Chapter 0120: Counsel
Count Tirpitz was deeply intrigued by Qin Tian's suggestion to establish a Marine Corps. Should the Navy possess a ground combat unit, it would significantly enhance its strength, allowing it to operate more independently from the Army.
Conflicts between a nation's army and navy are almost inevitable, differing only in magnitude. In Germany, while the discord between the two branches is not severe, it certainly exists. In other countries, the rift can be vast, almost as if they are irreconcilable foes, prioritizing their animosity over national interests, as exemplified by Japan.
"Your Highness, both I and the Navy's generals wholeheartedly support the establishment of a Marine Corps. However, realizing this ambition will not be easy," Count Tirpitz remarked gravely.
Historically, ground forces have been the domain of the Army. It is easy to foresee the Army's reaction to the Navy's desire to disrupt this long-standing convention, which could spark a new round of tensions.
Recently, the Navy has been feverishly constructing warships, diverting military funds toward naval development, causing discontent among Army leaders. If the Navy attempts to create its own ground forces, the discord could escalate further.
"Count, despite the challenges, we must press forward. If successful, this would be a monumental achievement for the Navy," Qin Tian asserted.
Count Tirpitz nodded. "Let us first report to the palace and seek His Majesty's approval. If we gain his support, we can counter any opposition from the Army."
"Agreed!" Qin Tian replied, expressing no objections.
Given Count Tirpitz's high standing with Wilhelm II, and with Qin Tian's backing, the likelihood of resistance from the Emperor seemed minimal.
As noon approached, Count Tirpitz and Qin Tian shared a brief lunch before heading to the palace to present their proposal for a Marine Corps, hoping to win Wilhelm II's favor.
At that moment, Wilhelm II was preparing for his afternoon rest, but upon their arrival, he had no choice but to forgo it.
"Your Majesty, the Navy has a plan that seeks your approval," Count Tirpitz stated directly.
"Indeed? What plan?" Wilhelm II inquired. The Empire's Navy was flourishing, nearing parity with the British fleet, which delighted Wilhelm II. He typically approved naval plans, provided they did not present significant complications.
"Your Majesty, given the Navy's current pace of development, our chances of defeating the British in future conflicts are very promising. Therefore, we must prepare in advance. If we succeed in besting the Royal Navy and they refuse to surrender, we may need to consider launching an assault on British soil," Count Tirpitz explained.
The notion of launching an invasion of Britain caused Wilhelm II's interest to pique. This was a dream harbored by many European nations, and even Napoleon Bonaparte had failed in such ambitions. If Germany could achieve this, it would position Wilhelm II as more formidable than Napoleon. He was undeniably intrigued.
"Does the Navy truly believe it can defeat the Royal Navy?" Wilhelm II queried. Although he had always regarded this as a goal and recognized the Navy's rapid advancement, he remained skeptical.
"Your Majesty, complete assurance is impossible. However, we are confident we have over a sixty percent chance of defeating the British!" Count Tirpitz asserted.
"A sixty percent chance is quite substantial," Wilhelm II nodded, visibly satisfied.
"Thus, Your Majesty, we believe it is imperative to prepare for a potential landing on British soil following our victory over the Royal Navy," Count Tirpitz continued.
"What are your plans for this?" Wilhelm II asked, still uncertain of the Navy's intentions.
"We propose to establish a dedicated force for landing operations: the Marine Corps. They will undergo specialized training in amphibious assaults and be equipped with the necessary landing gear. This way, when the time comes to strike at Britain, they can be the vanguard, seizing the beachhead," Count Tirpitz explained.
"A Marine Corps?" Wilhelm II's brow furrowed in surprise. The prospect of the Navy creating such a unit was unexpected.
While Wilhelm II understood how beneficial this would be for enhancing naval strength, he also recognized that the Army would vehemently oppose this initiative.
"Oscar, what is your perspective?" Wilhelm II asked his son.
"Father, I believe the establishment of a Marine Corps is essential. In amphibious assaults, particularly during initial landings, casualties tend to be highest. Once we defeat the Royal Navy, the British will fortify their homeland defensively. If we deploy inexperienced Army troops for the landing, the beaches would be strewn with corpses, and the waters would run red with blood. We must avoid such a scenario at all costs. Every German soldier's life is invaluable; we cannot afford to squander them," Qin Tian replied earnestly.
Wilhelm II had to concede that Qin Tian made a compelling argument. He, too, wished to avoid a future where German forces suffered catastrophic losses in an assault on Britain. However, the prospect of the Navy breaking tradition to form a Marine Corps left him in a quandary.
Moreover, Wilhelm II suspected that Count Tirpitz's proposal was likely inspired by Qin Tian. Earlier that day, when the Army had refused to implement a large-scale equipment upgrade, it had incensed Qin Tian. Now, he was perhaps leveraging this moment to demonstrate his authority over the Army.
In truth, Wilhelm II was also dissatisfied with the performance of Moltke and the other Army leaders earlier that day. Yet, Moltke was among his most trusted advisors, which made it difficult for him to express his displeasure openly.