Chapter 248: The Air Corps
The process of transferring the Army's planes and pilots to Charles was not as simple as Joffre might have hoped. Despite Parliament's directive, Gallieni initially refused repeatedly:
"My apologies, Commander, but our resources are already stretched thin managing one air division. Adding so many more planes and pilots is beyond our capacity.""Moreover, these planes are different models than those used by the First Flying Squadron, so integrating them quickly could lead to chaos.""Your pilots were trained under a different system, and their operational approach may conflict with our strategies.""Frankly, I'm concerned they're too accustomed to your methods to adapt to Charles's tactics."
Gallieni's subtext was clear: Joffre's mismanaged and defeated air units were unfit to join Charles's victorious forces. Joffre, not missing Gallieni's sarcasm, bit back his anger and pretended not to notice:
"There's no need to worry on that front. I have full confidence in Charles's abilities.""In fact, I believe they would be honored to serve under him. I've thought for a long time that this is the right decision.""Charles's accomplishments speak for themselves. They will gladly follow his orders."
Despite Joffre's best efforts to persuade him, Gallieni remained firm, frustrating Joffre to no end.
In a moment of anger, Joffre considered disbanding the Army's air division altogether or even integrating it directly with the infantry. That way, Charles would gain nothing, and Gallieni's false courtesy would be for naught. But, on reflection, Joffre restrained himself. Parliament's order was clear: "Transfer the air division in full to the Paris Defense Command—complete, not a single pilot excluded."
The intent was to appease public anger, which had been boiling over. If Joffre tried any tricks under public scrutiny, it would only add fuel to the fire, intensifying public outrage. In that case, Parliament might find itself forced to sacrifice Joffre himself. A seasoned player in military politics, Joffre understood this well and knew he had no choice but to grit his teeth and comply.
Eventually, after much deliberation, Joffre enlisted the help of Clemenceau to mediate with Gallieni. Only then did Gallieni reluctantly agree to accept the planes and pilots, albeit with reservations. Somehow, news of Gallieni's initial refusal leaked to the press. The next day, every major newspaper featured the story on their front pages:
"Joffre finally admits his mistake, agreeing to transfer the Army's planes to the Paris Defense Command. But Gallieni initially refused, doubting whether Joffre's pilots could even be called 'pilots.'""While the public is satisfied with the outcome, the fact remains: any civilian with no command experience could have made this decision from the start. That it took so many losses to reach this point speaks volumes about Joffre's competence.""If he made such missteps in this area, what about his other decisions?""French lives and taxpayer money should not be gambling chips in a game of personal pride—this is criminal negligence!"
Joffre could hardly contain his frustration. He knew Gallieni was behind the leak, yet there was nothing he could do. All he could do was forbid any newspapers in the headquarters, roaring at his staff not to bring in even a single copy.
For nearly a month, Joffre, normally an avid reader, avoided newspapers entirely.
Charles wasted no time in reorganizing the pilots. After a thorough review, he found that, including the Paris Flying Club, there were 617 experienced pilots capable of combat. Charles divided them into six air corps, each with five squadrons: three fighter squadrons and two reconnaissance squadrons, with around 20 men per squadron.
One air corps would remain stationed at the Flying Club to defend Paris's airspace, and a bomber corps was stationed at the Eric Aircraft Factory. The remaining four air corps were dispatched to the front lines, each assigned to a separate airfield to support front-line operations.
For pilots with flying skills but disqualified from combat due to injuries, age, or other factors, Charles assigned them as instructors, putting them in charge of rigorous training programs for the remaining 1,000-plus recruits.
As for airfield operations, Charles implemented a modern system. Airfields were strategically located near transportation hubs and staffed with engineering units trained to repair roads and railways quickly. This was to ensure a steady supply of fuel, ammunition, and spare parts to each airfield.
He also established a forward network of reconnaissance units, extending thirty kilometers in key directions, each equipped with a radio and at least two telephones to ensure continuous communication with the airfield. Each airfield assigned liaison officers to nearby infantry units, with at least one per corps and, where possible, additional radios.
These measures facilitated close coordination between ground and air forces.
Charles also formalized methods for air-to-ground and ground-to-air communication. Aircraft could signal ground troops by dropping message canisters or flying in specific patterns, such as an "8" or an "O." Ground forces used signal flags or boards to communicate with aircraft overhead.
Some tactics were adapted to local conditions. For example, instead of the usual reflective white signal boards, Charles opted for black or bright red boards, allowing them to stand out against Europe's snowy winter landscape.
In just over a week, the newly organized French Air Corps was fully operational. The bomber squadron frequently launched sorties, turning enemy artillery positions into infernos upon request from the infantry, greatly boosting morale at the front lines.
Watching Charles's meticulous setup, Gallieni was deeply impressed. He instructed Major Fernand to document every step Charles took.
"This is how an air corps should be run," Gallieni marveled. "If we ever have an air force of our own, this should be its playbook." Then, with a hint of irony, he added, "And to think Charles insists he has no experience commanding air battles! He's running an entire air corps like clockwork."
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