, not realizing that the artillery in the fort is useless!"
Suddenly, the sound of aircraft engines hummed in the sky. Stepping outside the fort, Dérion looked up to see a German reconnaissance plane, with another in the distance.
"Colonel," Major Charles joined him, "The Germans are increasing reconnaissance in this area. It seems like they're trying to photograph every inch of the land."
Charles shared the concern; all the signs pointed to a German offensive at Verdun, yet Foch had inexplicably decided to remove the fort's artillery.
"What should I do?" Dérion gritted his teeth, turning to head towards the garage. "I'll go speak to Foch."
Major Charles quickly caught up with him. "It won't help, Colonel. You know that."
Dérion slowed his pace and finally nodded, coming to a stop. There was no point repeating the same concerns that had already been communicated through telegram.
After a pause, Dérion said, "Maybe there's another way. We could report this to the government."
Charles was taken aback. "That's a bypass of the chain of command, Colonel. You'll offend Foch."
He knew that Dérion had connections and could contact figures like Clemenceau or the Minister of War directly. Before the war, Dérion had even been a member of parliament from Nancy.
Dérion paused and glanced towards the German positions, nodding slightly. "I know, but at this point, I can't worry about that anymore."
...
Initially, the situation at Verdun was not known to the French government as Foch had kept it a military secret. However, Dérion sent a report to the Paris government:
"The Germans are assembling at Verdun with infantry, artillery, and aircraft. We have reason to believe they are preparing for an attack here."
"But our artillery and manpower have been dismantled and removed."
"Not only that, our supplies are severely lacking, including barbed wire!"
"Verdun is in imminent danger!"
This report caused a stir in the government and parliament, prompting the National Assembly to convene and discuss the matter.
As usual, there were both supportive and opposing voices:
"I believe this was intentional by Foch. As Supreme Commander, he may have reasons we are unaware of."
"And these reasons might be confidential, to prevent leaks!"
"Since we entrusted the army to him, we should trust him and give him the freedom to act."
The opposition responded mockingly:
"If it were Charles doing this, I'd believe it's the right call, but it's Foch!"
Laughter filled the assembly, with many dismissing Foch's leadership, including some who had no military understanding.
At that moment, Armand stood up and slowly walked to the podium, speaking confidently:
"Gentlemen, I don't believe this is the right decision."
"Though I know nothing—no intelligence, no understanding of the Germans' intentions, and I'm no expert in military matters—I dare bet Foch has fallen into a German trap, again!"
"Think about it: From the Lorraine offensive to the Marne, or any other battle, Foch has repeatedly failed to make the right calls."
"I can even say this: Whatever Foch decides, we should do the opposite, and we'd be right!"
Laughter erupted again in the National Assembly.
Armand continued:
"Save those poor French soldiers. Listen to their cries."
"They are dying in vain, not because they're not brave, nor because the enemy is too strong, but because they have an incompetent Supreme Commander!"
"Why do we continue to let Foch stay in charge? What has he done?"
Supporters of Foch stood to oppose, shouting:
"You traitor! You have no right to say that."
"Sit down, you're trying to harm France for your own benefit!"
"You should resign as a member of parliament!"
...
They shouted, but Armand swiftly replied:
"Very well, I was just about to do that!"
"Let's make a bet: If I'm wrong, I'll immediately resign and disappear from this chamber forever."
"But if I'm right..."
Armand paused, his words slow and deliberate: "Then we must replace Foch as Supreme Commander of France!"
The room fell silent. It was then that the assembly realized that Armand was using this challenge as a way to force Foch out.
Get 30% off on my Patreon and enjoy early access to new chapters.
You can also purchase the next 100 chapters of the novel directly from my Patreon page.
Hurry up! The promotion ends on January 2, 2026.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Franklin1