Chapter 499: Revised: Chapter 499 Guards Troops
If it were before, Albert I might have chosen to side with Britain.
After all, Britain is the most powerful country in the world, especially since its interests align with France in wanting to weaken and suppress Shire.
Albert I, as the King of Belgium, needed to rely on the power of the Allies to restore the country, and should politically, militarily, and publicly align with the Allies.
However, when Shire penetrated Antwerp in just one day and captured hundreds of thousands of the German Army, Albert I confirmed one fact: the most important thing was Shire, Shire, Shire!
What Britain, France, Russia, and Italy, they were all beaten to a pulp by the Germans, and after a year, the front lines had not shifted an inch.
As soon as Shire arrived with 20,000 troops, in just one day, one day, he achieved a decisive victory.
My God, the troops Shire led might just equal the casualties the Allies suffered in a single day of their offensive, yet Shire achieved victory!
The disparity is too great, so great that it made him think it wasn’t real, but rather a beautiful lie concocted by Shire and the Germans.
But this was a fact, a living fact played out in Belgium!
And these shameless generals, even in the face of facts, were still unwilling to lower their noble heads, still insisting on their so-called "offensive theory" or "defensive theory".
Pedantic!
Stupid!
Incorrigible!
If Albert I had to choose between Shire and the Allies, he would unhesitatingly choose Shire, even if it were just Shire alone.
All the generals of the Allies combined were not fit to carry Shire’s shoes!
Sometimes Albert I thought: as long as Shire was willing, he could let Shire command the Belgian Army, and Belgium could become an impregnable fortress that no one could break, even if it was stuck between England, France, and Germany.
Albert I firmly believed that Shire’s military theory was correct, unmatched by anyone.
Colonel Edison was heavily utilized by Albert I because he too was a fan of Shire and equally believed in Shire’s military theory.
Suddenly, Albert I raised his eyebrows and asked Colonel Edison: "Should we form a special force?"
"Special force?" Colonel Edison was confused, wondering what had given His Majesty such a strange idea?
"Yes, a special force." Albert I said: "Think about it, Colonel. If the British Army cannot cooperate with Shire’s troops, Shire’s forces will face the dilemma of having armored and mechanized units but no infantry."
Colonel Edison suddenly realized: "Yes, we can form a force to cooperate with Shire."
"I don’t know much about military, Colonel." Albert I asked: "Do you think this is reasonable and realistic?"
"Of course, it’s reasonable." Colonel Edison nodded repeatedly: "And realistic, after all, we are part of the Allies, and this is our country, our land, and we have the right to decide with whom to cooperate and fight."
"You’re right!" Albert I nodded heavily, a flash of anger in his eyes.
Those guys, moving troops on Belgian soil without even asking him, what did they take Belgium for?
This also brought back a painful memory for Albert I: when he was exiled to Britain, those so-called gentlemen left him out in the cold, completely ignoring him and disregarding Belgium’s position, as if Belgium had already fallen.
"The problem is..." Colonel Edison said hesitantly: "We might need two divisions. Or at least two divisions, one to cooperate with the armored units, one with the mechanized units, and preferably one more as a reserve."
"That’s sixty thousand men." Albert I asked: "Can’t we gather that many?"
"No, Your Majesty." Colonel Edison answered: "Our troops have reached over 500,000, but..."
Colonel Edison looked a bit embarrassed.
Albert I immediately understood: "It’s a matter of quality?"
"Yes." Colonel Edison nodded with difficulty: "We might not have a problem cooperating with the Allies for guerrilla warfare, but to work with Shire’s troops, I’m worried there will be issues."
"But in any case, it would be much better than cooperating with the British, Colonel." Albert I said.
Colonel Edison did not object, knowing the British intended to sabotage; the Belgian Army would not have this problem.
Albert I continued: "Think about what might happen next if things go as we envision?"
Colonel Edison pondered for a moment and then slowly replied: "Shire might suffer a defeat, his reputation would be damaged, and then..."
He suddenly looked up at Albert I, eyes wide, and exclaimed: "Shire, Shire might be transferred away from Belgium."
"Yes." Albert I replied: "That’s one of their purposes. The British do not want Belgium to lean towards Shire, towards France. They want to keep us under their control and follow their commands, so they must find an excuse to transfer Shire."
Albert I’s fingers tapped on the table, making a "clack clack" sound: "We must not let that happen. It’s not just about regaining land; it’s about sovereignty and development. Shire is everything to Belgium, Colonel."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Colonel Edison answered.
"So," Albert I continued: "the three divisions to coordinate with Shire..."
"I’ll make it happen, Your Majesty." Colonel Edison said: "I have an idea, we could spread the word that these three divisions will be the units working jointly with Shire."
Albert I praised the idea: "Good idea. By then, many young men will eagerly register."
"Yes." Colonel Edison explained: "If many people sign up, we can select the best soldiers and train them, and we can also get Shire’s opinion. It would be best if Shire could send instructors to train with us."
After all, it is to cooperate with Shire’s troops, and Shire knows what kind of unit he needs.
"You’re right." Albert I stood up with a sudden burst: "Go to the airport, Colonel. It’s time to talk to Shire."
After taking a few steps, Albert I remembered something else: "Besides the army, we need to form a guard unit."
"A guard unit?" Colonel Edison was a bit surprised - to increase the guards at this time?
"For airport security, Colonel." Albert I said: "To prevent Shire from being disturbed by others."
"Oh, yes, of course." Colonel Edison understood immediately.
The so-called "others" were obviously the imperious British, especially Shire’s boss, Admiral Avis.
I should properly "train" this guard unit, Colonel Edison thought.