alternatehistory.com
Changing of the Guard
The Sun Rises Yet Again
Chapter 18: Changing of the Guard
January 15, 1926
The news breaks in the morning edition of The Times. The nation begins the process of mourning. Although the news came as a shock to no one, it is tragic nonetheless. The people of Britain have suffered much loss in the last decade or so. Losing the war, losing a generation in the trenches, losing their empire, losing their position as the number one world power, losing their prosperity, and losing their pride, now they've lost their King. The people of Britain have regained a positive outlook on life, believing the time of death and loss beginning in 1914, the Lost Decade many call it, is finally over, but it seems that the world had one more thing to take from Britain. All across the nation, radio broadcasters and newspapers say their praises to him. Despite the disaster that was the Great War and the collapse of the Empire, many regard George V kindly, viewing him as the final lasting vestige of the ways of old. And like all the other ways, it had to come to an end. The public dons him as the tragic Servant King. Preparations for his lying in state, the funeral procession, and Edward's coronation in about year from now are all started. A German composer by the name of Paul Hindemith heard of the King's death and within six hours wrote a suite he called Trauermusik, German for Mourning Music, and performed that evening in a live broadcast from a BBC radio studio, with Adrian Boult conducting and the composer as soloist. Hindemith had traveled to London to play with Adrian Boult and the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Imperial Conference. The song is extremely moving, a viola and string orchestra suite, and is well received by the public, the Church of England, Parliament, Mosley's government, and the Royal Family.
In the following days, several other ceremonies come to a close and George V is finally brought to Westminster Hall to carry out the tradition of lying in state, a tradition followed since William the Conqueror's death. As they carry him, a part of the Imperial State Crown falls from on top of the coffin as the cortège turned into New Palace Yard but is luckily caught by Edward. All in who see it look at him with an uncertain gaze, wondering if this is an omen of some kind. If so, is it good or bad? The procession continues and, once inside, the coffin is placed upon the catafalque. He lies there for 4 days and 4 nights, guarded around the clock constantly by several detachments, each containing four men from the following units; Her Majesty's Bodyguard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms, The Queen's Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard, The Royal Company of Archers, The Life Guards, The Blues and Royals, the Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, the Scots Guards, the Irish Guards, and the Welsh Guards. Each unit mans the guard for a total of six hours, with each detachment standing post for twenty minutes. The four men stand at each corner with heads bowed and weapons inverted; their backs are turned towards the coffin. People flood in and out of Westminster Hall all day to see the King's coffin and pay their respects. Soon, it is closed to the public for the day. The same happens for the next three days. It is nighttime on the fourth day and it precedes normally until something unprecedented happens, King Edward VIII, Prince Albert, Duke of York, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, and Prince George, Duke of Kent, all stand guard around their father's coffin. They stand throughout the night. This unique event is called the Vigil of the Princes.
The final funeral takes place in the morning. The King's body is carried out from Westminster Hall and his coffin is secured to the gun carriage that will carry him to Windsor Castle. Queen Mary of Teck, draped head to toe in black with a veil to cover her face, enters the Glass coach. Behind is King George's sister, Queen Maud of Norway, Princess Royal Mary, Countess of Harewood, and Elizabeth, Duchess of York, all dressed in similar attire. King Edward VIII takes his place behind the gun carriage, his three brothers trailing closely behind him. Also in the procession are the many kings of Europe. First and foremost is George's first cousin, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. Also in attendance is George II, claimant to the Greek throne, King Alexander of Greece, King-Emperor of the crumbling Austro-Hungarian Empire Karl von Habsburg, the exiled King Alfonso XIII of Spain, Dom Manuel II of Portugal, King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy, King Gustaf V of Sweden, and the Japanese diplomat to London standing in place of Emperor Taishō. Mosley, his wife, the government, a plethora of military personnel, the French Exiles, and diplomats from all the major nations of the world, Mussolini, Metaxas, and Franco included, all stand close by in a separate procession. The tension in the air is undeniable, the many states of Europe who fought or participated against each other in the Great War less than a decade ago all standing together, united by only one thing, respect for one of their own.
The procession begins the slow march to Windsor Castle. Thousands crowd the route, all waiting to get one final glimpse of the King's coffin. Photographers and cameramen also trail the procession, ensuring this tragic day is documented thoroughly. The crowd is immense but deafeningly silent. They eventually reach the station, where a train will carry the King to Windsor Castle. The train reaches its destination an hour late due to the massive crowds in London. The procession continues, smaller than the one in London but still magnificent. After many hours, the King's body is finally interred in St George's Chapel, near the West Door. And with that, the reign of King George V has come to its ultimate end.
