Chapter 501: Chapter 501: Belgium’s Interests
Albert I knew that Vice Admiral Avis was not interested in airplanes.
So...
He earnestly took Vice Admiral Avis around the entire airfield, from the maintenance and inspection of fighter jets, to arming and refueling, and finally the takeoff and landing. They walked through every part of the base, even stopping to greet some of the staff.
It took over an hour.
Vice Admiral Avis was about to go mad, but Albert I was not finished yet.
"I know what the British Army is like, Vice Admiral." Albert I said slowly as he walked along the edge of the airfield, watching the fighter jets prepare for takeoff. "You even think that machine guns are unnecessary, believing that war only requires rifles and charges, at most, with some cannons and cavalry, right?"
Vice Admiral Avis did not deny it. He proudly replied, "That is the reason we have so many colonies, Your Majesty. That is why Britain is called the ’Sun Never Sets Empire.’ We have always done it this way, and the facts have proven it correct."
Albert I smiled faintly, his gaze fixed on the aircraft on the runway, "Times have changed, Vice Admiral. Just as you replaced the natives’ bows and spears with rifles and cannons, Shire’s invention will inevitably replace your equipment, everything, including that of the Germans."
Vice Admiral Avis was utterly shaken by these words.
It was the first time he had heard such an argument, and more importantly, it seemed logical. Historically, progress has always been about the advanced replacing the outdated in tactics and equipment, and what they might be holding could very well be outdated equipment, using outdated tactics; they just had not realized it yet.
Albert I turned to look at Vice Admiral Avis, as the fighter jets roared into the sky behind him.
"Do you know where it’s going?" Albert I asked. "Or what it’s going to do?"
Vice Admiral Avis shook his head in bewilderment.
"To protect Belgium’s airspace, Vice Admiral," Albert I calmly replied.
"You probably have no concept of this."
"But if they do not fly up and block the Germans’ fighters and bombers, our transport lines will be bombed."
"Including roads, railways, and warehouses, train stations, all will become bombing targets."
"Our guerrilla fighters are spread throughout Belgium. If you want to experience this situation, I would be happy to help!"
Albert I’s eyes were fixed on Vice Admiral Avis as he said this, not hiding his hostility.
Vice Admiral Avis hurriedly explained, "No, no, Your Majesty, you misunderstood. We are allies, we are here to help you fight the Germans..."
Albert I laughed, "You speak as if you could defeat the Germans!"
Vice Admiral Avis was at a loss for words. The British Army had deployed hundreds of thousands of troops on the Western Front yet had achieved almost nothing, and their campaign at the Dardanelles Strait had been a disastrous failure, recently having retreated in phases, completely marking their defeat.
But Vice Admiral Avis was still unwilling to give in, "We may not have achieved any dazzling victories, but without us, Belgium would surely have fallen!"
"Is that so?" Albert I retorted, "There were no British involved when the Antwerp defensive line achieved total victory!"
Then Albert I made an "oh" sound, "Yes, you did block the Germans trapped in the Ypres encirclement, preventing them from ’escaping’ from the other side."
Vice Admiral Avis felt a loss of face, this accomplishment almost negligible compared to Shire’s achievements.
Albert I then stepped closer, speaking to Vice Admiral Avis slowly and clearly:
"I know what you are trying to do, Vice Admiral, you cannot fool me."
"I am certain of one thing: Shire is the only one who can defeat the German Army and bring freedom to Belgium."
"Anyone who wishes harm upon Shire is my enemy, and the enemy of Belgium, understand?"
Vice Admiral Avis struggled to swallow, "Understood, Your Majesty, it is not what you think..."
"Good!" Albert I did not give Vice Admiral Avis a chance to explain further and turned toward the command center, "Now, we can go see Major General Shire."
After walking a few steps, Albert I turned back and added, "Remember what I said, make sure to let General Haig know."
"I will." Vice Admiral Avis replied helplessly.
He believed that Albert I would follow through, as it was in Belgium’s national interest.
General Haig and everyone else seemed to overlook one point: When Shire’s capability reached a level that could determine Belgium’s survival, Belgium would go to any lengths to protect Shire’s interests, even if it meant offending Britain.
Yet British politicians and generals took it for granted that their troops stationed on Belgian soil would be seen as benevolent.
They did not anticipate that Belgium would not welcome the British at all. To be precise, they did not welcome the British who aimed to suppress and weaken Shire.
...
Airfield Command Center.
Shire was unaware of Vice Admiral Avis’s arrival. He was eating breakfast while discussing the defense of the Antwerp defensive line with Tijani over a map.
Tijani was puzzled by this:
"Should we not be considering an offense?"
"Germany has concentrated its troops and artillery towards Verdun, leaving other positions undermanned."
"I believe this is our opportunity to strike, Major General. The enemy does not have the additional forces to counterattack."
Shire casually replied, "If we were collaborating with the Northern Group Army, perhaps an attack would be feasible, but now it is the British."
Tijani spread his hands, not understanding the difference it made.
"General," Shire explained, "the British will not place armored and mechanized divisions at the forefront of the attack since that would steal their thunder."
Tijani looked skeptically at Shire, "You mean they might not use their armored and mechanized divisions?"
"No." Shire shook his head, "They might order us to attack a fortress. The British would take credit for the breakthrough, demonstrating their leadership."
Tijani was speechless; this was putting the cart before the horse.
Armored and mechanized divisions should be placed in positions that can break through quickly and advance rapidly, not used as mobile artillery in difficult positions.
"No, they would not do that." Tijani shook his head.
Shire did not respond.
From a broader perspective, the British might act this way, but if they held any regard for the overall situation and hoped to win a victory, they would give the French Army sufficient freedom.
At this moment, Albert I entered with several British officers.
Shire was nearly shocked by the insignia of the leading officer.
Vice Admiral?
The same Vice Admiral Avis mentioned in the telegram?