Chapter 439: The Final Frenzy
The battle entered its seventh day, and the encirclement gradually stabilized.
General Foch’s 9th Army continuously flowed through the corridor opened by Charles’ armored units into the village of Puville. From there, they proceeded to Brussels, perfectly sealing the encirclement and trapping the German forces west of Brussels who hadn’t managed to escape.
The Germans made several breakout attempts, all of which ended in failure.
Charles had secured ample fuel and ammunition from the 9th Army. Regardless of where the Germans attempted to break through, Charles’ armored and mechanized units could arrive within hours to defeat them.
Lacking air supremacy and with their tank forces destroyed and incapable of rebuilding in the short term, the Germans found themselves powerless against Charles’ armored units.
Over time, the sight of the "Charles A1" tanks, armored vehicles, and even the modified "Saint-Chamond" artillery became a nightmare for the Germans. Whenever these vehicles appeared, the Germans, who had been holding their ground, would immediately collapse and flee.
Field Marshal Falkenhayn still hoped to make one last stand. He sent a telegram to Lieutenant General Beyer, commanding within the encirclement:
"Hold on, General! You can obtain food from the Belgians, and your ammunition will last another ten days. We have a plan to coordinate an internal and external assault to completely defeat the French lines."
Lieutenant General Beyer found the telegram bewildering.
Enough ammunition for ten days? How had Falkenhayn come to such a conclusion? Most of their ammunition had fallen into French hands when their front lines collapsed, and the intense battles of recent days had nearly depleted their remaining supplies. At best, they could hold out for two or three days without major engagements.
As for food, it was true that they could obtain some from the Belgians, as they had been doing all along.
However…
Beyer was forced to confront a grim reality: the Belgians would hardly be willing to "give" food to the Germans. Resistance would grow stronger, eventually requiring confiscation or outright plunder.
This would inevitably lead to conflict, possibly escalating to looting and even massacres.
Many soldiers, feeling their end was near, wished to indulge in one final frenzy. Once unleashed, such chaos would be difficult to control.
But was this the right course of action? Beyer pondered not morality but the consequences he would face upon surrender.
Ordering the seizure of Belgian food would effectively seal his own fate. The French and Belgians, upon capturing him, would vilify him as a monster and likely drag him to the gallows like a dog.
Yet if he refused Falkenhayn’s orders and restrained his troops…
At this thought, Beyer carefully folded the telegram into small squares and tucked it into his undershirt pocket. After a moment’s hesitation, he retrieved his bayonet, slit open the lining of his uniform, and concealed the telegram there.
At that moment, the ominous roar of French bombers filled the skies above the German forces.
In panic, the Germans scrambled for cover, only to realize the planes were not dropping bombs but leaflets.
The leaflets fluttered down like snowflakes, twisting and turning in the breeze before finally settling on the ground.
German soldiers nervously emerged from their hiding spots, hesitantly picking up the leaflets while casting wary glances at their officers, fearing rebuke.
But soon, they noticed their officers doing the same.
A communications officer handed one of the leaflets to Lieutenant General Beyer, who read it carefully:
"Charles addresses all German officers and soldiers: The outcome of the war is already decided; any resistance is futile.
If you wish to continue fighting, we are ready to oblige.
However, we demand that this be a gentleman’s fight, sparing civilians from harm.
If you treat civilians well, we will guarantee you humane treatment as prisoners.
However, should you harm the Belgian people in these final moments, I promise to send every one of you to the guillotine!"
(Note: The guillotine, invented in France in 1792, was widely used as a principal method of execution for nearly 200 years. Considered a merciful way to ensure a quick death, it remained in use until 1977.)
Upon reading the leaflet, Beyer immediately realized that his decision was the right one.
It was time to establish contact with the French.
…
Charles was, in fact, playing a political game.
The Germans didn’t need leaflets to understand the situation—they were smart enough to know what to do.
The leaflets were intended for the Belgians.
While Charles wasn’t sure what effect they would have, scattering a few worthless pieces of paper seemed like a harmless gesture. Why not?
To him, it was a trivial matter, something he forgot about as soon as he issued the order.
But for the Belgians—especially those trapped within the encirclement alongside the Germans—it was a matter of life and death.
"Are the Germans so desperate that they’ll turn their knives on us in their final moments?"
"Or will they use us as hostages?"
"Perhaps they’ll force us to the frontlines to shield their breakout!"
…
Terrified, people huddled in their basements, trembling, hoping to survive the most perilous period.
Charles’ leaflets brought them immense relief. When they read the statement, many wept with joy and spread the word:
"Look, Charles is doing his best to protect us. He’s our savior, rescuing us time and again from danger."
"Do you think the Germans have calmed down after reading this declaration?"
"Of course! They’ve stopped raiding food supplies, even though they’re still hungry."
…
Paris, France. The Officers’ Club.
Although it was not yet opening time, officers crowded into the club in droves. They needed to drink, celebrate the French victory, and proudly toast to Charles’ achievements, as if they had been part of the effort themselves.
The officers didn’t miss an opportunity to praise Lucia:
"You have an outstanding boyfriend, Lucia!"
"He’s perfect—don’t ever let him go, or you’ll regret it."
"You’re the luckiest woman in the world. Every woman would be jealous, evenHarleyy!"
…
The officers burst into laughter, recalling the incident where Charles had shot atHarleyy.
Lucia could only smile politely and express her gratitude, though her heart felt a twinge of bitterness. Only she knew that she was merely Charles’ nominal girlfriend.
As she served the officers their drinks, Lucia nervously inquired about the situation in Belgium.
"What’s wrong?" Garrel teased. "Worried that Charles might lose this battle?"
"No, Garrel," Lucia replied, her expression clouded with worry. "My parents are in Ghent, along with my brother."
Seeing Garrel’s confusion, Lucia added, "Ghent is within the encirclement. I’m afraid…"
Garrel immediately understood. Everyone speculated about whether the encircled Germans might launch a "final frenzy."
"They’ll be fine," Garrel reassured her. "Charles will protect them."
Lucia nodded, her eyes glistening with tears.
Charles might save Belgium, but he couldn’t save her family.