For a few short hours, the rulers converse with one another in a way thought impossible by all just a few days ago. Mosley and King Edward manage to isolate Kaiser Wilhelm alone for several moments.
Kaiser Wilhelm II
"Gentlemen, it is a pleasure to see you today. Edward, my deepest sympathies to you and your family."
King Edward VIII
"Yes, thank you Uncle Wilhelm."
Kaiser Wilhelm II
"And as for you Mr. Mosley, I am deeply sorry for the grievous leg wound you suffered."
Oswald Mosley
"Thank you Your majesty, it is an honor to meet you."
Kaiser Wilhelm II
"Yes. Although your recent aggressive actions towards Germany have shocked me greatly."
Oswald Mosley
"I know our two nations have conflicted in the past few years, but I wish to redress that."
Kaiser Wilhelm II
"How so?"
Oswald Mosley
"I would like to invite you and several members of the German Imperial Admiralty Staff, as well as any other naval personnel you deem essential, to London so as to negotiate a naval treaty between Germany, Britain, America, Japan, Italy, and Portugal. A treaty that will hopefully prevent the naval arms race that occurred before the Great War and let me make it clear that Britain is completely willing to accept German naval primacy."
Kaiser Wilhelm II
"Really? Is Britain wiling to give up its chances at contesting German naval supremacy?"
King Edward VIII
"The British are a tenacious and quickly adapting people. We are quick to change when change is needed."
Kaiser Wilhelm II
"Very well, let me know when this Conference of yours will take place and I assure you Germany will be there. Good day to you both."
King Edward VIII
"Good day to you as well."
Wilhelm rejoins the crowd and continues to converse, his unmistakable English accent making it clear how he was related to the deceased. Edward looks to Mosley.
King Edward VIII
"Mosley why would you acquiesce to the Germans in a matter as essential as the navy?"
Oswald Mosley
"Trust me Your Majesty, I already have the whole Conference planned out in my mind to ensure we gain the most from it."
King Edward VIII
"Very well, I trust your judgement immensely."
Oswald Mosley
"You should. You and I, we are the new guard. We are the winds of change that will revolutionise society. We will be the Alexanders, the Caesars, the Napoleons, the Charlemagnes, the Elizabeths, and Victorias that will bring about a new age. Germany, America, they represent the old guard. They've been in control of the world for too long and haven't done well with it, it is time for a changing of the guard. You and I? We are just the first waves that warn of the monumental tsunami that will wash away every foul and outdated institution."
King Edward VIII
"And what about the Marxists? Do they not call themselves the avant-garde ?"
Oswald Mosley
"We are different. Their new ways will bring slavery, decay, and death. They will destroy our glorious nation and our race. They would wipe away godliness and replace it with societal atheism. We, on the other hand, are the heralds of strength, faith, glory, and national renaissance. They are the false shepherd, we are the righteous one."
King Edward VIII
"You are correct Mosley. I am just still extremely nervous."
Oswald Mosley
"Do not worry, you shall be a great king. The coming age will be a grandiose Edwardian Era."
Mosley and Edward talk with many other people and ensure that Italy, America, and Portugal will come to the Conference. Japan gives no firm answer but Mosley suspects they will arrive, to not do so would be admitting they aren't a great power. Edward manages to talk with Helen and they seem to be fancying each other. Mosley catches several glimpses of them and is pleased that Edward is taking a liking to her and vice versa. Mosley manages to wrangle Charles de Gaulle, François Darlan, Ferdinand Foch, and, most importantly, Philippe Pétain.
Philippe Pétain
"Hello Prime Minister. It is an honor."
Oswald Mosley
"The honor is all mine. I'm so glad to have finally been able to meet you. I have been so swamped and I had planned to meet with you the day after the Imperial Conference. But then that bloody assassin murdered our beloved King and shot me straight through the shin."
Mosley pulls his right pant leg up to show them the wound.
Charles de Gaulle
"He got you quite good."
Oswald Mosley
"Yes he did. But that's not what I wanted to talk about. I say we schedule a meeting at Downing Street so we can discuss several important matters. Most of all the liberation of France from the dreaded Communard."
