I Became a Tycoon During World War I: Saving France from the Start

Chapter 634 634: Self-Recovery Log

Initially, Charles thought it unnecessary to explain the log and cable concept to Mathieu in detail. He assumed Mathieu would simply manufacture the cable and provide the log.

Yet after considering carefully, he realized Mathieu needed explicit instructions. Without understanding the specific requirements—dimensions, hardness, and tensile strength—Mathieu couldn't begin accurate production. These specifics had to be thoroughly tested before mass distribution.

Therefore, Charles patiently explained to Mathieu:

"The tank weighs 31 tons, and during operations, it will inevitably face mobility issues, particularly in extreme weather conditions. For instance, heavy snowfall in winter can cause tanks to become stuck in ditches due to slipping tracks. Similarly, in rainy seasons, tanks frequently become mired in mud, immobilizing them."

Mathieu nodded thoughtfully. He'd encountered similar difficulties frequently with the Saint-Chamond self-propelled guns. Still, he didn't see how a log and cable would help.

Confused, he asked, "But how do a log and a cable fix this issue? You believe they can free a tank?"

Charles nodded confidently.

Mathieu laughed incredulously, shaking his head, "You're joking, General. If a tank is stuck, one log is nowhere near enough. We'd need dozens to lay under it."

Clearly, Mathieu envisioned placing multiple logs beneath tracks to create a solid surface.

Charles didn't respond immediately. Instead, he led Mathieu over to a desk, picked up a pencil, and sketched an illustration, calmly explaining:

"Imagine the tank is trapped in mud or a ditch. Here's how we'd resolve it:"

"We attach a log to the tank tracks with a steel cable, start the tank's engine, and as the tracks rotate, the log moves beneath them, creating leverage…"

Mathieu stared at the sketch, and suddenly, his eyes widened in realization:

"Ah! So the log itself creates traction, pushing the tank forward and freeing it!"

"Exactly," Charles confirmed. "But there are several key considerations. The log must be extremely sturdy to prevent crushing. It should also be slightly wider than the tank itself, allowing secure cable attachment. Additionally, the cable must have sufficient tensile strength to avoid snapping under pressure."

"Most importantly," Charles added, "once the log reaches the rear sprockets or rollers, the tank must halt briefly to remove the cable, or the log would continue rotating and damage the tank."

Mathieu stared blankly at Charles, seemingly overwhelmed.

After a few silent moments, he finally asked hesitantly, "General, how did you come up with this idea? We've just built this tank model; it hasn't even faced these issues yet. Usually, problems occur first, then solutions follow. But you're solving problems before they even happen!"

Charles quickly improvised an explanation: "The 'Charles A1' encountered similar situations occasionally. Common solutions were filling holes with rocks or towing using other vehicles. But I kept wondering if a simpler, more independent solution existed."

Mathieu slowly nodded, genuinely impressed:

"It's indeed a remarkably simple and clever method. No external help or vehicles needed—pure self-reliance. Ideal for battlefield conditions when assistance might be unavailable."

During combat, soldiers were preoccupied fighting the enemy, unable to help immobilized tanks. Even behind the lines, multiple stuck tanks could severely disrupt operations. Self-recovery capabilities would significantly reduce these problems.

Charles pushed the sketch toward Mathieu. "Your task now is producing test versions, refining the self-recovery log and cable until perfected, then integrating it into our tanks. Can you handle this?"

"Absolutely," Mathieu assured confidently.

Charles retrieved the sketch again, thoughtfully adding, "Also, we should consider adding a telephone at the tank's rear."

Mathieu stared in astonishment. "A telephone? Who would a tank crew call? Tanks move constantly—surely you don't expect them to drag phone lines along?"

"No, Mathieu," Charles calmly explained. "They wouldn't call anyone. Instead, infantry units could communicate directly with tank crews, greatly improving combined-arms coordination."

After several stunned seconds, Mathieu excitedly exclaimed:

"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant, Charles! Adding a phone is simple, inexpensive, and doesn't require advanced technology—but it dramatically improves infantry-tank cooperation. You're truly a genius!"

Charles had long considered this simple but significant improvement. Since tanks' inception, infantry-tank coordination had posed persistent challenges, especially in mobile or nighttime operations like the Antwerp offensive.

Adding a phone allowed infantrymen to directly communicate with tank crews, directing movements or indicating targets clearly—even during nighttime engagements.

However, Charles deliberately delayed introducing the idea. Earlier, Germany faced more severe crew-coordination difficulties with their tanks: the cumbersome A7V tank had an 18-member crew; even lighter tanks like the "Upper Silesia" required five crewmen, and the new LK1 needed three.

Meanwhile, the Charles A1 tank had only two crew members, inherently simplifying coordination. Implementing phones early would have unintentionally assisted the Germans more, narrowing rather than extending France's technological lead.

Now, with the more complex Charles B1 tank requiring a four-man crew, adding a telephone became essential. It would significantly enhance their primary mission—close infantry support.

Even if Germans later adopted similar techniques, by that time, they'd face the far superior Charles B1.

"Ready for mass production next month?" Charles asked Mathieu.

"No issues," Mathieu confirmed enthusiastically. Then he remembered something else, adding quickly, "By the way, you asked me to send some personnel to Brest Shipyard for training…"

Charles almost forgot this himself. He'd sent Mathieu a telegram without further details, leaving Mathieu understandably perplexed—after all, why would tank designers need naval training?

"Two-axis stabilized fire-control systems," Charles succinctly answered. "They'll become invaluable. Treat the tank hull like a ship, then apply naval stabilization systems to the turret."

Mathieu stared incredulously. Could such a system truly be applied to tanks? Wasn't this perhaps too ambitious? Yet, if it succeeded, would any German tank stand a chance?

(End of Chapter 634)

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