Chapter 429 Albert I

The Antwerp Airport looked quite desolate under the setting sun.

The hangar was blown down, and the tower was half burned, leaving only the black walls, which could collapse at any time. There were aircraft "wreckage" everywhere around, and several charred "corpses".

The airport was used to train pilots during the German control period, and a German flight squadron was stationed here.

Most of them fled in their planes before Charles's troops broke in, and they also caused some damage before leaving, blowing up or setting fire to the faulty planes that could not be driven away.

After the French army entered, only one infantry squadron was sent here to take over.

At this time, Charles led the guard company to clear the runway, and looking at this airport, he felt that he had returned empty-handed.

Since World War II, airports have been important places for military strategists.

Because once the airport is controlled, transport planes will immediately transport fuel, supplies and reinforcements, and then fighters will take off and land here to compete for air supremacy over hundreds of kilometers around, while providing cover for ground troops.

It can almost be said that as long as there is an airport, the initiative of the war can be seized for the hundreds of kilometers ahead.

But during this period, nothing can be done, and it can only be watched as it rots here.

After careful consideration, Charles realized that it was the lack of dedicated transport aircraft, which is the basis of this offensive mode.

Otherwise, it can only wait for the ground transportation line to be unblocked to transport fuel, parts and logistics personnel.

Just as Charles sighed, Tijani, who was looking at the sky, reminded him: "Here they come."

Following Tijani's gaze, three planes flew in against the background of the fiery red sunset. The one in the middle was a two-seater "Avro", and there was a "Camel" on each side.

That was Albert I.

After he knew that Charles's troops had reached Antwerp, he strongly requested to go to the battlefield in person to fight with Charles.

"You can't help much, Your Majesty." Charles replied in the telegram: "We have arranged what we can do."

Charles almost told him not to come here to make trouble.

Albert I may have been very important at the beginning of the war. He was between Germany and France, and everyone wanted to pull him into their own camp.

But now that the war has started and Belgium is almost destroyed, Albert I has lost his value.

This is the politics between countries, naked interests.

But Albert I still insisted:

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

"In addition, I can play a better role in stabilizing the front line, I can do it."

Charles agreed reluctantly.

In fact, there is no need for Albert I to organize at all. The Belgians did it themselves, "Lady in White" and guerrillas, but it is not bad to have a leader.

Albert I took a big detour. He first flew from Britain to Dunkirk, and then flew to Antwerp under the escort of the French army.

The reason is that he did not believe that British aircraft could guarantee his safety.

At this time, the most advanced aircraft in Britain was still the "Avro", and this fighter could only passively take a beating against the German "Fokker E1".

(Note: Although the UK purchased the Camel fighter from Charles, it was still training in Paris according to the agreement)

The Avro gradually lowered its altitude and finally stopped steadily on the runway of the airport with a "rumbling" sound of the engine.

The two Camels circled twice in the air, and the pilots waved to Charles and returned the same way.

If they landed here, they might not have enough fuel to return.

Albert I jumped off the back seat of the Avro, took off his goggles and walked quickly towards the group of people who came forward, shouting excitedly from a distance: "Charles, my dear friend, I knew you would succeed!"

Albert I came forward and hugged Charles excitedly, laughing heartily.

"This is a great day." Albert I said: "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 unaccustomed to 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:

"We met here. You were still a second lieutenant at that time."

"In less than a year, you are already a brigadier general. I am proud of you, brigadier general."

"Only you can do it in just one day. It's amazing. In fact, everyone is shocked by you. They are all discussing the incredible results you have achieved."

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

"I thought I would never come back in this life, but here I am! In Antwerp!"

"I can't believe this is real, it's like a dream!"

...

"Stop." Charles couldn't help interrupting Albert I: "Do you hear me? It's dangerous here!"

"I know, Brigadier General." Albert I had a relaxed smile on his face: "If you have taken it back, and I stay out of it because of fear of danger, how do you think my people will look at me?"

Charles nodded.

During the fall of Belgium, he had been working hard to recover the country, although it didn't work.

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

Charles believed that Albert I had considered this, and there was nothing wrong with that.

"What are you going to do?" Charles asked.

"It's very simple." Albert I replied: "Give me some guns, and I will organize the militia. Antwerp, Brussels, and other places, the task of clearing out the remaining enemies will be handed over to me. If you need it, we can also cooperate with the French army. We may not be professional, but we will definitely move forward bravely."

As he said, Albert I looked at Charles, with expectation in his eyes.

Charles was a little surprised, which he did not expect.

At this time, the French army was indeed short of manpower, or to be more precise, short of infantry.

The 9th Army failed to follow up in time, and due to the shortage of fuel, the armored division and mechanized division had to be converted to ordinary infantry.

Then why not mobilize the Belgians?

When they fought all the way here, the French army had seized many rifles and ammunition from the Germans, and they just had to throw them to the Belgians.

"What do you think?" Albert I was a little nervous.

He, as a king, knew very well that the decision was in Charles' hands.

Charles nodded and said, "It's a good idea, but regarding the question of command..."

"I will obey your command unconditionally." Albert I said hastily.

Besides Charles, who else can win this battle, who else can save Belgium?