Chapter 500: After modification: Chapter 500 Inspection
Antwerp Airport, Shire met with Albert I and Colonel Edison in the conference room.
Shire had no objections to their idea of forming an elite force to collaborate with the French Army, though they faced issues of different equipment and inconsistent ammunition, just like the British Army.
But Shire was doubtful about Albert I’s "Airport Guard Unit" suggestion: "This seems unnecessary, Your Majesty. We have our own guard unit, and the airport is quite secure."
"No, General," Albert I replied, "Many people still do not know that Antwerp Airport has been converted into a military airport. When they are stopped by guards, there are language barriers, which I’ve heard have caused you considerable trouble."
Shire was taken aback; it seemed this was indeed the case.
Belgium used Dutch more frequently in the Antwerp area, often leading to unnecessary misunderstandings.
Albert I then added:
"Using Belgian guards would eliminate these problems."
"I can select soldiers fluent in both French and Dutch to guard the airport. They can communicate seamlessly with both the French and Belgians, and importantly, they have an advantage in searching for spies."
"Safety can also be assured; there will be no lapses."
Warplanes were crucial for protecting Belgium and reclaiming territory, not to mention Shire’s command headquarters situated at the airport. Albert I could not afford any issues arising there.
Listening, Shire felt that it made sense, especially regarding searching for spies. The French Army, in principle, did not have searching rights, and the language barriers further added inconvenience.
"Alright!" Shire nodded reluctantly, "Do as you wish, Your Majesty."
At this moment, Shire completely failed to realize that Albert I had other motives for setting up this "Guard Unit."
...
Albert I took swift action. After obtaining Shire’s consent, he quickly issued a special recruitment order nationwide, including to over fifty thousand guerrilla fighters:
"Brave warriors, France is entering the crucial stage of the Verdun battle and has to withdraw its troops to fight in the homeland."
"This has left Shire’s armored and mechanized forces lacking infantry support."
"Based on this, we plan to urgently form the First Special Reconnaissance Army, comprising three divisions with around sixty thousand troops."
"If you wish to reclaim your homeland, if you want to drive the invaders out of the country, if you aspire to become a hero remembered in history!"
"Now is the time, join us and march towards victory with Shire!"
(Note: Belgium’s "Special Reconnaissance Unit" was formed in 1955, serving as an early model for special forces, akin to the early "scout troops" of our army.)
With the recruitment order issued, Belgium was instantly stirred nationwide. Eligible youth flocked to enlist, surpassing one hundred thousand on the first day, with numbers continuously increasing, some even returning from abroad to join.
The greatest allure was to "march towards victory with Shire."
Shire had successfully maneuvered through Antwerp in one day and overturned the Verdun battle situation in another day. These mythical victories were celebrated worldwide, and people hoped to be part of it, sharing the supreme glory.
Suddenly, the opportunity was right in front of them.
Thus, they rushed to the recruitment points, and the overwhelming crowd forced the enlistment personnel to need urgent reinforcement.
...
Vice Admiral Avis was unaware of all this. He thought it was just a routine formation by the Belgian Army to better face future combat.
Unprepared, he hurried to the airport intending to establish his authority over Shire, but suffered setbacks right at the entrance.
Even then, Vice Admiral Avis thought it was merely a communication issue due to language barriers with the Belgian guards, and he attributed it to bad luck.
Soon, Albert I and Eden came out.
By now, Eden had changed into brigadier general attire, his collar adorned with two glittering stars, his eyes bright, and his chest standing straighter than usual.
"Your Majesty," Vice Admiral Avis stood upright and saluted, "We are planning to inspect here..."
Albert I poked his head out and chuckled, "Are you planning to inspect the airport on horseback?"
Vice Admiral Avis was taken aback, was there a problem with that?
Brigadier General Eden stepped forward to explain: "Sir, you may not be familiar with fighter jets, horses can easily get startled and lose control in the airport, causing considerable safety hazards for the fighter jets’ take-off and landing."
Albert I raised his eyebrows, a hint of sarcasm on his lips, "You seem not to understand the place you are about to inspect, Vice Admiral."
This was a polite way of saying, he inwardly thought, "Do you understand? If not, what’s the point of inspecting?"
Vice Admiral Avis felt a wave of embarrassment:
"I apologize, Your Majesty, I truly know little about this."
"That’s why, I wanted to understand, and see what needs attention."
This was not Vice Admiral Avis’s fault. During World War I, airplanes had just entered the battlefield, and few army generals knew these precautions.
Then Vice Admiral Avis glanced behind him and turned back, saying, "I brought only two staff officers, Your Majesty, all the horses will stay outside."
Speaking, he sighed inwardly. He had brought the cavalry hoping to show off to Shire, who reportedly could not ride a horse, to display what a true soldier looked like.
But his plan had backfired right from the start!
Albert I nodded, "You better, Vice Admiral. Those fighter jets and pilots are beyond your ability to compensate for."
This was the truth, especially the pilots, who were often irreplaceable even with money during wartime.
Vice Admiral Avis shrugged, not showing much concern.
Albert I sneered slightly, this refusal to accept new equipment was typical of the British Army.
Albert I did not elaborate further, turning and heading into the airport, with Vice Admiral Avis hastily bringing two staff officers to follow.
Entering the gate, Vice Admiral Avis sensed the direction seemed off, so he asked doubtfully: "Your Majesty, shouldn’t the command center be..."
"No, Vice Admiral," Albert I didn’t turn his head, "Major General Shire is very busy. I believe he shouldn’t waste time on minor inspections like this. Brigadier General Eden and I are willing to do it. Any problem?"
The implication was clear: you are not qualified to meet Shire!
Vice Admiral Avis replied with a grunt, feeling displeased but daring not say anything, quickly stepping up to keep pace with Albert I: "No, no problem at all, honored, Your Majesty."
After all, he was the King of Belgium, and the Allies were fighting on Belgian soil. Offending him would bring no benefits.
Vice Admiral Avis had a sinking feeling: today’s "inspection" might not achieve the desired "effect."