Philippe Pétain
"Yes, we should. Would two months from today be acceptable? We need time to get our proposals in order so as to present an organised plan, shall we not Monsieur Foch?"
Ferdinand Foch
"Yes, I concur."
Oswald Mosley
"That is perfectly fine, I might be able to walk by then too."
They share a light laugh and then they scatter about. Mosley pulls Dom Manuel away in order to speak to him.
Dom Manuel II
"Hello Mosley. My deepest sympathies to you and for your King."
Oswald Mosley
"Thank you. I wish to discuss something very important with you."
Dom Manuel II
"What is it?"
Oswald Mosley
"I plan to incite revolution in South Africa in order to push them to join the Empire. I intend to use Angola and Mozambique as a staging ground for many of the activities involved in the process. I need to know if that is acceptable for you."
Dom Manuel II
"I see nothing wrong with it. Will we be given necessary compensation for our space and secrecy?"
Oswald Mosley
"I am certain that Kitson can work something out."
Dom Manuel II
"Have him talk with Salazar, he is also the chief financial minister. He is gifted when it comes to all matters of money."
Oswald Mosley
"I will do so."
Eventually, the crowd departs and everyone returns to their quarters for the night. Mosley calls Joyce, Beatty, Richmond, and Cunningham to a private meeting in the hospital in the dead of night. They are ordered to meet in an area Mosley has set aside for personal use. They filter into the room around 10 p.m.
Oswald Mosley
"Hello gentlemen, good to see you all."
David Beatty
"It is good to see you as well Your Excellency."
Herbert Richmond
"Why have you called us here Your Excellency?"
Oswald Mosley
"That is a very good question. The answer is that I spoke to the Kaiser and he agreed to meet in London in a few months to negotiate a naval treaty between us. Also in attendance will be America, Italy, Portugal, and possibly Japan."
The room murmurs in confusion.
William Joyce
"Why would you propose such a thing?"
Oswald Mosley
"Very simple. I plan to goad the Germans into a false sense of security. The Kaiser, obsessed with having the grandest navy the world has ever seen, will continue to blindly build dreadnoughts without further supplementation by other ships. We will act as if we intend to build a massive battleship fleet. We will then negotiate into giving up dreadnought parity in exchange for benefits of some kind, which we shall use to finance the research, development, and construction of our carriers and other ships. We will have a better navy than theirs and a bigger one then we could've hoped all while appearing to be the true peacekeepers of the Europe."
William Joyce
"Brilliant!"
David Beatty
"That's a hell of a gambit, are you certain you can pull it off?"
Oswald Mosley
"By myself? No. But all of us working in a combined effort, I am certain of."
The room cheers at the sound of this.
Andrew Cunningham
"But how exactly do you intend on getting them to accept these demands?"
Oswald Mosley
"Joyce and I will work on sizing the Kaiser up, seeing what his weaknesses are and how to best exploit them. The admiralty, on the other hand, will work on getting information to back my claims. That includes setting up diversions to ensure that they believe we are going to pursue a dreadnought heavy fleet as well as investigating the German navy's command structure."
David Beatty
"We understand Your Excellency. We will not fail you."
Oswald Mosley
"Good. You may all return to your homes. There is much work to be done in the coming months."
Mosley relaxes in hospital bed, exhausted from all the movement he shouldn't be doing. But he will not slow down, he cannot slow down, for the destiny of the nation depends on him, this he knows. He can't wait to meet with Fuller and the rest of the armed forces to see how much progress they've made into planning for the war against the Ottomans. He also must check with SIS to kick-start Britain's espionage and sabotage programs. He must check in with Garand to see the progress on his rifle. But, most importantly of all, he must prepare for the Naval Conference. If he handles it correctly, he could ensure British naval dominance in the future. If he mishandles it, he would hand continued naval dominance to Germany. Every decision is eminently important.
