Detachee 2: The Empire of Politicians and Warriors
January 8th, 1936
Henri: "Commander, why are we being redeployed?"
Commander: To be honest, I don't know, all I can tell you is that we are going to the Ardennes
Henri: But why? Our enemies are the Germans, not the Belgians.
Commander: Keep marching, I have no more to say to you.
Henri: Yes sir.
Yves: I really don't think the commander likes you..
Henri: I don't think he likes anyone.....
Yves: I can't stand this crap..... We haven't had real food in days...
Henri: I'm sure imperial HQ is on it Yves. The country's on the verge of civil war remember...
Yves: I suppose your right... But none the less.. We should stand up for rights...
Henri: Shut your mouth Yves, there will be no talk of mutiny in these ranks.
Yves: We'll see. Just watch! If the Germans attack now, all of France would fall!
Page(To Commander): Yes sir. Your troops are among the host of 18 divisions that will fall upon our enemies.
Commander: We are ready to move whenever you are ready sir. Our reserves have been mobilized and it appears that everyone is here.
Page: Excellent, I shall send word to General Audent.
Yves and Henri on the march to the Belgian border in early 1936.
French redeployment along the Belgian border.
However, in an attempt to reinforce their positions along the recently completed Italian defense line, divisions were pulled from across the empire from garison duties. One such division was the 5th colonial division. The 5th Colonial was sent to Marsielle in an attempt to prepare the port, should war break out. Unlike the army, however, the navy was rebased to northern france, in preperation for any attempt made by Germans, Belgians, or Dutch to reinforce their colonies. Little did the world know, European unification would come in the form of the French.
Phillipe: I have heard bad news from all across the empire.
Nicolas: Little could be worse than this...
Phillipe: What are you talking about?? These accrused revolutionaries are causing the government to act for the first time in fifty years!
Courier: Phillipe Larreiu. I am looking for Phillipe Larreiu.
Phillipe: What business do you have for me?
Courier: By order of brigade commander, you are to take one man with yourself to the village of Watteau and interrogate a German spy.
Phillipe: Why me?
Courier: That is not a question to ask me. Go now.
Phillipe: Nicolas, come with me. We will ask this German a few questions...
Nicolas: Yes commander.
(Arrive in Watteau)
Nicolas: What now?
Phillipe: We need to meet at the rendezvous point.. Where was it again?
Nicolas: Wait. Look. (Stands at attention)
Maurice Gamelin: Yes, it is me. Maurice Gamelin, supreme commander of French forces in France.
Phillipe: It is an honour sir.
Gamelin: We have no spy. We are here to discuss your brigade.
Phillipe: I am a mere artillery commander. What business do I have with the entire brigade?
Gamelin: I am making you supreme commander of the 4th colonial army. Your friend is to assist you in making decisions.
Phillipe: This is an honour I cannot accept sir. Besides, there are only 3 colonial armies.
Gamelin: I have scoured the nation for the brightest and best commanders, for I plan to unleash hell on Europe. I am forming a new army consisting of 12 divisions, 9 foot and 3 armoured, to send to Indochina. We need to defend our colonies and you will be the one who does just that.
Nicolas: We cannot sir, we are not adept enough to command an army.
Gamelin: This is not a choice. You must not tell anyone. My plan is built on the idea of surprise.
Nicolas: Who knows?
Gamelin: You, me, and about a dozen other selected commanders. Your army will assemble in 110 days, near Marseille. Do not fail me. If Saigon falls, our nation falls.
Phillipe: It is an honour sir.
Gamelin: Goodbye friends.
And thus The Plan, was hatched. And France prepared to shock the world.
Invasion of Belgium Plan "Operation Chocolate Waffle"