Chapter 193: Infantry and Artillery Relations
The mortar, though often dismissed as merely a way to hurl grenades farther, fundamentally changed the relationship between infantry and artillery during World War I, when that connection had become tenuous.
During the Napoleonic era, the artillery and infantry operated in close unison. The artillery's range was limited, allowing it to stay near the infantry. Soldiers could even convert to gunners if needed, and communication was as simple as shouting across the battlefield.
However, as artillery became more precise and gained longer range, infantry and artillery operations grew increasingly separated. French artillery, for instance, often stationed its 75mm guns a kilometer behind the front lines. Besides aiding in offensive maneuvers, this distance allowed artillery to remain close enough for visual signals. Any further back would require communication by radio or telephone.
Unfortunately, radios were not yet widely available, and telephones were fixed to one place, unable to move with advancing or retreating lines. Additionally, during the heat of battle, communication was often hindered by poor-quality equipment. Miscommunications abounded. A common mishap involved a soldier attempting to stop artillery fire:
"Hello, we're charging now; cease fire!"
"Understood, opening fire now!"
A deafening blast would follow, with shells raining down on their own troops. (Even in modern artillery, words like "zero" and "nine" are deliberately altered to reduce such errors.)
As the enemy also began to employ long-range artillery, French forces were forced to use similar artillery to counter them. Consequently, the infantry and artillery often found themselves miles apart, fighting the same battle but on vastly different "planes" of engagement.
The mortar filled this critical gap.
Highly mobile, a mortar could be fired from the safety of a trench, and despite its short range, it was not as exposed as the 75mm field guns, which were vulnerable to enemy long-range artillery. Furthermore, coordination between mortar crews and infantry was far easier, requiring no sophisticated communication tools; calls, whistles, or flag signals sufficed.
With mortars, infantrymen once again had "their own artillery," offering a vital support role in which they had previously been left unprotected. It was a leap forward that frontline troops could not ignore—nor refuse. Any who objected clearly had other motives.
The Sixth Army's 51st Infantry Division, which was under Gallieni's direct command, was the first unit equipped with mortars. This wasn't due to favoritism but because despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback from officers in training, influential factions within the army still refused to adopt the mortar. The "offensive theory" advocates held firmly that the 75mm's range and rate of fire made it the ideal weapon for offensive artillery support. They argued that no new weapon could surpass it.
On the other hand, proponents of the "defensive theory" felt that only long-range artillery would allow them to halt enemy advances from a safe distance. Combined with the French Commander-in-Chief's persistent views, this resistance left the 51st Infantry Division, stationed at Ypres, as the only unit equipped with mortars.
Many assumed the issue would quietly fade away, that mortars would be quickly forgotten.
However…
What had been a muddy, "impenetrable" German line was soon breached by the mortar-equipped 51st Division, which advanced three kilometers, forming a breakthrough. If not for concerns about overextension and the risk of encirclement, the 51st Division could have continued its push.
Kobdo capitalized on this success, producing a special feature on the 51st Division.
Journalist: "General Davit, it's said that Ypres' terrain is exceptionally difficult, and that our forces face a disadvantage here. Is that true?"
Major General Davit, the division's commander, answered confidently: "Yes, of course. The Germans hold the hills and higher ground while we're in exposed plains. We have no natural defenses, only the relentless rain, cold, and death. But we didn't yield…"
The journalist cut him off: "Can you tell us what allowed you to achieve victory under such difficult conditions?"
Major General Davit responded: "It was certainly the decisive leadership of our commanders and the bravery of our soldiers. We charged forward without fear, despite facing an enemy force several times larger…"
After several pointed looks from the journalist, Davit caught on. "Oh, of course, there's also the mortar. It's an excellent piece of equipment; the troops love it. But most importantly, we employed the right tactics…"
Not long after, Davit received a call from General Gallieni: "Congratulations, General Davit. Your brave actions have earned you a promotion. You're now Deputy Commander of the Senegalese Rifle Corps."
Davit froze: "The…Senegalese…"
...
While General Davit's comments were careful, the soldiers openly praised the mortars, using every complimentary word they could muster:
"This is an outstanding piece of equipment, truly born for war. Without it, victory would have been impossible!"
"The German trench was only 200 meters away, impossible to reach without exposing ourselves. But with the mortar… It's amazing! We can stay in our trench and drop shells into theirs. Imagine that—safe in a trench, but striking the enemy's trench!"
"The Germans are terrified. Sometimes they even hide their defenses on the far side of a hill where we can't reach them. But the mortar can—it can arc right over the hill and land behind them. They can't even shoot back! This is the weapon we need. This is the infantry's artillery!"
...
These comments were soon featured in The Honor Gazette, complete with photos of the mortar in action. Diagrams depicted the weapon's arcing trajectory, explaining how it hit enemy trenches and reached behind hills to strike concealed German forces.
The entire French army was soon enthralled. Soldiers everywhere clamored for this weapon, shouting at their officers:
"We don't care about theory; we just know we need this weapon!"
"Whether we're attacking or defending, this weapon has proven its worth!"
"If the nation can make it, then we on the front lines need it. Why can't we have it?"
"What's standing in our way? Is it profit? Are our lives the cost?"
...
In secret, angry soldiers even discussed refusing to fight if the mortars weren't issued to them. To them, the reason was simple: they fought for their country, not for some capitalists' profits—unless that capitalist was Charles.
From the new equipment alone, it was clear that only Charles cared for their survival. The others seemed only interested in money.
Under this mounting pressure, the factions within the military finally relented.
The orders flooded in, filling the books at Saint-Étienne Arsenal like a blizzard.
Steed, seeing the orders pile up, could hardly contain his glee. Gazing at the check in his hands, he murmured, "This is only the beginning, gentlemen. Next up is the 37mm cannon, which you'll have no choice but to buy as well!"
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