Chapter 395 The New Technology in Modern Warfare
November 5th, 1821.?At the Port of Piraeus. General Theodoros Kolokotronis was overseeing the unloading of the wooden crates from the Victory Class merchant ships of the French Empire. His eyes landed on one of the conspicuous boxes that was too big and wide. He wondered what's inside of it.
He approached it with his aide and the moment they arrived, they were stopped by one of the French officers overseeing the operation. The French officer Jacques Lauriston stood in their path, a stern expression on his face.
General Theodoros Kolokotronis scanned the box and asked.
"Sir Lauriston, I can't help but be curious about what's inside that box. Is it a weapon?"
"It is indeed a weapon, an experimental kind," Lauriston answered and signaled the men to pry the box open. As the wooden panels fell apart, the contents were revealed, leaving Kolokotronis and his aide in awe. Inside lay a massive, metallic machine, its design unlike anything they had seen before. It resembled a carriage but was enclosed with thick metal plates, and sported a large cylindrical barrel protruding from its front.
Kolokotronis stepped closer, his gaze fixed on the machine. "What is this, Lauriston?"
Lauriston smiled thinly. "This, General Kolokotronis, is what we believe will change the course of warfare. It's a self-propelled armored vehicle - a tank, for lack of a better word. It's still experimental, but its potential is immense."
Kolokotronis circled the tank, inspecting it closely. He ran his hand along the cold metal, feeling its solidity. "And how does it operate?" he inquired.
"The vehicle is powered by a thirty-cylinder, 20.5-liter engine," Lauriston replied, maintaining his professional demeanor. "It's designed to move across rough terrain and provide substantial protection against enemy fire. The gun mounted on it can fire heavy projectiles, capable of penetrating most fortifications."
He continued. "According to our military strategist, it can even help in an assault. Imagine a scenario where you are rushing towards Athens, but Athens is a heavily fortified Ottoman city with machine guns and howitzers. We all know that any man who dares walk across the dead man's land would be shredded to pieces. However, this tank, with its thick armor and powerful gun, can lead the charge, breaking through their defenses and providing cover for your infantry."
"Hmm…" General Kolokotronis hummed in thought, pondering about the military use of this vehicle. It was a bold and enticing claim of a French officer. This was the problem his forces were facing whenever they tried to assault or siege an Ottoman-held city. Machine guns, howitzers, and artillery often made direct assaults nearly impossible without heavy casualties. The prospect of a vehicle that could withstand such firepower and break through enemy lines was indeed revolutionary.
"But what about its speed and maneuverability?" Kolokotronis asked, still assessing the tank. "In a battlefield, agility can be as important as strength."
Lauriston nodded in understanding. "The tank isn't fast, but it's steady. It's built for endurance and durability, not speed. Its maneuverability is reasonable considering its size and weight. It can traverse difficult terrains where cavalry or infantry might struggle."
Kolokotronis thought about the strategic implications. Such a machine could be invaluable during sieges or in breaking enemy lines, but its effectiveness would depend on the terrain and the situation.
"And its crew?" he inquired further.
"It requires a crew of four: a driver to steer the machine, a gunner to operate the cannon, and two engineers to manage the engine and handle any necessary repairs," Lauriston explained. "Your men will need training, but we'll provide the initial crew to assist with the first few operations and train your soldiers. Do you want to see a demonstration?"
"Absolutely," Kolokotronis replied.
Lauriston motioned to the French engineers, who promptly began preparing the tank for a demonstration. They moved with practiced efficiency, showcasing their familiarity with the machine. Kolokotronis and his aide watched intently as the crew climbed into the tank, each member taking their respective position.
The engine roared to life, a deep, rumbling sound that echoed through the port. The tank began to move, its tracks grinding against the ground as it maneuvered through the open space. Kolokotronis observed its movement, it was slow, noisy, and clunky but that should be fine.
"My men are going to move it away from the port and test its durability. And by durability, I meant firing a machine gun at it."
Kolokotronis snapped his head towards Lauriston, his eyes widening. "What?"
"You'll see," Lauriston grinned as he gestured for Kolokotronis and his aide to follow. They moved to a more secluded area of the port, away from the bustling activity of unloading and organizing supplies.
Once they reached a suitable location, Lauriston signaled to a group of soldiers equipped with a machine gun. They set up the weapon at a safe distance from the tank, preparing for a live fire demonstration.
Kolokotronis watched with a mix of apprehension and curiosity on his face. The idea of testing the tank's armor against actual gunfire was bold, but it would indeed prove its capabilities if it could withstand the onslaught.
The soldiers opened fire, and the sound of bullets pinging against metal filled the air. Kolokotronis could see the sparks as the bullets struck the tank's armor. To his amazement, the tank remained unscathed, the thick armor plates effectively repelling the machine gun fire.
Lauriston turned to Kolokotronis, a triumphant look on his face. "As you can see, General, the tank's armor can withstand machine gun fire. This will be invaluable in protecting your forces and breaking through enemy defenses. Now let's see about the French 75 mm field gun."
Lauriston's suggestion to test the tank against a 75 mm field gun raised the stakes significantly. Kolokotronis's interest peaked; if the tank could withstand artillery fire, it would be a formidable tool in battle.
They moved to a new location, where a French 75 mm field gun was already set up. This was a common artillery piece, known for its reliability and effectiveness. If the tank could resist its firepower, it would mark a significant advancement in military technology.
The artillery crew loaded the gun, aiming it at the tank from a safe distance. Kolokotronis watched with intense focus, aware of the potential implications of this test. The command was given, and the gun fired, sending a deafening boom through the air.
The shell hit the tank, and for a moment, everything seemed to stand still. Then, as the smoke cleared, it was evident that the tank had withstood the impact. The armor was dented, but the structural integrity of the vehicle remained intact.
"What?!" Kolokotronis exclaimed.
"Yes, you are not seeing things, General, you are seeing the birth of a new technology. Fortunately, the French are willing to give you ten of these tanks for your operation to recapture Athens. If you want more, you will have to purchase them at a cost," Lauriston informed, his tone shifting to a more business-like manner.
Kolokotronis's expression turned contemplative. "And what would be the cost for each additional tank?" he asked.
Lauriston paused for a moment, seemingly considering his words. "Given the experimental nature and the cost of production, each additional tank would be expensive. However, considering the strategic advantage they offer, I believe you'll find the investment worthwhile."
Kolokotronis frowned slightly. "Expensive is a relative term, Sir Lauriston. I need numbers to make an informed decision and convince the council."
"Each additional tank would cost approximately the equivalent of 150,000 thousand francs, of course, the fuel and the ammunition are not included in this cost," Lauriston replied.
Kolokotronis took a deep breath, absorbing the magnitude of the figure. "150,000 francs is a substantial sum."
"You let your future statesman lobby with our government for a discounted price, for now, focus on its prospect," Lauriston suggested, seeing Kolokotronis's concern.
Kolokotronis took a deep breath again and spoke. "Okay, we will use those tanks in our operation."
Lauriston smiled. "Great!"
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