Chapter 517: Artillery Machine Gun
Barely two days after the deployment of the M1 semi-automatic rifle, five 107mm rocket launchers arrived in Antwerp from Paris.
During production, it became evident that each launcher cost only around a thousand francs—a fact that deeply puzzled Steed. He even sent multiple telegraphs to Charles, questioning the reliability of this surprisingly inexpensive weapon:
"Is this for real, General?"
"Do you genuinely intend to use these? Can they truly be effective in battle?"
"I fear there must be some mistake—they're too cheap!"
Charles chuckled as he read the telegram. Their primary advantage was precisely their low cost. Had they not been affordable, he wouldn't have wanted them in the first place.
Tijani remained skeptical about these rocket launchers from the very beginning. On test day, he reluctantly accompanied Charles to a secluded area outside Antwerp—the old Fort Bueno, which Charles had previously used as his command post after capturing Antwerp. In front of the fort lay an expanse of barren terrain, scarred only by a few shallow craters left by German artillery shells fired aimlessly during their retreat.
Though ideal for testing rocket launchers, secrecy required extensive precautions. Belgian military police had cleared several kilometers around and ahead of the fort for safety, beginning preparations a day in advance.
This inevitably drew the attention of King Albert I. Hearing of the unusual security measures, Albert hurriedly visited the airfield headquarters, asking eagerly:
"General, I heard you're testing new equipment tomorrow?"
"Yes," Charles answered casually, his attention primarily on the documents he was signing.
"Is it related to our fortress defense system?" Albert pressed further.
Charles paused, reflecting briefly. Indeed, these rocket launchers could integrate effectively into fortress defense systems. Fortress artillery usually suffered from shorter range than enemy siege artillery, which opponents specifically engineered to outrange defensive guns. Rocket launchers, however, ignored traditional artillery constraints. If Germany ever redeployed their massive "Big Bertha" howitzers against Belgian fortifications, these rocket launchers could quickly unleash a salvo, neutralize enemy artillery, and withdraw rapidly.
Considering this, Charles replied, "Perhaps so. If you're interested—"
"Certainly!" Albert's excitement became palpable. "In that case, may I join the test tomorrow?"
"Yes," Charles agreed. "But for secrecy, attendance is limited to you and Brigadier Eden."
"No problem!" Albert eagerly consented. Curiously, he added, "Can you tell me what exactly it is?"
Charles remained cautious: "Officially, we're calling it artillery. You can think of it as such."
Albert's eyes instantly brightened. A new type of artillery—exactly what the fortress defense system desperately needed! With sufficient artillery, Belgium could repel any future invaders.
Albert returned to his estate, thrilled by the prospects. He summoned Eden, sharing his excitement: "We're about to acquire new artillery—one developed by General Charles himself! With this weapon, we'll become unbeatable! Our fortress defenses will withstand any assault!"
Eden nodded enthusiastically, agreeing readily. "Indeed, Your Majesty. Charles's inventions consistently surpass expectations—planes, tanks, machine guns, even landmines—often unprecedented weapons."
Naturally, they began imagining this artillery, engaging in optimistic speculation: given Charles's stringent secrecy, the artillery must be incredibly advanced—powerful, accurate, and compact enough to fit within fortress confines. Albert's only real concern was its likely high cost, as Belgium's finances remained limited—ironically the only worry he didn't need to have.
…
Yet the following day at Fort Bueno, their enthusiasm collapsed abruptly upon seeing several low, crude devices resembling plumbing pipes mounted crudely on frames.
Albert stared in disbelief, asking hesitantly, "General…where's the artillery you mentioned?"
Charles casually indicated the rough devices: "You're looking at it, Your Majesty."
Albert's jaw dropped in disbelief. Although he repeatedly reminded himself that Charles had designed this equipment—surely possessing hidden brilliance—his face couldn't hide the disappointment.
Eden similarly suspected Charles was conducting a ruse, perhaps showing them decoys to conceal his true weapon from outsiders. Once they'd left, the real advanced artillery tests would surely commence.
Yes, Eden thought confidently. That must be it!
Tijani appeared equally disinterested, his mind preoccupied by the M1 semi-automatic rifle and its battlefield applications.
Soon enough, soldiers loaded rockets into the humble-looking launchers under skeptical gazes. Eden's certainty increased upon recognizing the rockets as nothing more advanced than Congreve rockets—hardly worth the elaborate secrecy measures.
But when Charles ordered the launchers fired, the spectators were utterly stunned.
With terrifying screams, rockets shot forth sequentially, trailing thick smoke and fiery tails clearly visible in the sky.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Explosions engulfed the distant target area, tearing apart several small trees instantly, enveloping the area in dense smoke. As smoke slowly dissipated, nothing remained where trees had stood—only short charred stumps as proof of their former existence.
Albert gaped silently, astonished that these primitive "pipes" had unleashed such destructive power.
Eden, shaken, began doubting his earlier assumptions. Was this humble apparatus truly today's main event?
Tijani stood dazed briefly, then suddenly shouted in excitement, "I understand now—this is another kind of machine gun, an artillery machine gun!"
Albert appeared bewildered. "Artillery is artillery, machine guns are machine guns—how can there be an artillery machine gun?"
Eden nodded thoughtfully, agreeing, "Exactly, General. It relies on quantity, using sheer numbers to compensate for inaccuracy—precisely like machine guns, but firing artillery shells instead of bullets."
Albert suddenly grasped the concept, though immediately lamented, "Unfortunately, its range seems limited."
"About eight kilometers," Charles calmly stated, "which is sufficient."
Everyone looked puzzled. Surely artillery needed greater range? Eight kilometers couldn't even reach German 105mm howitzers—how could Charles claim it was "sufficient"?
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