Rise of a Kaiser

Chapter 55 - Summit of the Marshals

"Terror Belli, Decus Pacis. Terror in War, Ornament in Peace. These are the words on every one of your German marshal's batons. The word 'Marshal' goes back to the Demonic war between the Demon Queendom and Visea, I was the last Marshal ever appointed in Visea. The rank has often been used to denote the highest military authority. Today, my most trusted Generals, all of you, are marshals for your exceptional skill and independant command." Wilhelm stated. He was in the war room, raising his own marshal baton. "The rank of Heersmarshal of the German army is a unique rank, denoting not just  skill, but character too. The most unorthodox and interesting people become marshal's, I do hope your legends become the talk of the civilised world. It is also your role as marshals to mentor your Generals so that they can become marshals after you retire. For all, even my tenure has to end at some point, and you are loyal to by dynasty, not just myself." 

The marshals all muttered to each other after Wilhelm finished his speech. The Marshals included: Reichmarshal Gniesenau and Field Marshal von Rundstedt. Marshals: Muffling, Rommel, Guderian, von Clausewitz, von Hammerstein-Equord, von Kreel, von Mackensen, and von Manstein. They then gathered around a table containing a regional map of the Kaiserreich and the surrounding nations.

"So, whom do we think is our current rival and adversery?" Wilhelm asked. 

Clausewitz quickly answered. "Well, the obvious answer would the the Japanese Empire. Their navy is quickly modernising, but they have recently introduced conscription, raising their standing army to one million." 

"But their army can only be effective if they can cross the channel. In the outbreak of a war of U-Boats could effortlessly cut their colonial supply lines." Rommel argued. 

"Do not underestimate the Japapanese herr Rommel." Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt warned, the Japanese navy is advancing, we may be in dnager of loosing naval supremacy. Plus if the Japanese can copy a battleship hull, they can copy a depthcharge, or in the worse case, supass them." 

"Anyway, its not our position to judge, this is an army conferance, not a naval one." Marshal von Manstein stated, Wilhelm nodded.

"Speaking of which, I am told herr Rommel that there are some new prototypes awaiting my approval?" Wilhelm asked. 

Marshals Rommel and Guderian stepped forward. "Yes sir." Rommel replied seriously and professionally. "We have several new designs awaiting your approval, including new classes including heavy tanks, tank destroyers, self-propelled artillery, and flakpanzers." 

"We just have  to fix a few teething problems with the diesel engines, original designs planned for petrol but by shifting to deisel that would enable the entire Wehrmacht to run on diesel, simplifying supply chains. Plus heavier tanks would have increased speed and mobility, and vehicles will be able to operate in colder temperatures with less issues and without fear of fuel freezing up." Heinz Guderian reported, Wilhelm nodded in approval. He had helped guide tnak development along these lines, with insight from Andarta who helped Wilhelm recall information he had learnt from his past life which had also led to the development of many modern technologies. However Wilhelm insisted his name was not credited with the conception of any of this technology. "With new heavier tanks being developed, we have also greenlit new bergepanzers that can help engineers tow and recover the heavier panzers and other armoured vehicles without several half-tracks towed together." Wilhelm nodded in approval that his marshals were taking eveything he wanted seriously, and that his officers were, in a way, dusting up after him. Making sure everything was tied up so the German war machine would run efficiently, and most importantly, sensibly. 

Wilhelm knew he had put the right people in the right places. 

Gniesenau was taught under Aires, so he was good leading the overall direction of the Wehrmacht. Rommel was better leading from the front than behind a desk, so making him a normal marshal was correct, Guderian was much better suited for the tactics, strategy and development of Germany's panzer forces. Muffling, recently allocated a new budget to increase staff and infstructure for his ancillery service, was right at home supporting the army in every way possible, his ancillery personel have become just as respected as the frontline soldiers, Wilhelm only wished Camden shared the same feelings, then she may have been here. Manstein had been getting along really well with General Blummentritt to not just run the reserve army, optimising patrol zones, command sectors, and defending the Reich's largest and most significant cities.BUt he had also utilised the reserve army in parades throughout the country to boost morale and to provide propaganda opportunities. Shaltear von Kreel was increasing the ranks of the special forces, Clausewitz was experimenting with new infantry tactics and planning campaigns in neighbouring countries if war were to break out, assisted by Von Mackensen.