Wilhelm II, Emperor of Germany, Head of the Mitteleuropa Economic Block, Victor of the Weltkrieg, and First Cousin to King George V, 1926
View attachment 404905
Victor Emmanuel III, King of Italy. He Acquiesced to Mussolini During the March on Rome, Giving Him Complete Control Over Italy, 1924
View attachment 404906
Karl von Habsburg, Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, Bohemia, Dalmatia, and Croatia. He Struggles to Keep His Crumbling Empire Together, 1919
View attachment 404935
Alfonso XIII, the Exiled King of Spain. Both the Nationalists and the Republicans Refuse His Claim to the Throne and Threaten to Arrest Him if He Sets Foot In Spain, 1911
View attachment 404907
Field Marshall Philippe Pétain, Head of the French Exiles, Hero of the Great War, the Lion of Troyes and Lyon, and Fierce Anti-Communard. He Seeks to Liberate France From Communism At Any Cost, 1918
View attachment 404917
Charles de Gaulle, a Lower Member of Phillipe Pétain's Inner Circle, Prisoner of War to Both Germany and the French Commune, Fierce Anti-Communard, and Proponent of a New Style of Warfare Similar to Fuller's, 1921
View attachment 404909
King Edward VIII, Followed by His Three Brothers, Trails Behind His Father's Coffin, 1926
View attachment 404924
King George V's Coffin and the Funeral Procession With It, 1926
View attachment 404927
Many Thousands Crowd the Route In Order to See the King's Coffin, 1926
View attachment 404930
Chapter 18: Changing of the Guard
January 15, 1926
The news breaks in the morning edition of The Times. The nation begins the process of mourning. Although the news came as a shock to no one, it is tragic nonetheless. The people of Britain have suffered much loss in the last decade or so. Losing the war, losing a generation in the trenches, losing their empire, losing their position as the number one world power, losing their prosperity, and losing their pride, now they've lost their King. The people of Britain have regained a positive outlook on life, believing the time of death and loss beginning in 1914, the Lost Decade many call it, is finally over, but it seems that the world had one more thing to take from Britain. All across the nation, radio broadcasters and newspapers say their praises to him. Despite the disaster that was the Great War and the collapse of the Empire, many regard George V kindly, viewing him as the final lasting vestige of the ways of old. And like all the other ways, it had to come to an end. The public dons him as the tragic Servant King. Preparations for his lying in state, the funeral procession, and Edward's coronation in about year from now are all started. A German composer by the name of Paul Hindemith heard of the King's death and within six hours wrote a suite he called Trauermusik, German for Mourning Music, and performed that evening in a live broadcast from a BBC radio studio, with Adrian Boult conducting and the composer as soloist. Hindemith had traveled to London to play with Adrian Boult and the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Imperial Conference. The song is extremely moving, a viola and string orchestra suite, and is well received by the public, the Church of England, Parliament, Mosley's government, and the Royal Family.
In the following days, several other ceremonies come to a close and George V is finally brought to Westminster Hall to carry out the tradition of lying in state, a tradition followed since William the Conqueror's death. As they carry him, a part of the Imperial State Crown falls from on top of the coffin as the cortège turned into New Palace Yard but is luckily caught by Edward. All in who see it look at him with an uncertain gaze, wondering if this is an omen of some kind. If so, is it good or bad? The procession continues and, once inside, the coffin is placed upon the catafalque. He lies there for 4 days and 4 nights, guarded around the clock constantly by several detachments, each containing four men from the following units; Her Majesty's Bodyguard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms, The Queen's Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard, The Royal Company of Archers, The Life Guards, The Blues and Royals, the Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, the Scots Guards, the Irish Guards, and the Welsh Guards. Each unit mans the guard for a total of six hours, with each detachment standing post for twenty minutes. The four men stand at each corner with heads bowed and weapons inverted; their backs are turned towards the coffin. People flood in and out of Westminster Hall all day to see the King's coffin and pay their respects. Soon, it is closed to the public for the day. The same happens for the next three days. It is nighttime on the fourth day and it precedes normally until something unprecedented happens, King Edward VIII, Prince Albert, Duke of York, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, and Prince George, Duke of Kent, all stand guard around their father's coffin. They stand throughout the night. This unique event is called the Vigil of the Princes.
The final funeral takes place in the morning. The King's body is carried out from Westminster Hall and his coffin is secured to the gun carriage that will carry him to Windsor Castle. Queen Mary of Teck, draped head to toe in black with a veil to cover her face, enters the Glass coach. Behind is King George's sister, Queen Maud of Norway, Princess Royal Mary, Countess of Harewood, and Elizabeth, Duchess of York, all dressed in similar attire. King Edward VIII takes his place behind the gun carriage, his three brothers trailing closely behind him. Also in the procession are the many kings of Europe. First and foremost is George's first cousin, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany. Also in attendance is George II, claimant to the Greek throne, King Alexander of Greece, King-Emperor of the crumbling Austro-Hungarian Empire Karl von Habsburg, the exiled King Alfonso XIII of Spain, Dom Manuel II of Portugal, King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy, King Gustaf V of Sweden, and the Japanese diplomat to London standing in place of Emperor Taishō. Mosley, his wife, the government, a plethora of military personnel, the French Exiles, and diplomats from all the major nations of the world, Mussolini, Metaxas, and Franco included, all stand close by in a separate procession. The tension in the air is undeniable, the many states of Europe who fought or participated against each other in the Great War less than a decade ago all standing together, united by only one thing, respect for one of their own.
