World War II: Starting with the defeat of the Desert Fox

Chapter 50 Exemplary Troops

What Thorne didn't know was that something similar was happening in the command center upstairs at the same time.

Montgomery didn't care about interviews; in his eyes, they were just a form of publicity, and how far they went depended on how much money was paid.

He was in his office reviewing reconnaissance reports from the front lines, as usual.

The Germans seemed to have become much more restrained, no longer constantly thinking about attacking, but instead laying landmines in front of their defensive lines.

Montgomery frowned; he didn't think this was a good thing. He knew all too well how difficult it was to attack a prepared defensive line.

At this point, Montgomery only had two choices:

They launched an attack before the Germans were ready, but at the same time, their own preparations were also insufficient.

They should wait until they are fully prepared before attacking, but by then the German defenses may already be impenetrable.

Just as Montgomery was hesitating, Ramsden came in carrying a box of coffee.

"Sir," Ramsden placed the coffee on the table, "I heard you like American coffee, so I brought you a box."

Montgomery glanced at it and confirmed it was indeed Maxwell House, the brand he often drank.

however……

Was Ramsden the kind of person who would give gifts?

Is his relationship with himself really that good?

"What is it? Speak up," Montgomery said sternly.

"No, it's nothing," Ramsden replied.

"These days, I've been thinking about the theory Thorne mentioned."

"I'm always hesitant, unsure whether what he's saying is right or wrong."

"Therefore, I would like to hear your thoughts, sir. After all, you are the commander, and I will obey your orders!"

These words were perfectly worded and pleased Montgomery greatly.

After all, this was a "countermeasure" devised by Ramsden and his entire staff.

The staff agreed that Montgomery's biggest concern was that the armored corps would not obey orders.

Once Ramsden makes his stance clear, Montgomery will feel relieved.

Sure enough, Montgomery's expression softened slightly.

He hummed in agreement, feigning consideration: "I agree with the captain's point of view on the general direction; he expressed exactly my thoughts. However, I believe that because he lacks practical experience, there are still some issues with the details."

"Yes, sir." Ramsden breathed a sigh of relief.

If Montgomery refuted Thorne's theory, he really didn't know what to do.

"That's one of the reasons I involved him in the discussion," Montgomery leaned back in his chair and continued:

"I think traditional tank tactics need to be changed."

"There's no benefit to simply placing tanks in front of infantry; our soldiers are also inside the tanks."

"Yes, sir," Ramsden nodded. "I completely agree!"

Then he cautiously added:

"I worry that my understanding of tank tactics is not thorough enough."

"With Thorne involved, I believe the situation would be much more under control, don't you think?"

"It won't take long. Once the tactical theory is finalized, I'll immediately send Thorne back to his unit! I mean what I say!"

Montgomery then understood Ramsden's true intentions.

So, the reason this hot-tempered guy was so humble and even fawning was to transfer Thorne away.

Montgomery refused without even thinking.

"I'm sorry, Herbert." He opened the files on his desk, picked up a pen, and went about his own business.

"The work at headquarters is more important; Thorne has already taken on several roles here."

"Especially since he also has to give interviews to reporters."

"You know how important this is? He shattered Rommel's undefeated myth, and the military and civilians need him as a pillar of strength!"

The 10th Armored Corps in Ramsden is a clandestine unit, and no one is allowed to enter the base, including journalists.

Montgomery hoped this would deter Ramsden from taking the plunge.

Unexpectedly, Ramsden replied:

"I understand, sir."

"But I don't think there will be any problem."

"As long as we agree on a time for the reporter's interview, I will bring Thorne on time."

The tank base was only 18 kilometers away from the command post, which was not a significant distance.

Montgomery grunted in response, his pen still moving.

"He also has the job of an industrial liaison officer."

"You know, he was originally a businessman."

"He needs to take care of his family business, which is something I promised him."

Ramsden clearly took this into account as well:

"That's not a problem either, sir."

"I will assign two assistants to the captain, and more if needed."

"They will help the captain with his business matters."

Montgomery slammed his pen on the notebook and glared at Ramsden.

Can't you see how obvious this is that you're being asked to leave?

Ramsden raised an eyebrow and continued:

"The problem at the command post is also easy to solve. I understand that the captain's job at the command post is to update the logistics data."

"I will send two advisors to take over, and they will do a perfect job."

"unless……"

Ramsden smiled slightly, his words carrying a double meaning: "Unless command has a compelling reason to keep the captain around, what is it?"

The meaning is clear: Montgomery's command was inseparable from Thorne, and all his victories and successes were achieved under Thorne's planning.

Of course, this is also the staff's strategy.

They knew Montgomery had a strong sense of pride, and that provocation might be very effective against him.

If Montgomery wanted to prove this, he should have ordered, "Is that so? I don't need Thorne. Take him with you!"

But Montgomery gritted his teeth and swallowed his anger; he dared not take the risk.

Thorne finally returned, having shaken off the reporters. He looked exhausted and slumped into his chair as soon as he entered, grabbing a water glass from the table and gulping it down.

"Thorn," Montgomery called out.

Thorne quickly wiped the water from his mouth and strode over to Montgomery.

"Lieutenant General Ramsden wants you to go to the 10th Armored Corps to help them with tactical reforms. What do you think?"

Montgomery passed the ball to Thorne.

Thorne was somewhat surprised. Had he taken the advice to heart and was he really going to implement reforms?

"That's not difficult to solve, General," Thorne replied.

"If we really want to do that, we just need to set up a model unit at the command post, such as an armored regiment."

"This way I can also take care of the work at the command post."

Ramsden's eyes lit up, and he looked excitedly at Thorne:

"That's right, Captain."

"One exemplary unit can serve as a model for other units to follow."

Would you be willing to serve as an advisor to this exemplary unit?

Thorne turned his gaze to Montgomery.

It wasn't just because Montgomery was his boss, but also because he was extremely controlling.

If it's done without his consent, it will be considered a betrayal, even if it's his own army.

Montgomery's expression softened slightly, and he nodded in agreement.