Chapter 660: Changes at the Somme
At the Antwerp Airport command post, Charles and Tijani were in a heated discussion about tactics for the new destroyers. The debate centered on the future of destroyer development. Charles believed that destroyers should become lighter in the future—reducing the number of main guns to just one forward and one aft—and that the saved weight and space should be entirely devoted to improving anti-aircraft firepower. Tijani strongly disagreed.
"We're talking about the future, General," he argued. "Maybe your torpedo bombers can threaten any warship. I've also heard the idea of bombers carrying bombs. I admit both are feasible. But have you considered that aircraft range is limited? You can't possibly control every part of the ocean with planes."
As he spoke, Tijani pointed to the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. "Even if your aircraft could get there, how long would it take? One hour? Two?"
Charles shot back, "Then why can't we bring the aircraft with the fleet?"
"You mean seaplanes?" Tijani responded instantly, dismissing the idea. "Seaplanes are far too limited, General…"
"I'm talking about wheeled aircraft," Charles interrupted. "We can build a ship with a runway. Then wheeled aircraft can take off—and even land—on the ship."
Tijani stared at him, dumbfounded. After a few seconds, he shook his head in disbelief. "That's absurd, General. It's impossible."
"Is it?" Charles replied calmly. "Because from what I know, the British have already done it. And they've had some success."
"You're serious?" Tijani asked, stunned.
"Absolutely," Charles said. "A few months ago, the British managed to launch a wheeled aircraft off the HMS Furious. It completed its mission and landed back on land. That's why I say it was a partial success—it couldn't land on the ship."
That was why the Furious couldn't be considered the world's first real aircraft carrier. In the end, it was the Americans who beat the British to achieving full take-off and landing operations at sea. Only Britain and the U.S. had the funding and resources to continue such experiments.
Seeing that Tijani was still skeptical, Charles added, "Don't doubt it, General. Small aircraft only need a runway of a few dozen meters to take off. It's perfectly feasible to provide that on a ship. The only reason you find it hard to believe is because you can't yet imagine the navy having such equipment."
At that time, the British and Americans hadn't made their carrier trials public. The experiments were still classified military secrets. But Charles was convinced that both nations would accelerate their carrier programs. After all, carrier-launched fighters were the most effective—and logical—counter to his torpedo bombers.
Suddenly, Tijani's eyes widened in shock. "My God—I have to report this to Vice Admiral Gepratte!" He spun on his heel and rushed downstairs.
This wasn't some minor development. It signaled a potential revolution in naval warfare—much sooner than anyone had expected.
Just then, a staff officer handed Charles a telegram. It was personal, from Stokes. The wording was urgent and anxious:
"General, I'm in some trouble. I hope you can help clarify things. The British government might see me as a traitor. You know we're working on a military-related project—and I'm still a British citizen."
Charles smiled faintly and replied unhurriedly:
"I'd very much like to help you, Mr. Stokes. But under the current circumstances, don't you think I might only make things worse? If you truly want me to intervene, I can reach out to the British government. I've even had dealings with their Minister of Munitions. But I can't guarantee what will come of it."
…
In London, Stokes was pacing nervously inside his villa when he received Charles's reply. He froze. Charles was right. Charles was French—and one of the most feared men in Britain. Would his defense even help?
No. It would probably only make things worse. He'd been foolish to even ask.
Soon, another telegram from Charles arrived:
"I believe you now have only two choices. One: withdraw from the project and disclose everything you know to the British government. Of course, I will consider the lab in Davaz as compensation for your breach of contract. Two: continue with the project, no matter the difficulties."
The message was vague, but Stokes understood.
The two paths were: stand fully with Britain—or fully with France. There was no middle ground.
Abandon the project and lose the lab?
No—he'd be left with nothing.
Then there was only one answer…
"I understand, General," Stokes replied. "I know what I have to do!"
…
Back in Antwerp, Charles raised an eyebrow and folded the telegram into his pocket. In truth, British intelligence had shown little interest in Stokes. At this point, the British government didn't yet understand the importance of tank cannons. They hadn't sent anyone to follow him.
That "tail"—clumsy and easily spotted—had been arranged by Charles himself, carried out by Lucia. It was the only way to push Stokes fully into France's arms and make him a member of the Bernard Group.
In the past, Charles might not have cared much about Stokes and his engineering company. But now, with plans for Oerlikon AA cannons, aviation cannons, and future variants—most of which were modifications of existing artillery—he needed mechanical engineers more than he needed artillery designers. It wasn't ideal to entrust these projects to a British national.
But if that British engineer was now a defector living in France, the situation was different.
"General!" A communications officer at the radio desk shouted. "The Germans are counterattacking on the north bank of the Somme! They've assembled a large armored force—British lines are about to collapse!"
Charles frowned. That didn't match the history he knew. In the historical Battle of the Somme, although British losses were severe, the front line had slowly advanced. There had been no German counterattack that routed the British.
So what had changed?
He pulled out a map and spread it across the table. After a moment of thought, he understood.
Historically, the British had introduced tanks for the first time at the Somme, and that helped them inch forward. But now… thanks to Charles's interference, British tank development had slowed. They were still using the outdated, turret-less Whippet tanks.
Meanwhile, the Germans—having fought against Charles—had seen accelerated progress in both tank development and tactical doctrine.
Given that, the Germans now had the strength to defeat the British in open battle. The course of the Somme had changed.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Franklin1