Chapter 432: Charles's Trap
King Albert I supported Colonel Eden's viewpoint.
"The guerrillas may not match the British in military training," King Albert I said, "but they excel in courage and their willingness to lay down their lives to defend their homeland. Furthermore, we can quickly rally a large group of them, including people from German-occupied areas!"
Colonel Eden affirmed this assessment. "There’s no doubt about that."
As he said this, Colonel Eden glanced at Charles, as if signaling a certain stance.
"As for secrecy," King Albert I pondered for a moment before continuing, "even if the Germans find out, so what? They’d retreat? Let them retreat!"
He was more concerned about reclaiming lost territories than capturing German soldiers.
However, in the long run, capturing more Germans would reduce the difficulty of reclaiming the land. The two objectives were essentially interconnected.
King Albert I understood this but preferred a more pragmatic approach: recovering part of the territory first, especially retaking and stabilizing the capital, Brussels. This would have significant morale-boosting effects.
However, Tigani expressed his disagreement. "The reality may not be so simple, Your Majesty."
"What do you mean?" King Albert I countered.
"The Germans want to retreat because they think we have ample fuel," Tigani explained.
This statement sounded redundant, but King Albert I grasped its implication. "Are you saying that if they knew we lacked fuel, they might not retreat but instead counterattack?"
Tigani nodded, then turned the map around and laid it before King Albert I, tracing a route with his finger as he analyzed:
"The line from Brussels to Antwerp, 35 kilometers, is only guarded by an armored regiment in Brussels and a mechanized battalion in Mechelen."
"But it is 'secure' because we can rely on armored and mechanized units for mobile defense."
"If the Germans attempt to break through here, they will be caught between our armored and mechanized forces."
King Albert I half-opened his mouth. "So this so-called 'security' is predicated on having sufficient fuel?"
Tigani nodded slightly and then asked, "Do you know what will happen if the Germans discover we are out of fuel?"
King Albert I studied the map for a moment, then nodded faintly, indicating his understanding.
"So the danger isn’t just in Tournai but also in Brussels, Mechelen, and every point along this line," King Albert I’s face turned pale. "The Germans might even encircle these towns, including Brussels?"
"Yes," Tigani nodded. "If these towns are besieged, it would be catastrophic. Tanks and armored vehicles without fuel can’t fight, and ammunition will be exhausted under the enemy’s assault. Losing them would only be a matter of time. Currently, the only relatively safe place seems to be the coastal city of Antwerp."
Tigani then offered a self-deprecating laugh. "Even Antwerp may not be safe anymore if the British withhold fuel."
Turning to Charles, though reluctant, Tigani suggested, "Perhaps we should comply with the British demands. The cost is too great; we can’t afford this game. The British know this."
King Albert I's face grew even darker. He wanted to refuse but found himself unable to say the words. He swallowed his bitterness.
In his heart, he hoped Charles would never yield.
But this wasn’t about him; it was about Belgium and all its citizens!
Charles smiled calmly, avoiding Tigani’s suggestion as he asked, "Has the ammunition the British promised arrived?"
It had been shipped from Dunkirk.
The British blockaded German-controlled ports with mines, including Antwerp.
Only the British knew the safe passage and refused to share it. Even France had to rely on British routes to ship ammunition to Antwerp.
This gave the "First Lord of the Admiralty" leverage over Charles regarding fuel supplies.
"A shipment has just arrived," Tigani replied, then asked suspiciously, "Why bring that up?"
Tigani added, "Do I need to remind you? It’s ammunition, not fuel!"
"I know," Charles answered calmly. "But the Germans don’t."
...
Another sleepless night in Wilhelmstraße, Berlin. Falkenhayn’s General Staff Headquarters was ablaze with lights.
Falkenhayn, overwhelmed with frustration, wished he could drive to the front himself to see what was really happening.
So far, they had only managed to keep fighting the French over Mons, struggling to break through under French artillery and aerial bombardment.
The cost of this breakout was immense. Heavy equipment, even vehicles, couldn’t pass through. Horse-drawn howitzers were left behind to avoid spooking the animals and blocking the roads. This slow retreat came with continuous casualties.
As Falkenhayn wrestled with despair, Moritz approached with a report. "General, there’s news from the front: the French are using guerrillas to gather fuel from civilians."
"The French are short on fuel?!" Falkenhayn’s eyes lit up as he turned to the map.
If the French were low on fuel, the war could take a very different turn.
At best, the French might hold on to Antwerp, but everything else would be reclaimed by the Germans.
However, after studying the map, Falkenhayn noticed Moritz's hesitance. "What’s the matter?"
"I think there’s a problem, General," Moritz said.
"What kind of problem?" Falkenhayn asked.
"If the French are short on fuel, would they really make such a public spectacle of having guerrillas collect it? Guerrillas, of all things—this is essentially broadcasting the information to us."
Falkenhayn froze. That made sense. Charles wouldn’t be that foolish.
Moritz then pointed at Antwerp on the map. "Antwerp is by the sea. They can easily ship fuel from Britain or Dunkirk. As far as I know, three large transport ships have already docked in Antwerp."
This intelligence came from remaining German operatives using radios, a reliable source.
"Moreover," Moritz added, pointing to Brussels, "our agents there reported hearing tank engines. They suspect at least a hundred armored vehicles and tanks have been sent to reinforce Brussels."
This had happened after dark, likely to avoid detection.
Falkenhayn remained silent for a moment before sighing in frustration. "You’re right. This is another trap set by Charles. He wants us to divert our forces to open terrain and away from Mons. What a cunning adversary."
Falkenhayn was correct—it was indeed a trap set by Charles.
But he hadn’t fully uncovered it and had fallen right into it!