Chapter 606: This is Another Schlieffen Plan
Kitchener and Lieutenant General Avis firmly believed that Charles would launch a counterattack from Brussels, and they had prepared accordingly to coordinate with him in a pincer movement against the German army.
Albert I, Major General Eden, and Foch also believed that Charles would attack from Brussels.
Albert I had already hurried ahead to Brussels, personally commanding local militias to scout German positions and assess enemy firepower and troop deployments.
In addition to maintaining the defense of Antwerp, Major General Eden organized guerrilla units to sabotage and disrupt German supply lines.
Meanwhile, Foch had ordered the French troops at the Somme and Verdun fronts to launch attacks, intensifying pressure to prevent the Germans from reinforcing Belgium.
The Germans similarly anticipated Charles would attack from Brussels.
Colonel Erwin was extremely busy at the breach near the defensive line, striving to link the newly established German defenses with Louvain.
Lieutenant General Nicholas, however, had little confidence in this penetration operation. He reminded Erwin: "Our opponent is Charles's army. Nobody dares to take risks when facing him, Colonel. Whether it's tanks or aircraft, we're no match for Charles."
"I know, General," Erwin persisted, "but we still have a chance of victory because of supplies. Charles's forces lack sufficient supplies…"
"How will you deal with Charles's fighters?" Nicholas interrupted.
The Camel fighters were 50 kilometers per hour faster than the Fokker E2s, forcing German aviators to evade combat since engagement almost meant certain death.
"Attack is the best defense," Erwin pointed at the map and explained. "Brussels has only one airfield. Our aircraft have numerical superiority; we can divide them into groups around the enemy's airfield, attacking in continuous waves."
Nicholas seemed to understand Erwin's intention. "You mean attacking the enemy's airfield?"
"Exactly, General," Erwin nodded. "Our pilots will avoid direct dogfights and conduct hit-and-run guerrilla attacks, primarily to exhaust the enemy's fuel. Eventually, enemy aircraft must land, and that's when our forces will simultaneously strike from multiple directions, destroying their grounded aircraft."
Nicholas thoughtfully nodded. If they couldn't defeat them in aerial combat, they'd destroy them on the ground.
After a moment's hesitation, Nicholas continued, "But what about tanks? Our tanks can't match the Char A1."
Erwin answered decisively, "Anti-tank trenches."
"But they have bridging vehicles, Colonel," Nicholas reminded him. "Did you forget the battle of Namur?"
"Of course not, General," Erwin replied. "But I've concealed 77mm guns in underground shelters at the front lines, designed specifically to knock out bridging vehicles as soon as they appear."
"In addition, I've laid multiple layers of barbed wire and mines around the anti-tank trenches. 105mm artillery is also pre-sighted onto positions behind these trenches."
Nicholas listened carefully, finding the plans logical. Perhaps it could indeed stop Charles's bridging vehicles.
"Most importantly," Erwin concluded, "Charles's army has limited supplies. If we hold for a few days, his forces will lose combat effectiveness entirely."
Nicholas nodded, satisfied, feeling that perhaps Charles was about to suffer his first real defeat.
This wasn't an issue of the First Armored Division's quality or equipment, nor was it Charles's leadership. Rather, it stemmed from the foolish decision by the British and French Parliament to restrict Charles's supplies.
Now, even if they hurriedly shipped supplies day and night, it was too late. Delivered supplies wouldn't match the immense consumption once fighting commenced. This was precisely Charles's fatal weakness.
The more Nicholas thought about it, the more convinced he became. Appreciatively, he patted Erwin's shoulder and sincerely remarked, "You should have been the commander, Colonel. Well done!"
…
Paris, Office of the Prime Minister.
When Briand and Clemenceau heard that German forces had swiftly penetrated toward Ghent, threatening vital French supply lines, panic set in.
"Good God, this is another Schlieffen Plan," Clemenceau said uneasily, staring at the map. He swallowed nervously. "Just like last time, the Germans attacked from the north. If this continues, Paris might once again be at risk."
"Could it?" Briand asked, eyes wide with fear. Being a lawyer with no military knowledge, he questioned, "The Germans are still in Belgium; that seems far from us."
Though Clemenceau had never served as a soldier, as a former doctor who served during the Franco-Prussian War, he possessed considerable military insight. Taking on the role of expert, he patiently explained to Briand:
"Things are different now, Prime Minister."
"At the outbreak of war, France had ample supplies. Our army was independent of external assistance. Even when the Germans reached Paris, we had the capacity to counterattack."
"However, now we are severely short on supplies. Forty percent of our ammunition comes from America via maritime routes. If Germans reach the coast and cut off external supplies, it'll be catastrophic."
Briand turned pale, realizing the severity of the situation. He only intended to weaken Charles but inadvertently placed the entire nation at risk. If France collapsed in this battle, he would undoubtedly lose his position as Prime Minister and leave a permanent stain on his political career.
Standing anxiously, he said, "We should immediately send supplies to Charles. Concentrate all our resources, even if it means redirecting from Somme and Verdun."
"It's too late," Clemenceau shook his head regretfully. "The battle is imminent, and German aircraft have begun sealing off roads and railways."
Clemenceau added quietly, "Simply put, we have supplies in the rear but no Charles; at the front, we have Charles but no supplies."
Briand sank helplessly back into his chair, sighing heavily, deeply regretting treating war as a political game. He thought the Allies had victory in hand, so he weakened Charles prematurely, jeopardizing everything.
After a long pause, Briand asked weakly, "Charles… He can still win, right?"
Clemenceau didn't respond. He doubted Charles could prevail under these conditions unless some miracle occurred.
Suddenly, a secretary rushed in excitedly, presenting a telegram. "Prime Minister, Charles's army has launched an attack—they're targeting Hasselt!"
"Hasselt?"
Briand and Clemenceau exchanged confused glances. Neither knew the significance of this city.
What was this place? Why was Charles attacking there?
Wasn't Antwerp the logical target?
(End of Chapter 606)
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