Chapter 608: The Benefits of the Belgian Army
Charles's use of hidden warfare tactics aimed not just at surprising the enemy but also at conserving ammunition, fuel, and time.
Although Charles had secretly amassed some supplies, the reality of penetrating deeply into enemy territory meant uncertainty regarding how many resources would be required to hold their gains at Hasselt.
This was a battle about endurance—every bullet and drop of fuel had to be carefully conserved.
The Germans, unaccustomed to this fearless and ruthless style of combat, couldn't conceive that soldiers could remain hidden in freezing conditions. More significantly, they never imagined several thousand could maintain absolute stillness for hours in the bitter cold.
Such an operation sounded simple in theory but was extraordinarily difficult in practice.
To remain immobile in harsh conditions for hours required perfect discipline and coordination—any single movement or noise could risk discovery, jeopardizing the entire operation.
Yet for the First Armored Division, such drills were routine training.
Charles particularly emphasized such tactics with Tijani's mechanized brigade, preparing them to be versatile, capable of both stealth and direct combat, unlike standard armored infantry trained primarily for armored support roles.
The battle unfolded exactly as Charles planned. Once the hidden soldiers successfully passed their predetermined waiting period, victory was half-achieved.
The tanks, initially, were mostly a distraction, attracting enemy attention and artillery fire.
German artillery crews, traditionally trained, naturally believed the infantry would advance behind the tanks, so their initial barrage concentrated far behind the actual French frontline.
While artillery shells landed uselessly behind, tanks moved swiftly forward, largely unharmed. The chaos of bombardment effectively masked the approach of the concealed infantry.
The moment German artillery opened fire, the hidden French troops charged from concealment, swiftly penetrating barbed-wire defenses and tank trenches. Once close, grenades rained into German trenches, sending debris, smoke, and enemy bodies into the air.
Then, submachine-gunners and shotgun-equipped troops stormed in, beginning a merciless slaughter.
The German artillery quickly ceased fire—not voluntarily, but because gunners suddenly saw their own infantry retreating in panicked groups, pursued relentlessly by French soldiers bearing fixed bayonets.
Confusion erupted among artillery crews. Weren't French infantry still far behind the tanks? How had they appeared right in front?
There was no time to think. Gun crews abandoned their weapons, fleeing alongside the infantry. Trenches and infantry hadn't stopped the enemy—how could mere artillerymen?
Charles's First Armored Division secured a complete victory.
The French chased retreating German soldiers relentlessly, pushing more than twenty kilometers deeper into German-held territory within a single day. Over twenty thousand Germans were killed or wounded, with another seven thousand captured.
Charles didn't even bother counting exact figures. Casualties were less significant now compared to critical concerns about resupply.
The vital factor was captured supplies.
With the German 37th Corps retreating hastily, supplies—including food, ammunition, and equipment—were captured almost entirely intact.
Counting battlefield captures, seized enemy supply convoys, and warehouses, Charles secured over forty thousand rifles, numerous Maxim machine guns, anti-tank rifles, over a hundred 77mm infantry guns, around thirty 105mm howitzers, and vast quantities of ammunition, food, and shells.
Tijani eyed the towering piles of captured ammunition with astonishment and regret. "Too bad this ammunition doesn't match our weapons," he lamented.
"But it matches the Belgians'," Charles pointed out. "Belgian forces use German-made Mauser-style rifles and artillery."
Instantly, Tijani understood Charles's intention. "You're suggesting we bring along the Belgian First Special Reconnaissance Corps?"
"Do we have any other choice?" Charles countered pragmatically.
Perhaps French reinforcements could come from Gembloux, but more French infantry meant greater consumption of the already scarce Lebel rifle ammunition.
If, instead, Belgian units equipped with German weaponry moved forward, captured German equipment and ammunition would effectively supply them. The sixty-thousand-strong Belgian force wouldn't just sustain themselves—they'd progressively improve their firepower and strength as they captured more supplies.
Tijani quickly grasped these advantages, smiling broadly. "This significantly eases our logistics. I never imagined the Belgian Army would be so useful."
He hesitated briefly, then added, "But the Belgian Special Reconnaissance Corps currently lacks unified command."
This unit, previously led by General Eden, was now defending Antwerp.
Charles decisively responded, almost commandingly, "Recall Albert I. He will take command."
Tijani stared in amazement. This was the king, after all—Charles's tone was perhaps overly direct.
But Albert I indeed had no reason to refuse. On the contrary, he would likely be grateful for the opportunity to personally lead his army in liberating Belgian territory—especially under Charles's guidance, gaining invaluable combat experience.
Who wouldn't accept training from such a capable ally?
In Brussels, Albert I was frantically gathering intelligence at his temporary headquarters.
He'd hurried to Brussels partly because he anticipated Charles's counterattack starting here, but primarily because Brussels was the Belgian capital.
With German forces having broken through the line from Antwerp toward Brussels, their troops stationed in Leuven, combined with other advancing forces, posed a direct threat, potentially encircling Brussels.
Albert cared little for the broader Allied situation, but Brussels was his capital. Its fall would devastate Belgian morale and national confidence.
Hence, upon reaching Brussels, he quickly mobilized local militia units to gather intelligence, assess German defenses, and improve logistical capabilities. He was determined to prevent Charles's forces from being hindered by shortages of fuel, ammunition, or food.
"We cannot allow Charles's forces to stall," he insisted urgently to Mayor Debrow. "If that happens, we'll be remembered forever as traitors to Belgium!"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Mayor Debrow responded anxiously, understanding the gravity Albert placed on the situation.
But just as Albert's efforts reached fever pitch, a messenger arrived, breathless and excited, with a telegram. "Your Majesty, Charles's forces have broken through the German lines and are heading toward Hasselt. He requests you to take command of the First Special Reconnaissance Corps."
Albert stood stunned. "Charles has won a victory? Where?"
Albert's initial assumption was somewhere near Brussels—but he had heard nothing about Charles's presence here.
"Namur, Your Majesty," the messenger clarified. "Charles has broken through the German lines near Namur and is marching toward Hasselt."
"Namur?" Albert gasped, astonished. "He's already moving toward Hasselt?"
(End of Chapter 608)
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