The procession begins the slow march to Windsor Castle. Thousands crowd the route, all waiting to get one final glimpse of the King's coffin. Photographers and cameramen also trail the procession, ensuring this tragic day is documented thoroughly. The crowd is immense but deafeningly silent. They eventually reach the station, where a train will carry the King to Windsor Castle. The train reaches its destination an hour late due to the massive crowds in London. The procession continues, smaller than the one in London but still magnificent. After many hours, the King's body is finally interred in St George's Chapel, near the West Door. And with that, the reign of King George V has come to its ultimate end.
For a few short hours, the rulers converse with one another in a way thought impossible by all just a few days ago. Mosley and King Edward manage to isolate Kaiser Wilhelm alone for several moments.
Kaiser Wilhelm II
"Gentlemen, it is a pleasure to see you today. Edward, my deepest sympathies to you and your family."
King Edward VIII
"Yes, thank you Uncle Wilhelm."
Kaiser Wilhelm II
"And as for you Mr. Mosley, I am deeply sorry for the grievous leg wound you suffered."
Oswald Mosley
"Thank you Your majesty, it is an honor to meet you."
Kaiser Wilhelm II
"Yes. Although your recent aggressive actions towards Germany have shocked me greatly."
Oswald Mosley
"I know our two nations have conflicted in the past few years, but I wish to redress that."
Kaiser Wilhelm II
"How so?"
Oswald Mosley
"I would like to invite you and several members of the German Imperial Admiralty Staff, as well as any other naval personnel you deem essential, to London so as to negotiate a naval treaty between Germany, Britain, America, Japan, Italy, and Portugal. A treaty that will hopefully prevent the naval arms race that occurred before the Great War and let me make it clear that Britain is completely willing to accept German naval primacy."
Kaiser Wilhelm II
"Really? Is Britain wiling to give up its chances at contesting German naval supremacy?"
King Edward VIII
"The British are a tenacious and quickly adapting people. We are quick to change when change is needed."
Kaiser Wilhelm II
"Very well, let me know when this Conference of yours will take place and I assure you Germany will be there. Good day to you both."
King Edward VIII
"Good day to you as well."
Wilhelm rejoins the crowd and continues to converse, his unmistakable English accent making it clear how he was related to the deceased. Edward looks to Mosley.
King Edward VIII
"Mosley why would you acquiesce to the Germans in a matter as essential as the navy?"
Oswald Mosley
"Trust me Your Majesty, I already have the whole Conference planned out in my mind to ensure we gain the most from it."
King Edward VIII
"Very well, I trust your judgement immensely."
Oswald Mosley
"You should. You and I, we are the new guard. We are the winds of change that will revolutionise society. We will be the Alexanders, the Caesars, the Napoleons, the Charlemagnes, the Elizabeths, and Victorias that will bring about a new age. Germany, America, they represent the old guard. They've been in control of the world for too long and haven't done well with it, it is time for a changing of the guard. You and I? We are just the first waves that warn of the monumental tsunami that will wash away every foul and outdated institution."
King Edward VIII
"And what about the Marxists? Do they not call themselves the avant-garde ?"
Oswald Mosley
"We are different. Their new ways will bring slavery, decay, and death. They will destroy our glorious nation and our race. They would wipe away godliness and replace it with societal atheism. We, on the other hand, are the heralds of strength, faith, glory, and national renaissance. They are the false shepherd, we are the righteous one."
King Edward VIII
"You are correct Mosley. I am just still extremely nervous."
Oswald Mosley
"Do not worry, you shall be a great king. The coming age will be a grandiose Edwardian Era."
Mosley and Edward talk with many other people and ensure that Italy, America, and Portugal will come to the Conference. Japan gives no firm answer but Mosley suspects they will arrive, to not do so would be admitting they aren't a great power. Edward manages to talk with Helen and they seem to be fancying each other. Mosley catches several glimpses of them and is pleased that Edward is taking a liking to her and vice versa. Mosley manages to wrangle Charles de Gaulle, François Darlan, Ferdinand Foch, and, most importantly, Philippe Pétain.
