Chapter 489: Military Glory Isn't Always Earned on the Battlefield
"But what exactly do you propose we do, Field Marshal?" General Haig asked, confusion etched across his features. "Shire's rapid advance has already positioned his forces in Antwerp, effectively placing us far behind the frontline. We can't simply march our troops forward and demand he relinquish territory."
"No, of course not," Kitchener replied calmly, a slight smile crossing his lips.
As he spoke, car headlights swept briefly across the windows outside. A vehicle slowed, paused at the checkpoint manned by British soldiers, then slowly passed through toward the villa entrance.
"Ah, perfect timing," Kitchener noted with satisfaction.
Haig rose and moved toward the window, peering down with curiosity. "Who is it?"
"A man who can place British soldiers back into battle and secure our interests on the front," Kitchener responded cryptically.
General Robert Nivelle stepped from the car and briskly climbed the stairs. Outside the door, he paused briefly, adjusting his uniform, rolling his shoulders to dispel nervousness, and then adopted a confident smile before stepping inside.
"Field Marshal Kitchener, General Haig," he greeted warmly, saluting sharply before shaking hands firmly with both men.
Kitchener indicated a chair, inviting Nivelle to sit opposite them. "General Haig, may I introduce General Nivelle—commander of the French Third Army."
Haig acknowledged politely, though he regarded Nivelle with quiet uncertainty. He glanced at Kitchener, puzzled by the attention placed on this relatively obscure French general.
Kitchener, observing Haig's confusion, said nothing further, merely gesturing subtly toward Nivelle, allowing the French officer to speak first.
Nivelle took a steady breath before beginning confidently, "You've undoubtedly heard about Joffre, General Haig. He has been relieved of his command, and the National Assembly is now debating whether to strip him entirely of his military commission."
Haig nodded thoughtfully, responding dryly, "Indeed, poor Joffre. Finally, he truly is 'poor Joffre.'"
Nivelle smiled courteously, catching the subtle jab. Joffre was infamous for repeatedly exclaiming 'poor Joffre' whenever confronted with difficulties—a self-pitying phrase that had become something of a joke among officers.
He continued carefully, "With Joffre removed, the position of commander-in-chief is now vacant. There has been some discussion of Gallieni assuming the role, but everyone recognizes his poor health. The National Assembly prefers Gallieni as Minister of War, commanding reserve forces rather than frontline combat."
Haig leaned forward suddenly, his curiosity piqued. "And what about Shire? Isn't he being considered?"
"Of course," Nivelle replied cautiously, "but the Assembly believes Shire is too young—only eighteen—and just a brigadier general. His elevation to commander-in-chief would likely spark opposition. More importantly…"
Nivelle hesitated, choosing his words carefully.
Kitchener smoothly interjected, "Age and rank are secondary. Ability is what counts. Even Joffre managed, after all."
All three men exchanged knowing smiles.
Kitchener then clarified, "However, the real concern is Shire's growing political influence."
"Influence?" Haig asked, surprised. "But as far as I know, Shire commands only about twenty thousand troops. How does that constitute overwhelming influence?"
"You're correct, General," Nivelle explained calmly, "but the issue lies in Shire's popularity among soldiers and civilians alike. His victories at Brussels, Antwerp, and Verdun have made him something of a national hero—a living legend. He might command few men directly, but he wields enormous moral authority."
Haig realized their point: The Assembly feared Shire's personal prestige more than his actual military strength. Giving him full command would essentially hand France over to an increasingly powerful figure, bypassing the democratic process.
Haig chuckled bitterly. "Typical French—always internal politics first."
Then he paused, realizing the British weren't exactly innocent in that regard either. He fell silent.
Nivelle diplomatically ignored the comment, continuing smoothly, "All other potential commanders have significant drawbacks. Foch was discredited due to Joffre's previous missteps at Verdun. The Assembly now doubts his judgment. General Pétain, another favorite, insists upon a defensive strategy, something considered outdated in the present circumstances."
Haig nodded slowly, acknowledging this assessment. Shire's lightning advances had made aggressive offensives fashionable again. Installing Pétain, famous for cautious defense, could slow momentum.
Suddenly Haig's eyes widened in astonishment. "Surely, you don't believe you could become commander-in-chief, do you?"
Nivelle, though somewhat embarrassed, nodded firmly. "Yes, General, that is precisely my intention."
"You're insane," Haig responded bluntly. "You're only a major general commanding a single army. There are multiple corps commanders and several senior generals ahead of you, each with extensive battlefield accomplishments. And you… forgive me, but your experience is rather limited."
Nivelle's expression froze awkwardly.
Kitchener gently intervened, "This decision isn't about rank or previous positions. If necessary, tomorrow Nivelle could be a lieutenant general."
Haig suddenly understood. Britain intended to push Nivelle forward politically, leveraging this unknown French officer's rise to secure greater British influence over the war's direction.
Haig considered thoughtfully before saying, "But Nivelle, have you achieved significant battlefield victories to justify such a promotion?"
"No, General Haig," Nivelle admitted reluctantly, his cheeks slightly flushed. "I have not."
Haig looked visibly disappointed. A general without notable combat achievements was unlikely to earn respect or legitimacy as commander-in-chief.
Kitchener calmly remarked, "Military glory doesn't always have to be earned on the battlefield."
Haig frowned, puzzled. "Then how?"
"Resources," Kitchener explained quietly. "France is suffering severe shortages. General Nivelle, through British assistance, can deliver crucial supplies to the French army."
Kitchener gestured toward Nivelle. "As commander-in-chief, he could also ensure seamless cooperation between British and French forces—a considerable benefit."
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