Preparation

A massive piece of artillery was being erected on the railroad track, surrounded by numerous French soldiers who were busily fortifying the railway infrastructure. From a higher vantage point, a French official surveyed the scene with evident pride in his eyes. "General Charles de Gaulle," he called out, gesturing towards the imposing cannon. "There is no artillery of this magnitude in Germany. We have deployed five such cannons simultaneously here."

General de Gaulle, standing beside him, wore a pleased expression. "I hope your artillery brings us victory in this attack," he remarked optimistically. It had been 16 days since France declared war on Germany, yet no significant offensive had been launched. The anticipation was high, with all eyes on the outcome of Germany's campaign against Poland. The expectation was that once Germany became mired in battle, a window would open for an attack on Germany's western border. However, the anticipated quagmire never materialized; instead, the war unfolded like a one-sided exercise with German forces advancing over 40 kilometers on the first day alone, maintaining a remarkable pace thereafter.

The British, alarmed by the swift German advance, sent 10,000 troops to bolster Belgium's defenses, fearing the small nation could fall within days under such an onslaught. Similarly, Luxembourg saw the deployment of a French division to its territory. French military leadership was particularly shaken by a minor yet significant battle on Poland's northern border, where permanent reinforced concrete fortifications had been obliterated by the Luftwaffe. The use of giant bombs and napalm allowed German forces to swiftly breach the Maginot Line, rendering what was thought to be an impregnable barrier as fragile as paper.

Reluctantly, France had to accept that their heavily invested "Steel Great Wall" was no more effective than a farmer's wooden fence. This realization spurred a frenzy of fortifications along their border. The French believed the Maginot Line could withstand any terrestrial assault, fearing only aerial threats. Thus, they embarked on a dual strategy: enhancing fighter aircraft performance and bolstering ground-based anti-air defenses.

September 1937 proved a challenging time for French aviation. Existing aircraft models were obsolete compared to Germany's advanced fighters, and experimental models required further development. Witnessing German fighters decimate outdated planes over Poland, the French Air Force rushed the production of MS.406 fighters, which showed promising performance.

On the ground, anti-aircraft guns were installed along key sections of the Maginot Line. An interesting side note involved the French evaluating the Swedish Bofors 40 mm anti-aircraft guns, which they ordered three years later out of necessity, having to rely on their mediocre domestic models in the interim.

Meanwhile, the French began planning an offensive to compel Germany to abandon its Polish campaign. However, they lacked a coherent strategy until the arrival of Admiral Charles de Gaulle, who advocated for a forceful approach against Germany. He proposed a comprehensive battle plan that included using massive artillery to dismantle the German Siegfried Line, followed by a concentrated tank assault into western Germany.

With Poland on the brink of collapse, inaction was no longer an option. France, a major European power, could not sit idly by while Britain passively watched Germany's unchecked expansion. Thus, the French resolved to act independently of their British allies and confront Germany directly. De Gaulle felt the timing was perfect, given Germany's heavy commitment of forces in Poland, which left the Western Front potentially vulnerable.

"Our army lacks information on Germany's new incendiary weapons, making the Siegfried Line a challenging target," de Gaulle admitted, pointing towards the French rail guns. "However, these weapons are our only means to breach their defenses effectively."

"Recently, we tested this 500mm caliber artillery against reinforced concrete fortifications with excellent results. At least this time, the Germans haven't misled us. These cannons are indeed line-breakers," an artillery officer remarked, sharing a hopeful glance with de Gaulle. "We'll not be deceived in this regard, as our weapons experts have also conducted tests and confirmed their effectiveness before approving mass production."

"Tomorrow, we'll show the Germans that today's French forces are not to be underestimated like the Poles!" de Gaulle exclaimed, signaling to his adjutant who nodded and hurried down the hillside.

On the opposite slope, dozens of French heavy tanks led a convoy of hundreds of light tanks down the road. Accompanied by thousands of infantry and periodically interspersed with horse-drawn cannons, the force stretched to the mountain road's end, disappearing into a cloud of dust.

Meanwhile, at the German Wehrmacht headquarters, an officer entered the intelligence office bearing a document marked "Top Secret." "Long live the head of state! General Gascol, we've just received urgent intelligence from France," he announced, standing at attention.

Gascol opened the document and his expression darkened immediately. "How could such critical information be delivered here?" he wondered aloud.

"The French have tightened security along the Luxembourg border, and our agents only managed to send this out tonight," the officer explained, his head bowed. "After several setbacks, the French intelligence has begun a purge targeting our operatives. As a result, their operation to disrupt the MS.406 fighter production line failed."

"Call the head of state's office immediately! I need to see him," Gascol instructed, checking his pocket watch and noting that Akado had returned to Berlin that afternoon. He stood up decisively. "Send a message to our French intelligence branch. Tell them to gather as much detail as possible about the French military operations, including troop movements and attack directions. All information should come directly to me, bypassing others. Understood?"

"Yes, General!" the officer replied, saluting once more.

"Sorry to disturb you at this late hour, my head of state," Gascol said apologetically as he entered Akado's office. "But this information is crucial, and I had to inform you immediately so you can prepare."

"Is this about France?" Akado asked, already guessing the nature of the interruption. His role demanded attention to such significant matters, especially concerning the West. He shook off his fatigue and focused intently.

Gascol stepped forward, handing over the intelligence documents. "The French are preparing an attack. We don't know the exact time or location, but it's imminent—they've sealed off the Luxembourg border area."

Akado nodded thoughtfully. He walked to his desk and picked up the phone. "Connect me to the publicity department... Fanny, it's me, Akado... Schedule a speech for tomorrow morning. The theme will be condemning France for initiating war against Germany despite our resistance. Arrange it as soon as possible."

After hanging up, he immediately made another call. "Connect me to the Defence Forces Command... I am Akado, please put General Brosich on the line... You're aware of the intelligence? Yes, its accuracy is beyond doubt. Place the Western Front troops on full combat readiness, cancel all leaves, and have the troops move to their defensive positions."

"My head of state, should we activate the 'Preparation Plan'?" Brosich's voice came through the phone.

"If the French launch a full-scale attack, our Western Front forces will sustain losses. We must be able to counterattack swiftly to contain their advance, especially since the Siegfried Line..." Akado interjected.

"Tomorrow morning, the government will declare a state of emergency, and the National Defense Force will reinforce the western front with an additional 20 divisions," Akado declared confidently. "I authorize the use of the 'Preparation Plan' for our western defenses... but wait for the French to fire the first shot. Understood?"

"Under your command, my head!" Brosich responded. "I will do everything to hold the French at the designated areas."

After ending the call, Akado contacted Shakht. "Inform all our business contacts to sell off French bonds and assets. The 'Preparation Plan' has been approved for implementation. The real war is about to begin."

Within the headquarters of the National Defence Forces, Brosich contacted the frontline command: "General Lundstedt, this is Brosich. On behalf of the head of state, I hereby appoint you as the commander of the Western Front, responsible for executing the 'Preparation Plan.'"

In the dead of night on September 29, the German Wehrmacht's Western Front troops began to mobilize. Ground crews removed the covers from aircraft, and the 'Preparation Plan' was fully enacted, putting the German Western Front into a state of highest alert.