I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 863: Ross Rifle

On the Duerwang Castle frontline, discussions among colonial representatives including Shire and Haji reached another level.

"We might try to consider issues of governance," Shire said:

"After all, 'freedom' is now within reach and not as distant as before."

"Of course, this isn't something I can interfere with."

"But I still want to know which system you prefer."

This question baffled the representatives; they hadn't considered this far, and some didn't even know what "system" meant.

Shire gave them an example: "Like in Germany where the Emperor makes all the decisions?"

"No, no." This suggestion was promptly rejected by the colonial representatives: "We don't need an Emperor, that's neither free nor equal."

"Then," Shire continued, "like England with its two chambers?"

The colonial representatives shook their heads:

"No, we hate the English."

"I heard that the House of Lords in England is aristocratic and hereditary."

"Yes, that's neither free nor equal!"

Being a British colony, they had some understanding of the British system.

Then Haji spoke: "I believe we should adopt the republican system like France because it produces generals like Shire."

This statement was quickly met with widespread approval:

"Yes, the French spirit is perfect, and now it's operating very well and powerfully."

"This is the goal we are pursuing; it can make us a powerful country like France."

"What we need is this kind of freedom and equality!"

...

Haji walked up to Shire and solemnly saluted, his eyes shining: "We need your leadership, Vice Admiral, please command us!"

(The picture above shows one of the leaders of the Algerian independence movement, Messaali Haji, a Turkish descent educated in a French primary school, serving as a private in the French Army during World War I)

...

To the west of the Australian Corps is the garrison of the 3rd Division of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

This is the second time they've been rotated to the front, replacing the 7th Canadian Division, which had been stationed for three days.

It's not because of heavy casualties, nor because the Canadian troops can't endure combat, much less because of low morale, but because their rifles can't adapt to the environment and harsh weather here.

(The picture above shows the Ross Rifle equipped by the Canadian Expeditionary Force, the most accurate rifle of the World War I era. Its drawbacks were poor reliability; incidents occurred where the rifle's bolt rebounded during firing and blinded soldiers. Its threads were very sensitive to dirt and frequently jammed in trench warfare combined with rainy weather, leading to a complete replacement by British rifles in 1916.)

The commander of the 3rd Division, Major General Liam, was quite troubled by this. After moving the troops to the frontline, he had to repeatedly issue orders for soldiers to ensure their rifles were clean.

"Damn it!" Major General Liam said, removing his helmet and throwing it on the desk: "Those guns are harder to maintain than Isla; I'd rather have her in the trenches than this thing!"

Isla was the Major General's ex-wife, who terminated the marriage via letter in the sixth month of Liam fighting at the front.

The aide handed the Major General a cup of coffee and suggested: "General, should we consider switching to another rifle? The soldiers are spending too much energy on rifle maintenance, and many have lost their lives because of it."

Although Major General Liam had a lot of grievances against the Ross Rifle, he fell silent upon hearing the aide's suggestion.

Changing rifles?

They hadn't realized the situation.

This isn't just about changing rifles.

Before the war, Canada had requested several times to purchase the production rights for the Lee-Enfield Rifle from England, but every single time was rejected.

The English were worried that if Canada possessed the same rifles, they would arm their troops with them to seek independence.

Now that they are in the midst of war, the English wish to dump their outdated, refurbished rifles to the Canadian Corps, but should they accept them just like that?

This isn't merely about dignity; it's also about the matter of munitions and ammunition being controlled by England.

England only provides us rifles but not production rights.

If Canada goes to war with England, it's predictable that the rifle supply will be cut off by the English.

Therefore, despite the numerous issues with the Ross Rifle, the Canadian Corps has continued using it up to now.

But of course, these thoughts could only be kept in mind.

"General." The guard lifted the trench curtain, reporting excitedly: "Admiral Shire is here!"

"Shire? That Shire?" Major General Liam quickly picked up his helmet and put it on, feeling a little nervous.

Could Shire be here to inspect the frontline's situation?

Was he dissatisfied with the Canadian Army's deployment?

Just as he was about to go out to greet, Shire, wearing a raincoat with only half his face visible, pulled open the doorway curtain, with several guards and translators behind him.

"Is everything okay, Major General?" Shire asked: "I heard you've rotated your defense again."

"Yes, General." Liam responded, standing tall: "As you know, it's because of the rifles; our troops, after spending a few days on the front, become less effective due to poor rifle maintenance."

Shire tilted his rain hat back, allowing water to flow down, and in the dim light, mud was clearly visible on his youthful yet mature face.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Major General," Shire said, "but why haven't you switched to a different rifle? It seems we're not short on equipment right now."

That wasn't true; everything was lacking after the US Army joined.

But strategically speaking, equipment wasn't really lacking, as the German Army had been compressed in the Lorraine and Alsace regions with little room to maneuver.

"Yes, General," Major General Liam responded, "we, we are considering this issue."

"Are you?" Shire's interest piqued instantly: "I have a suggestion, Major General, what do you think of the Bernard Company's M1 Rifle?"

"M1?" Major General Liam's eyes lit up: "That's a good rifle, I heard it's semi-automatic, and many people wish to have it."

"Yes." Shire nodded firmly: "Forgive me for promoting my own rifle, Major General, but it really is excellent, and if you switch it, you'll be like a tiger with wings."

"Are you saying you can provide us with this rifle?" Liam exclaimed, half in surprise, half in delight.

"Yes, of course. We conveniently have over ten thousand in stock and can expand production."

But Liam thought again and sighed lightly, choosing to decline tactfully: "Sorry, General, we might not be suited for such a rifle..."

Unexpectedly, Shire added: "We could even authorize production."

Liam quickly withdrew his previous words: "Authorization for production? You mean, allow us to produce this rifle?"

"Of course." Shire replied promptly:

"As you know, our production capacity is limited; only by authorizing production can this rifle be quickly popularized."

"It's beneficial for the Allies, don't you think?"

"Yes, of course!" Major General Liam nodded repeatedly.

How wonderful, Major General Liam was so delighted he nearly jumped; if we can produce the M1 semi-automatic rifle, would we still need to worry about independence?