Chapter 594: For a Moment, I Thought They Were Our Allies
Falkenhayn and General Nicholas carefully discussed Colonel Erwin's proposal, becoming increasingly convinced that the plan was not only feasible but offered a significant strategic opportunity.
Nicholas pointed at the map thoughtfully:
"Our forces north of the Liège fortress are trapped in a narrow triangular area. Their backs are against the Dutch border, leaving them nowhere to retreat. They're at constant risk of encirclement by French troops."
"If we seize Antwerp, we not only cut off the supply base for the Belgian front but also open critical strategic space for our trapped divisions."
Falkenhayn immediately agreed:
"Exactly! Consider Louvain as well—it's surrounded on three sides by Antwerp, Brussels, and Namur. We've even contemplated abandoning it."
"But capturing Antwerp would not only secure Louvain but also put the enemy in a dire situation!"
Colonel Erwin interjected confidently:
"Most importantly, General, Charles's main armored forces and Belgium's 1st Special Reconnaissance Army have already shifted south to Namur for their recent offensive."
"Moreover," Erwin continued, "the British intentionally forced Charles's troops out of Antwerp."
Falkenhayn and Nicholas both exclaimed simultaneously, visibly surprised:
"What?"
"They did?"
Erwin nodded with certainty, tapping the map:
"Yes. The British have deliberately positioned their own forces along the Antwerp-Brussels line, pushing Charles's 6th Army and 1st Armored Corps further south, toward the Brussels-Namur sector."
"They claim this arrangement reduces logistical confusion between British and French troops."
Falkenhayn chuckled sarcastically. "Ah, typical British. They always claim to reduce confusion, yet conveniently place themselves where there's minimal risk."
On the surface, this redeployment seemed logical, reducing the logistical chaos of having mixed armies with differing rifles and ammunition. However, the Antwerp-Brussels line lay at the weakest point in German defenses, effectively placing the British army safely behind the fighting, leaving Charles's forces to bear all military pressure alone.
Nicholas added mockingly, "Exactly. Charles shoulders all the heavy fighting yet receives no ammunition or supplies from Britain. Their schemes play directly into our hands. For a moment, I almost thought they were our allies!"
Falkenhayn grinned knowingly, eyes sparkling with excitement as he studied the map. "And let's not forget to thank the French Parliament. We should send them our appreciation, don't you think?"
All three officers exchanged knowing smiles. The atmosphere in the room relaxed, becoming almost jovial as Falkenhayn opened a bottle of wine, pouring glasses for himself, Nicholas, and Erwin.
General Nicholas summed up their conclusions, "Given this disposition, when we attack Antwerp, Charles's forces won't easily reinforce it quickly."
Falkenhayn nodded firmly, acknowledging the truth. Not only did Charles face supply shortages, but Antwerp lay at the opposite end of the British defensive line. The British, protective of their prestige, would hesitate to immediately permit French troops—especially Charles's forces—to march openly through their zone, even during a German offensive.
This meant that when fighting broke out, for a significant initial period, the Germans would face primarily British defenders.
All three men smiled confidently, toasting their imminent success. They feared Charles's brilliant maneuvers, but facing British troops was an entirely different matter. They felt the odds of victory now firmly in their favor.
Yet Colonel Erwin's expression grew more cautious:
"There's one serious concern," he warned. "Charles repaired and strengthened Antwerp's defenses, handing them over to specially trained Belgian fortress troops who follow his tactics precisely."
Falkenhayn's smile faded. Anything influenced by Charles posed risks—even if Belgian troops now manned those defenses.
After some contemplation, Falkenhayn suggested cautiously, "If Charles could break through rapidly using armored vehicles, can't we do the same?"
He recalled clearly Charles's stunning assault on Antwerp, wishing to replicate that success.
However, Erwin quickly shook his head:
"I'm afraid not, General. Charles's breakthrough relied on the 'Char A1' tanks—light, maneuverable machines weighing only about seven tons, with speeds exceeding 15 kilometers per hour."
"Our tanks, the 'Oberschlesien,' weigh 19 tons and achieve a maximum speed of 12 kilometers per hour only under ideal conditions. In these rainy, muddy conditions, they'll struggle to move even half as fast."
Slow-moving tanks were easy targets for entrenched artillery, entirely unlike the nimble 'Char A1,' whose speed outpaced enemy fortifications' reaction times.
Erwin paused briefly before adding thoughtfully:
"To succeed, we'd need a tank comparable to the 'Char A1'—something equally fast, with relatively light armor and weaponry, given we'll face mostly British infantry and their weak armored vehicles. We'd also need considerable numbers to achieve a meaningful breakthrough."
Falkenhayn smiled, genuinely pleased. "You've guessed well, Colonel. Actually, we already have exactly such tanks—quite a number, in fact."
"We do?" Erwin asked skeptically. He couldn't recall hearing about a substantial reserve of fast, lightly armored tanks.
"Indeed," Falkenhayn confirmed cheerfully. "Would 200 tanks be sufficient? If not, we could likely produce another 100 within two weeks!"
Erwin stared at him, astonished. Tanks produced at such a pace?
Seeing Erwin's doubt, Falkenhayn summoned an aide, who quickly brought in a folder. Falkenhayn handed it to Erwin with a knowing smile. "Take a look."
Inside the folder was a photograph and detailed specifications for a newly designed tank:
"This is the LK1," Falkenhayn explained. "Weighing just 6.9 tons, it can achieve speeds up to 18 kilometers per hour. Its primary armament is a heavy machine gun mounted in a rotating turret."
Erwin studied the documents intently, excitement clearly growing on his face. Finally, he looked up, smiling confidently at Falkenhayn:
"This is exactly what we need, General. It's as if this tank was specifically designed for our offensive!"
Falkenhayn himself felt some surprise. Initially, this vehicle had been considered little more than a makeshift stopgap—built quickly from retired automobile engines and chassis. Yet now, precisely at this critical juncture, it seemed perfectly suited for the planned attack.
"But I should warn you," Falkenhayn cautioned. "These tanks may be expendable—once they're deployed into enemy lines, they likely won't return."
Erwin immediately dismissed this concern, his voice firm and resolute:
"That's irrelevant, General. What matters is that they enable our breakthrough at Antwerp!"
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