Chapter 516: Chapter 516: He Was Forced to Accept the Plan
Considering the possibility of being caught by the British, Shire disseminated the news from the German-controlled areas through the "Lady in White".
Shire found that the intelligence organization "Lady in White" was very useful. Being a civil organization, it was extremely secretive, lurking in the shadows and hard to defend against. More importantly, it was not bound by military regulations and could engage in some "outlandish" actions.
For example, this time Shire spread the news that "the French Army is going to attack the Namur Fortress".
According to military regulations, this is absolutely forbidden. It is a military secret and collaborating with the enemy, and doing so would undoubtedly lead to a military court trial.
However, the "Lady in White" did not have this kind of pressure. They were loyal only to Shire. They firmly believed that there was a reason for the news Shire passed on and that it was definitely legitimate, just as when Shire had them spread the news that "Belfort was the target of the German Army’s attack".
Most people didn’t even know that it was Shire who spread the news.
...
The first person to come to Shire was none other than Albert I.
He controlled the guerrillas and had many loyal "underground workers" in the German-controlled areas, so he received the news before it spread among the people.
Upon hearing the news, Albert I excitedly brought Brigadier General Eden to Shire’s command, and as soon as he saw Shire, he eagerly asked, "So, our next target to recover is Namur?"
Shire feigned ignorance: "Who told you that?"
"The Germans did," Albert I replied. "Their intelligence unit reportedly learned about this battle plan through special channels."
Shire firmly denied it: "No, it’s not true, Your Majesty. This is a rumor."
"Is that so?" Albert I couldn’t hide his disappointment.
He was planning to discuss the plan to attack Namur with Shire, and how the First Special Reconnaissance Army would coordinate with Shire’s forces.
Then Shire added: "If there’s any attack plan, I will certainly notify you, Your Majesty. After all, we need your cooperation and that of Brigadier General Eden."
"Okay," Albert I nodded helplessly. "I understand."
As he got into the car to return, Albert I couldn’t help but sigh: "Namur is a vital point of the ’fortress defense system’. I thought we could quickly recover it and form a new defensive line with Antwerp."
Brigadier General Eden "hmm"ed, glancing back at the command as the car started: "Do you believe Shire’s words, Your Majesty?"
"Of course," Albert I looked at Eden in surprise. "He wouldn’t lie to me."
After a pause, Albert I added: "Just as he said, he needs our cooperation. There’s no benefit for him to lie."
"I know, Your Majesty," Brigadier General Eden replied. "Shire is a trustworthy friend. Normally, he wouldn’t lie to you. However, if it involves military secrets or orders from superiors..."
Albert I "oh"ed and then nodded slightly: "If he reveals anything, he could be sent to a military court, so he can only deny it."
"Yes," Brigadier General Eden added. "Furthermore, if he admits it, it means his battle intent has been guessed by the Germans or the intelligence leaked. In such a case, can the attack plan on Namur still be implemented smoothly?"
Albert I suddenly realized: "It’s my fault; I shouldn’t have directly asked if it was true in the command in front of so many people."
Brigadier General Eden’s tone was full of regret: "Who is the bastard who leaked the information? Shire probably has to redo the battle plan or even change the attack target."
Albert I nodded heavily, his eyes flashing with anger: "Damn them! This delays our process of reclaiming our land; they should be sent to the guillotine!"
...
At this time, both the British MI6 and the Germans were in a state of confusion.
Just as Shire had estimated, Kitchener indeed had MI6 secretly pass on the intelligence that "Shire’s forces are about to attack Namur" to the Germans.
For the Germans to be better prepared, he also leaked a small part of the battle plan and attack directions.
What Kitchener didn’t understand was why the Germans made this matter known to the world!
On the German side, Fajin Han was also perplexed.
He had kept it strictly confidential; this information couldn’t have leaked.
Because only if the French believed we didn’t know this plan would Shire proceed with it, and the intelligence the German Army obtained would be valuable, making Shire likely to fall into the trap set by the German Army.
Now that the world knows, Shire would be foolish to continue the plan, right?
Who leaked the news?
Could it be the British being indiscreet?
They guessed among themselves but couldn’t figure out that it was Shire who intentionally spread the news.
...
Before long, the news uncontrollably spread to the public.
At first, people didn’t think much of it; many were thrilled, especially the Belgians. They excitedly discussed:
"I heard Shire is going to attack Namur. Namur is not like Antwerp; the Germans are well-prepared there."
"So what? No fortress stands a chance against Shire; Shire has never been defeated yet!"
"Indeed, I believe as long as Shire intends to attack, the reclamation of Namur enters the countdown!"
...
No one thought of one question: if Shire’s battle intention is known to even the common folk, can this battle plan still be implemented?
Then, the development seemed beyond people’s imagination.
Soon, doubtful voices emerged among the public:
"Namur’s terrain is unsuitable for Shire’s armored units to attack; it’s practically a tank graveyard. I don’t understand why Shire would target it."
"Does Shire have a solution?"
"Impossible, the terrain dictates this, with rivers, forests, plus the Germans’ anti-tank trenches and barbed wire. An armored attack is practically suicide."
"Yes, if Shire uses massive human and material resources to capture Namur, he could reclaim any other place with much lower losses."
...
In the newspapers, many military commentators also joined the discussion, focusing on the terrain characteristics of Namur.
They didn’t realize that this was actually an extensive public education for France, helping them understand that Namur was indeed unsuitable for armored warfare, even for Shire’s forces.
After all the conditions were met, suddenly someone questioned:
"This sounds unreasonable; it’s not a battle plan Shire would come up with."
"I heard Shire wasn’t even invited to the Chantilly meeting."
"Isn’t it possible that Shire had no choice, that he was forced to accept this battle plan?"