Browning is an extraordinary figure; he successfully designed and produced 37 different types of firearms.
For instance, various models of Browning pistols renowned globally and the standard issue M1911 pistol used by the United States for decades, all are his works. But what excites Shire the most is his shotgun.
The latest model of the shotgun is the "Browning A5." ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by N0v3l.Fiɾe.net
Besides being produced in Belgium by FN, this gun is also licensed to the Remington Company in the United States, where it is named "Remington M11."
(The picture above is the "Browning A5," also known as "Remington M11." Due to its unique high-tail design, it has the nickname "Humpback." It began production in 1902 and was discontinued in 1998. According to incomplete statistics, 850,000 units were produced.)
At this time, European countries generally disliked shotguns, considering their range too short at about 40 meters, far inferior to the few hundred meters range of rifles. Hence, both warring sides paid little attention to or equipped themselves with these guns.
Only the U.S. military, which retained some "cowboy style," was very fond of these powerful guns and even modified a military version of the "Winchester 1897."
By the time the U.S. joined the war in 1917, shotguns immediately demonstrated incredible power on the battlefield.
The cramped space in the trenches made long rifles difficult to operate, and bolt-action rifles had a slow rate of fire, capable of firing only one bullet after pulling the bolt.
Shotguns, however, could fire multiple pellets at once, delivering a three-dimensional strike on the enemy, and in trench warfare, which is close-quarters combat, the short range of shotguns was not as apparent a disadvantage.
At that time, these guns terrified the Germans so much that they demanded a ban on using such guns as combat weapons, calling them inhumane.
(The picture above is the U.S. military equipped Winchester 1897 shotgun, called the "trench sweeper." It too was designed by Browning and is somewhat outdated compared to the "Browning A5." The former requires manual reloading, while the latter is semi-automatic.)
What Shire wanted was the right to improve the "Browning A5." Compared to the military version of the "Winchester 1897," its barrel was longer and it lacked a bayonet mount.
These were disadvantages for trench warfare since, after finishing the bullets, it would immediately need the bayonet.
Besides, there were some improvements that even Browning himself did not know about, but Shire could accomplish, such as increasing its range and effective spread.
However, Shire was not foolish enough to bring it up right now.
He seamlessly continued the previous topic: "Another issue, you are using the same bullets as the Germans, gentlemen, have you considered this?"
Shire’s gaze swept over the crowd and said, "This means that once the Germans capture your machine guns, they can immediately turn them against you or us!"
The crowd was stunned upon hearing this.
"But there’s no solution." Albert I said after a moment of silence, "Unless we use Lebel Rifles."
Bo Yata’s eyes widened immediately as this almost meant terminating all orders for FN Company.
Shire calmly replied:
"My suggestion is that before the guerrillas become combat-effective, we should use the original ’Saint-Étienne 2’ machine gun."
"Although it will cause some supply confusion, the benefit is that even if the machine guns are captured, they cannot be used by the German Army."
"Later, when the guerrillas become combat-effective and are less likely to be defeated by the enemy, and the Germans have their light machine guns, the capture issue will no longer exist."
Albert I repeatedly nodded and said "Oh, right, Brigadier."
"And we don’t enter into mass production so soon, leaving a gap period for the light machine guns."
"During this time, we can completely purchase from France instead of waiting for our machine guns to be produced."
"This will also allow our troops to familiarize themselves with these light machine guns in advance!"
Shire nodded; this was exactly what he meant.
All things considered, it was beneficial to the war, except that Albert I had to spend more money, and Shire could earn more profits.
Bo Yata finally breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, secretly feeling fortunate.
The guerrillas use all kinds of guns, and if Shire suggested converting all rifles to Lebel, Albert I, who followed Shire’s advice, might just agree.
The next day, Shire woke up in the dormitory at Antwerp Airport.
During this period, the German troops in Antwerp City had been largely cleared out, so there was no need for Shire to continue setting up the command post in the harsh environment of the fortress.
The best location was the airport.
Of course, this required the stationing of fighter jets.
Shire first expanded Antwerp Airport, brought in fuel and parts, and set up air defense alerts around the airport, allowing a squadron of Camel fighters and the command post to be stationed together.
Shire’s move once again amazed Tijani: "God, our air superiority has instantly advanced 200 kilometers, we can say we now completely control Belgium’s skies."
(Note: The Camel fighter has a range of 485 kilometers)
What seemed ordinary to Shire seemed like discovering a new continent to Tijani.
"Also Brussels, Mons, General." Shire said while pointing at the map and chewing on bread, "Building airports and stationing fighters in these two cities will truly control the skies of Belgium."
Tijani nodded and then asked, "When do we launch the new offensive? Everyone is waiting!"
Shire didn’t answer, his eyes fixed on the map as he continued to chew his bread.
This included everyone, including Albert I and Colonel Edison, although their guerrillas were not yet ready.
"Some say we should pursue while the iron is hot," Tijani continued to urge, "The longer we wait, the more prepared the Germans will be."
"The Germans are already prepared, General," Shire replied, "Anti-tank ditches, plus the fortresses left behind by Belgium."
Up ahead were some tough nuts to crack: Namur Fortress, Leuven, and the Liege Fortress, known as the first fortress of Belgium.
The Germans relied on Belgium’s existing fortifications and cities to organize new defenses against Shire’s armored units.
The most troublesome were the anti-tank ditches, preventing the armored units from making quick breakthroughs.
"The Germans are making progress," Shire smiled lightly, "They have learned our tactics and developed many countermeasures."
"You must have a solution," Tijani smiled, looking at Shire with great confidence.
Shire smiled and said nothing.
He was waiting for the new equipment from the Saint-Étienne Arms Factory.
At this moment, a guard came in and reported, "Brigadier, an instructor named Dominic is outside wanting to see you."
He is here, Shire thought.
Dominic was bringing the newly developed submachine gun, just waiting for Shire’s approval to move into mass production.