Chapter 429 Albert I
Antwerp Airport looks quite desolate at sunset.
The hangar was blown down, and the tower was half burned, leaving only black walls that could collapse at any time. There were aircraft "wreckage" everywhere, and several charred "corpses".
The airport was used to train pilots during the German control period and a German flying squadron was stationed here.
Most of them fled in their planes before Charles's troops arrived, and before leaving they caused some sabotage, blowing up or setting fire to the malfunctioning planes that could not be driven away.
After the French army arrived, they only sent an infantry squad to take over.
At this time, Charles led the guard company to clear the runway, and looking at the airport, he had a deep feeling of returning empty-handed.
Since World War II, airports have been an important strategic location.
Because once the airport is controlled, transport planes will immediately deliver fuel, supplies and reinforcements, and then fighter jets will take off and land here to fight for air supremacy within hundreds of kilometers around, while providing cover for ground forces.
It can almost be said that as long as there is an airport, the initiative in the war can be seized within a few hundred kilometers ahead.
But during this period, there was nothing we could do but watch it rot.
After careful consideration, Charles realized that it was the lack of dedicated transport aircraft, which was the basis of this offensive mode.
Otherwise, we can only wait patiently for the ground transportation lines to be unblocked and for the fuel, spare parts and logistics personnel to be delivered.
Just as Charles was sighing, Tijani, who was looking at the sky, reminded him, "Here it comes."
Following Tijani's gaze, three planes flew over against the backdrop of the fiery red sunset. The one in the middle was a two-seater "Avro", with a "Camel" on each side.
That was Albert I.
After learning that Charles' troops had reached Antwerp, he strongly requested to go to the battlefield in person to fight alongside Charles.
"You can't help me, Your Majesty," Charles replied in the telegram. "We have arranged what we can."
Charles almost told him not to come here and cause trouble.
Albert I may have been very important at the beginning of the war. He was between Germany and France, and everyone wanted to bring him into their camp.
But now, with the war having begun and Belgium on the verge of destruction, Albert I had lost his value.
This is the politics between countries, naked interests.
But Albert I still insisted:
"That's my country, Brigadier General. I must witness Belgium's victory with my people!"
"Plus, I can play a better role in stabilizing the front, and I can do that."
Ciel reluctantly agreed.
In fact, there was no need for Albert I to organize it. The Belgians did it themselves, the "Lady in White" and the guerrillas, but it would be good to have a leader.
Albert I took a big detour. He first flew from England to Dunkirk, and then flew to Antwerp under the escort of the French army.
The reason was that he did not trust British aircraft to guarantee his safety.
At this time, the most advanced aircraft in Britain was still the "Avro", and this fighter could only passively take the beating against the German "Fokker E1".
(Note: Although the UK purchased the Camel fighter from Charles, it still trained in Paris according to the agreement)
The "Avro" gradually lowered its altitude and finally stopped steadily on the airport runway with a rumbling sound of its engines.
The two "Camels" circled twice in the air, and the pilots waved to Charles and then returned the same way.
If they land here, they may not have enough fuel to return.
Albert I jumped down from the back seat of the Avro, took off his goggles and walked quickly towards the group of people who were coming forward, shouting excitedly from a distance: "Charles, my dear friend, I knew you would succeed!"
Albert I walked forward and hugged Charles excitedly, laughing heartily.
"This is a great day," said Albert I. "The eyes of the whole world are on you. You have taken a decisive step!"
This is a common courtesy among Europeans, but Charles is still a little uncomfortable with it.
When getting in the car, Charles reminded: "It's not safe here, Your Majesty. Although the Germans have surrendered, there are still many remnants of the enemy."
Albert I's mind was not here. He looked at the buildings on both sides of the street with emotion and chattered:
"That's where we met. You were a lieutenant then."
"In less than a year you're already a Commodore. I'm proud of you, Commodore."
"Only you could do it in just one day. It's amazing. In fact, everyone was shocked by you. They were all talking about the incredible results you achieved."
"I don't know how to thank you, my friend."
"I thought I'd never be able to come back, but here I am! In Antwerp!"
"I can't believe this is real, it feels like a dream!"
…
"Stop." Charles couldn't help interrupting Albert I: "Did you hear me? It's dangerous here!"
"I know, Brigadier General." Albert I said with a relaxed smile, "If you had taken it back and I stayed out of it because I was worried about the danger, how do you think my people would look at me?"
Ciel nodded.
During the occupation of Belgium, he had been working hard to recover the country's territory, although to no avail.
At the same time, this is also a good opportunity for him to establish the image of a king in the hearts of Belgians and win public support.
Charles was understandably convinced that Albert I had considered this.
"What are you going to do?" Charles asked.
"It's very simple," Albert I replied. "Give me some guns and I will organize a militia. I will be responsible for clearing out the remaining enemies in Antwerp, Brussels, and other places. If you need us, we can also cooperate with the French army. We may not be professional, but we will definitely move forward bravely."
As he spoke, Albert I looked at Charles with anticipation in his eyes.
Charles was a little surprised, this was something he had not expected.
At this time, the French army was indeed short of manpower, or more precisely, short of infantry.
The 9th Army failed to follow up in time, and due to the shortage of fuel, the armored and mechanized divisions had to be converted into ordinary infantry.
So why not mobilize the Belgians?
As they fought their way here, the French had captured many rifles and ammunition from the Germans, and all they had to do was throw them to the Belgians.
"What do you think?" Albert I asked nervously.
As a king, he knew very well that the decision was in Charles' hands.
Ciel nodded and said, "That's a good idea, but regarding the issue of command..."
"I will obey your command unconditionally." Albert I said hastily.
Who else but Charles can win this battle, who else can save Belgium?
(End of this chapter)
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