Chapter 867 Ross Rifle

At the Fort Dulewan front, the discussion among colonial representatives including Charles and Haji entered another level.

"We can try to consider the question of political system," said Charles.

"After all, 'freedom' is within reach and not as far away as before."

"Of course, this is not something I can interfere with."

"But I still want to know which system you prefer."

This question confused the representatives. They had not thought so far and did not even know what a "system" existed.

Charles gave them an example: "Like in Germany, where the emperor has the final say?"

"No, no." This statement was immediately opposed by the colonial representative: "We don't need an emperor. That would be neither free nor equal."

"Then," Charles continued, "two Houses of Parliament, like in England?"

The colonial representatives shook their heads:

"No, we hate the British."

"I heard that the House of Lords in the UK is made up of aristocrats and is hereditary."

“Yes, this is not freedom either, and it’s even less equal!”

As a British colony, they had some understanding of the British political system.

At this time, Haji spoke up: "I think we should use a republic like France, because it can produce generals like Charles."

This statement immediately received universal approval:

"Yes, the French spirit is perfect, it is working very well and very strongly right now."

"This is what we are striving for, and it will make us a strong country like France."

"This is the kind of freedom and equality we need!"

…

Haji walked up to Charles and saluted him with a gleam in his eyes: "We need your leadership, Lieutenant General, please command us!"

(The picture above shows Messali Haji, one of the leaders of the Algerian independence movement. He was of Turkish descent, educated in a French primary school, and served as a private in the French army during World War I)

…

To the west of the Australian Corps was the 3rd Division of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

This was the second time they were deployed to the position, replacing the Canadian 7th Division which had been stationed there for three days.

It was not because of the heavy casualties, nor because the Canadian army was not strong enough to fight, nor because of low morale, but because the rifles in their hands could not adapt to the environment and bad weather here.

(The picture above shows the Ross rifle equipped by the Canadian Expeditionary Force. This rifle was the most accurate rifle during World War I. Its disadvantages were poor reliability. There was an incident where the bolt rebounded and blinded a soldier's eyes when firing. Its threads were very sensitive to dirt and frequently jammed in trench warfare and rainy days. It was fully replaced with a British rifle in 1916.)

Major General Liam, commander of the 3rd Division, was very troubled by this. After he led his troops to the front line, he had to issue orders many times to the soldiers to keep their guns clean.

"Fuck it!" Major General Liam, who had just returned from patrol, took off his helmet and threw it on the desk. "Those guns are harder to maintain than Isla. I'd rather bring her to the trenches than this stuff!"

Isla was the major general's ex-wife, and in the sixth month since Liam went to the battlefield, she wrote a letter asking to end the marriage.

The staff officer handed the major general a cup of coffee and suggested: "General, should we consider changing the rifle? Soldiers spend too much energy on maintaining rifles, and many people lose their lives because of it."

Although Major General Liam had many complaints about the Ross rifle, he fell silent when he heard the staff officer's words.

Change gun?

They didn't realize what was going on.

This isn't just a matter of changing guns.

Before the war, Canada had requested several times to purchase the production rights of the Lee-Enfield rifle from Britain, but was rejected by the British side without exception.

The British feared that Canada had the same rifles as theirs and would use them to arm its army in its fight for independence.

Now at war, the British would have liked to have handed over their worn-out, reconditioned rifles to the Canadian Corps, but would they have just accepted it?

This is not just a question of dignity, but also about the control of arms and ammunition by Britain.

Britain only gave us rifles but not the right to produce them.

Once Canada went to war with Britain, its supply of rifles would foreseeably be cut off by the British.

Therefore, even though the Ross rifle has many problems, the Canadian Corps still uses it to this day.

But of course, these words can only be kept in my heart.

"General." The guard lifted the curtain of the tunnel and reported excitedly: "Lieutenant General Charles is here!"

"Charles? That Charles?" Major General Liam quickly picked up his helmet and put it on. He was a little nervous.

Could it be that Charles is here to inspect the situation at the front line?

Is he unhappy with the Canadian military's deployment?

Just as he was about to go out to greet them, Charles, wearing a raincoat with only half of his face exposed, lifted the door cloth, followed by several guards and translators.

"Is everything all right, Major General?" Charles asked. "I heard you guys changed guard again."

"Yes, General." Liam stepped forward and answered, "You know, it's because of the rifles. Our troops will be affected in combat effectiveness if they stay on the front line for a few days because of poor maintenance of the rifles."

Charles held up his rain hat and pulled it back, the rain pouring down. Under the dim light, one could clearly see mud and water on his young yet mature face.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Major General," Charles said, "but why don't you get a new rifle? We don't seem to be short of equipment right now."

This is not true. After the US military joined, all equipment was in short supply.

But from the perspective of the battle line, there was indeed no shortage of equipment, and the German army had been compressed in the Lorraine and Alsace regions and could not move.

"Yes, General," Major General Liam replied, "We are considering it."

"Really?" Charles instantly became alert: "I have a suggestion, Major General, what do you think of Bernard's M1 rifle?"

"M1?" Major General Liam's eyes lit up. "That's a good gun. I heard it's semi-automatic. Many people want to own it."

"Yes." Charles nodded heavily. "Please forgive me for promoting my own rifle, Major General. It is really excellent. If you change to it, you will definitely be more powerful."

"You mean, you can provide us with this kind of rifle?" Liam was surprised and happy.

"Yes, of course. We have over 10,000 in stock, and we can expand production."

But Liam changed his mind, sighed and chose to decline: "Sorry, General, we may not be suitable for using this rifle..."

Unexpectedly, Charles added: "We can even authorize production."

Liam quickly stopped himself. "Authorize production? You mean, you can let us produce this rifle?"

"Of course." Charles agreed straightforwardly:

"You know, we don't have enough production capacity. Only authorized production can make this rifle popular quickly."

"That's good for the Allies, isn't it?"

"Yes, of course!" Major General Liam nodded repeatedly.

That’s great! Major General Liam almost jumped for joy. If we can produce M1 semi-automatic, do we still need to worry about the issue of independence?

(End of this chapter)