CHAPTER 425: CHAPTER 25 ALBERT I

The Antwerp Airport appeared quite desolate under the sunset.

The hangars had been bombed flat, half of the control tower was burned down, leaving only charred walls that could collapse at any moment. Wreckage of airplanes and several charred corpses were scattered all around.

During the period of German control, the airport was used for training pilots, with a German Army aerial squadron stationed here.

Most of them flew away before Shire’s troops came in, causing some damage before leaving by blowing up or setting fire to the faulty planes that couldn’t be flown out.

After the French Army moved in, only an infantry squad was placed here to take over.

At this moment, Shire stood with his guards’ company clearing the runway, feeling a poignant sense of returning from the treasure mountain empty-handed as he gazed at this airport.

Since World War II, airports have been vital strategic locations.

Because once an airport is controlled, transport aircraft can immediately bring in fuel, supplies, and reinforcements, followed by fighters taking off and landing here to contend for air superiority over hundreds of kilometers, while also providing cover for ground troops.

In almost every sense, having an airport would enable the contest for the initiative within hundreds of kilometers on the frontlines.

But during this period, they couldn’t do anything but watch it lie in ruins.

Upon careful consideration, Shire realized the lack of specialized transport planes, which were fundamental to this offensive mode.

Without them, they could only wait patiently for the ground traffic lines to clear to transport fuel, parts, and logistics personnel.

As Shire sighed deeply, looking up at the sky, Tijani reminded him, "They are coming."

Following Tijani’s gaze, under the fiery red sunset came three aircraft, with a dual-seat Aphro in the middle flanked by two Camels.

That was Albert I.

Upon learning that Shire’s troops had reached Antwerp, he strongly insisted on personally visiting the battlefield to fight alongside Shire.

"You can’t be of any help, Your Majesty," Shire replied via telegram, "We have arranged everything that can be done."

Shire nearly told him not to come here and make things more complicated.

Albert I might have been very important at the beginning of the war, as both Germany and France wished to pull him into their camp.

But now, with the war underway and Belgium nearly destroyed, Albert I had lost his value.

This is the politics between nations, naked interest relations.

But Albert I still insisted:

"That is my country, General, I must witness Belgium’s victory with my people!"

"Besides, I can better contribute to stabilizing the battlefront. I can do it."

Shire reluctantly agreed.

In fact, there was no need for Albert I to organize anything. The Belgians were already doing it themselves, with the Lady in White and the insurgents, though having a leader wouldn’t hurt.

Albert I made a big detour, first flying from Britain to Dunkirk, then from there to Antwerp under the escort of the French Army.

The reason was that he did not trust the British planes to ensure his safety.

At this time, Britain’s most advanced aircraft were still the Aphros, while facing the German Army’s Fokker E1s, only able to take hits passively.

(Note: although Britain bought Camel fighters from Shire, they were still being trained in Paris according to the agreement)

The Aphro gradually descended, eventually landing smoothly on the airport runway with the rumble of engines.

The two Camels circled twice in the air, with the pilots waving towards Shire before turning back along the same route.

If they landed here, they might not have enough fuel for the return journey.

Albert I jumped down from the rear seat of the Aphro, removing his goggles as he quickly walked towards the group coming to greet him, shouting excitedly from afar, "Shire, my dear friend, I knew you would succeed!"

Albert I enthusiastically embraced Shire, laughing heartily.

"This is a great day," Albert I said. "The whole world is watching you, you have made a decisive move!"

It was a common European courtesy, but Shire still felt a bit uncomfortable.

As he got into the car, Shire reminded, "It is not safe here, Your Majesty. Although the Germans have surrendered, there are still many remnants of the enemy."

Albert I, his thoughts elsewhere, looked at the buildings on both sides of the street with a sentimental expression, chattering away:

"This is where we met. You were still a lieutenant back then."

"In less than a year, you have become a general. I am proud of you, General."

"Only you could have done it, achieving such astonishing results in just one day. In fact, everyone was astonished by you; they were all talking about your incredible achievements."

"I don’t know how to thank you, my friend."

"I thought I would never return in my life, but here I am! In Antwerp!"

"I can’t believe it, it feels like a dream!"

...

"Stop," Shire couldn’t help but interrupt Albert I, "Did you hear what I said? It is dangerous here!"

"I know, General." Albert I wore a relaxed smile. "If you have already taken it back, yet I stay away out of fear for my safety, what do you think my people would think of me?"

Shire nodded.

During Belgium’s occupation, he had been tirelessly working for the recovery of his homeland, although his efforts made little impact.

At the same time, this was also an excellent opportunity for him to establish the image of a king in the hearts of the Belgians and win public support.

Shire believed Albert I had considered this point, and it was understandable.

"What do you plan to do?" Shire asked.

"Very simple," Albert I replied, "Give me some firearms, and I will organize the militia. The task of clearing the remaining enemies in Antwerp, Brussels, and other places will be up to me. If you need, we can also coordinate with the French Army. We may not be professional, but we will certainly fight valiantly."

Saying this, Albert I looked at Shire with eyes full of anticipation.

Shire was a little surprised; this was something he hadn’t thought of.

At this moment, indeed, the French Army was lacking in manpower, or more precisely, infantry.

The 9th Army failed to follow up in time, and due to fuel shortages, the armored and mechanized divisions had to be repurposed as regular infantry.

So why not mobilize the Belgians?

As they fought their way here, the French Army had captured many rifles and ammunition from the Germans. They could just hand them over to the Belgians.

"What do you think?" Albert I asked nervously.

As a king, he knew well that the decision-making power lay with Shire.

Shire nodded, "It’s a good idea, but about the command issue..."

"We will unconditionally obey your command," Albert I immediately said.

Who else but Shire could win this war? Who else could save Belgium?