Chapter 429: King Albert I
The Antwerp airfield, bathed in the light of the setting sun, appeared desolate.
The hangars lay in ruins, bombed and collapsed, while the control tower, half-burned, left behind charred walls threatening to crumble at any moment. Scattered across the area were the wreckage of airplanes and a few charred corpses.
Under German control, the airfield had served as a training base for pilots, housing a squadron of German aviators.
Most of them fled in their planes before Charles’ forces arrived, but not without causing destruction. They destroyed or set fire to any grounded planes that couldn’t be flown away.
Afterward, the French forces took over, stationing just an infantry squad to guard the site.
Charles, accompanied by his guard company, cleared the runway and gazed at the airfield with a profound sense of missed opportunity.
From World War II onward, airfields became critical assets in military strategy.
Controlling an airfield meant transport planes could deliver fuel, supplies, and reinforcements. Fighters could launch from there to dominate the skies within hundreds of kilometers, providing air cover for ground troops.
In essence, holding an airfield could determine the balance of power within its operational range.
But at this time, there was nothing they could do with it. All Charles could do was watch the airfield sit idle.
After some contemplation, Charles realized the crux of the problem—it was the lack of specialized transport planes that formed the foundation of such offensive strategies.
Otherwise, they would simply have to rely on the tedious process of clearing ground transportation routes to deliver fuel, spare parts, and logistics personnel.
While Charles lamented the situation, Tigani, who had been gazing at the sky, interrupted his thoughts: "They're here."
Following Tigani's gaze, Charles saw three aircraft approaching against the fiery sunset. In the center was a twin-seat Avro, flanked on either side by Sopwith Camels.
It was King Albert I.
Having learned that Charles’ forces had reached Antwerp, Albert I had adamantly insisted on witnessing the battlefield himself and joining Charles in the campaign.
“You’re of no help here, Your Majesty,” Charles had replied via telegraph. “Everything that can be done has already been arranged.”
Charles had nearly told him outright not to come and be a nuisance.
At the outbreak of war, Albert I had been a key figure, courted by both Germany and France in hopes of securing Belgium’s allegiance.
But now, with the war underway and Belgium nearly obliterated, Albert I had lost his political value.
Such is the nature of politics between nations—a starkly pragmatic relationship based on naked self-interest.
Yet Albert I remained resolute: “This is my country, Brigadier General. I must witness Belgium’s victory alongside my people!”
“And besides, I can better contribute to stabilizing the front lines. I am capable.”
Reluctantly, Charles agreed.
In truth, Belgium’s resistance didn’t need Albert I to organize it. Belgians had already taken up arms themselves—the "Lady in White" and guerilla fighters had risen across the land. Still, having a figurehead wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Albert I’s route was circuitous. He flew first from Britain to Dunkirk, then was escorted by French forces to Antwerp.
The reason? He didn’t trust British aircraft to ensure his safety.
At this point, Britain’s most advanced aircraft was the Avro, which was utterly outclassed by the German Fokker E1, leaving British pilots defenseless.
(Note: Although Britain had purchased Sopwith Camels from Charles, the agreement stipulated they remain in Paris for training.)
The Avro gradually descended, finally landing smoothly on the runway amidst the roar of its engine.
The two Sopwith Camels circled the airfield twice before the pilots waved to Charles and turned back.
If they landed, they might not have enough fuel to make the return trip.
Albert I jumped down from the rear seat of the Avro, removing his goggles as he strode quickly toward the welcoming party. From afar, he called out excitedly, “Charles, my dear friend, I knew you’d succeed!”
Albert I embraced Charles enthusiastically, his hearty laughter resonating.
“This is a great day,” Albert I declared. “The whole world is watching you—you’ve taken a decisive step!”
Though this was a common European greeting, Charles found it a little uncomfortable.
As they settled into the car, Charles warned, “This area isn’t safe, Your Majesty. Though the Germans have surrendered, many remnants still linger.”
But Albert I seemed unfazed, gazing at the streets and buildings with a sentimental expression as he chattered:
“This is where we first met. You were just a lieutenant back then.”
“In less than a year, you’ve become a brigadier general. I’m so proud of you, Brigadier General.”
“Only you could achieve this—securing such a miraculous victory in a single day. Everyone is astounded, discussing your incredible feats.”
“I don’t even know how to thank you, my friend.”
“I thought I’d never return in my lifetime, yet here I am! In Antwerp!”
“I can’t believe it’s real—it feels like a dream!”
...
“Stop,” Charles interrupted, unable to hold back. “Did you hear what I said? This place is dangerous!”
“I know, Brigadier General.” Albert I’s face bore a lighthearted smile. “But if you’ve reclaimed it, and I stayed away out of fear, what would my people think of me?”
Charles nodded.
During Belgium’s occupation, Albert I had tirelessly campaigned for the liberation of his homeland, even if his efforts bore little fruit.
This was also a prime opportunity for him to solidify his image as king and garner public support.
Charles was certain Albert I had considered this, and he couldn’t fault him for it.
“What’s your plan?” Charles asked.
“Simple,” Albert I replied. “Give me some rifles. I’ll organize militias to clear out the remnants in Antwerp, Brussels, and elsewhere. If needed, we can even coordinate with French forces. We may not be professionals, but we will fight bravely.”
Albert I looked at Charles with hopeful eyes.
Charles was taken aback—he hadn’t expected this.
The French forces were indeed short on manpower, specifically infantry. The Ninth Army hadn’t arrived in time, and due to a fuel shortage, armored and mechanized divisions had been forced to operate as regular infantry.
So why not mobilize the Belgians?
As the French advanced, they had seized a considerable number of rifles and ammunition from the Germans. Handing these over to the Belgians was a viable solution.
“What do you think?” Albert I asked nervously.
The king understood that the decision lay with Charles.
Charles nodded. “It’s a good idea, but as for the chain of command...”
“We’ll follow your orders unconditionally,” Albert I interjected.
Who else could win this war? Who else could save Belgium?