Chapter 432: Charles's Trap
Albert I supported Colonel Eden's suggestion.
"The guerrillas may lack the military training of the British," Albert said, "but they make up for it in courage, and they're willing to lay down their lives to defend their homeland. Plus, we can recruit many more, even from German-occupied areas."
Colonel Eden confirmed this. "Without a doubt."
As he spoke, Colonel Eden glanced at Charles, as if signaling his support.
"As for the secrecy issue," Albert thought for a moment, then continued, "even if the Germans find out, so what? If they flee, let them. I'm more concerned with reclaiming our territory than taking German prisoners."
In the long term, capturing more Germans would certainly make it easier to retake territory, as the two objectives were connected. Albert understood this, but he was willing to settle for reclaiming a portion of Belgium, especially if it included stabilizing the capital, Brussels, to lift morale.
But Tijani voiced his disagreement. "That might not be the case, Sire."
"What do you mean?" Albert asked.
"The Germans are trying to escape because they believe we have ample fuel," Tijani replied.
Albert immediately caught on. "So you're saying that if they discover we're low on fuel, they might try to counterattack instead of fleeing?"
Tijani nodded, turning the map toward Albert and tracing their positions with his finger.
"From Brussels to Antwerp, we only have an armored regiment in Brussels and a mechanized battalion in Mechelen along this 35-kilometer line," he explained.
"But it's 'safe' because we can use our armored and mechanized units for mobile defense."
"If the Germans try to break out along this line, they'll face an ambush from our armored and mechanized units on both sides."
Albert's mouth dropped open. "So this so-called 'safety' is based entirely on having enough fuel?"
Tijani nodded and asked, "If the Germans learn we're low on fuel, do you know what could happen?"
Albert stared at the map, thinking it over before nodding in understanding.
"So the danger isn't just at Thuin. Brussels, Mechelen, and every point along this route could be in jeopardy," Albert said, his face paling. "The Germans might encircle these towns, even Brussels itself?"
"Yes," Tijani replied. "If these towns get surrounded, it would be catastrophic. Without fuel, our tanks and armored vehicles would be immobilized, and our ammunition would eventually run out under German attacks. Retaking those positions would be nearly impossible. Our only 'safe' position might be Antwerp by the coast."
Tijani gave a self-deprecating chuckle. "But even Antwerp isn't safe now, if the British refuse us fuel."
Tijani glanced at Charles, and though he was reluctant, he suggested, "Maybe we should do as the British want. The cost is too high, and they know we can't afford to ignore it."
Albert's expression darkened. He wanted to object but found himself unable to speak, only swallowing bitterly.
His personal wish was for Charles not to give in, but he couldn't let his own feelings jeopardize Belgium or its people.
Charles, smiling easily, didn't respond to Tijani's suggestion. Instead, he asked, "Have the British delivered the ammunition?"
This was the ammunition sent from Dunkirk.
The British had blockaded the German-controlled ports, including Antwerp, by laying mines. Only the British had safe passage routes, which they refused to share, meaning even French ships had to pass through British-controlled waters to deliver supplies.
This was precisely how the "First Lord" was able to leverage the fuel issue against Charles.
"A shipment arrived," Tijani replied, then added, puzzled, "But why do you ask?"
He then reminded Charles, "It's ammunition, not fuel!"
"I know," Charles replied calmly. "But the Germans don't."
…
It was another sleepless night at the General Staff Headquarters on Wilhelmstrasse in Berlin. General Falkenhayn's command center was alight with activity.
Falkenhayn, exhausted and frustrated, wanted nothing more than to take a car to the front himself and see what was actually happening there.
So far, they had only managed to keep fighting the French at Mons and were struggling to break through amidst artillery and air strikes.
But the cost of the breakout was high. Heavy equipment and vehicles couldn't pass through, and even horse-drawn artillery had to be left behind to prevent road blockages. The breakout was painfully slow, with mounting casualties along the way.
Amidst the chaos, Major Moritz approached Falkenhayn with a report. "General, we've received news from the front that the French are gathering fuel from local sources with the help of guerrillas."
"The French are low on fuel?" Falkenhayn's eyes brightened as he turned back to the map.
If the French were indeed short on fuel, this could mean a completely different outcome for this battle.
The best they might achieve could be holding Antwerp, with the rest of the territory possibly falling back into German hands.
But as he studied the map, he noticed that Major Moritz seemed unconvinced, prompting him to look up in confusion.
"I think something's off, sir," Moritz said.
"What's the issue?" Falkenhayn asked.
"If the French are low on fuel, would they really go to such lengths, so publicly, to have guerrillas gather it? That's practically announcing it to us," Moritz explained.
Falkenhayn paused, realizing the logic. Charles couldn't be foolish enough to be so transparent about such a critical shortage.
Moritz continued, pointing to the map, "Antwerp is a coastal city. They can easily bring in fuel from Britain or Dunkirk. In fact, I've received reports that three large British transports have docked at the port."
This intelligence, radioed in by German forces still in Antwerp, was highly reliable.
"And," Moritz added, indicating Brussels, "our agents there reported hearing tank engines. They estimate at least a hundred armored vehicles and tanks have been deployed to reinforce Brussels."
This movement had taken place after dark, likely an attempt to conceal something.
After a long silence, Falkenhayn sighed in frustration. "You're right. This is another trap set by Charles, hoping we'll shift our main forces away from Mons. Cunning devil."
He was absolutely correct; this was indeed Charles's trap.
But despite his insight, Falkenhayn was about to step squarely into it.
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