Philippe Pétain
"Hello Prime Minister. It is an honor."
Oswald Mosley
"The honor is all mine. I'm so glad to have finally been able to meet you. I have been so swamped and I had planned to meet with you the day after the Imperial Conference. But then that bloody assassin murdered our beloved King and shot me straight through the shin."
Mosley pulls his right pant leg up to show them the wound.
Charles de Gaulle
"He got you quite good."
Oswald Mosley
"Yes he did. But that's not what I wanted to talk about. I say we schedule a meeting at Downing Street so we can discuss several important matters. Most of all the liberation of France from the dreaded Communard."
Philippe Pétain
"Yes, we should. Would two months from today be acceptable? We need time to get our proposals in order so as to present an organised plan, shall we not Monsieur Foch?"
Ferdinand Foch
"Yes, I concur."
Oswald Mosley
"That is perfectly fine, I might be able to walk by then too."
They share a light laugh and then they scatter about. Mosley pulls Dom Manuel away in order to speak to him.
Dom Manuel II
"Hello Mosley. My deepest sympathies to you and for your King."
Oswald Mosley
"Thank you. I wish to discuss something very important with you."
Dom Manuel II
"What is it?"
Oswald Mosley
"I plan to incite revolution in South Africa in order to push them to join the Empire. I intend to use Angola and Mozambique as a staging ground for many of the activities involved in the process. I need to know if that is acceptable for you."
Dom Manuel II
"I see nothing wrong with it. Will we be given necessary compensation for our space and secrecy?"
Oswald Mosley
"I am certain that Kitson can work something out."
Dom Manuel II
"Have him talk with Salazar, he is also the chief financial minister. He is gifted when it comes to all matters of money."
Oswald Mosley
"I will do so."
Eventually, the crowd departs and everyone returns to their quarters for the night. Mosley calls Joyce, Beatty, Richmond, and Cunningham to a private meeting in the hospital in the dead of night. They are ordered to meet in an area Mosley has set aside for personal use. They filter into the room around 10 p.m.
Oswald Mosley
"Hello gentlemen, good to see you all."
David Beatty
"It is good to see you as well Your Excellency."
Herbert Richmond
"Why have you called us here Your Excellency?"
Oswald Mosley
"That is a very good question. The answer is that I spoke to the Kaiser and he agreed to meet in London in a few months to negotiate a naval treaty between us. Also in attendance will be America, Italy, Portugal, and possibly Japan."
The room murmurs in confusion.
William Joyce
"Why would you propose such a thing?"
Oswald Mosley
"Very simple. I plan to goad the Germans into a false sense of security. The Kaiser, obsessed with having the grandest navy the world has ever seen, will continue to blindly build dreadnoughts without further supplementation by other ships. We will act as if we intend to build a massive battleship fleet. We will then negotiate into giving up dreadnought parity in exchange for benefits of some kind, which we shall use to finance the research, development, and construction of our carriers and other ships. We will have a better navy than theirs and a bigger one then we could've hoped all while appearing to be the true peacekeepers of the Europe."
William Joyce
"Brilliant!"
David Beatty
"That's a hell of a gambit, are you certain you can pull it off?"
Oswald Mosley
"By myself? No. But all of us working in a combined effort, I am certain of."
The room cheers at the sound of this.
Andrew Cunningham
"But how exactly do you intend on getting them to accept these demands?"
Oswald Mosley
"Joyce and I will work on sizing the Kaiser up, seeing what his weaknesses are and how to best exploit them. The admiralty, on the other hand, will work on getting information to back my claims. That includes setting up diversions to ensure that they believe we are going to pursue a dreadnought heavy fleet as well as investigating the German navy's command structure."
David Beatty
"We understand Your Excellency. We will not fail you."
Oswald Mosley
"Good. You may all return to your homes. There is much work to be done in the coming months."
Mosley relaxes in hospital bed, exhausted from all the movement he shouldn't be doing. But he will not slow down, he cannot slow down, for the destiny of the nation depends on him, this he knows. He can't wait to meet with Fuller and the rest of the armed forces to see how much progress they've made into planning for the war against the Ottomans. He also must check with SIS to kick-start Britain's espionage and sabotage programs. He must check in with Garand to see the progress on his rifle. But, most importantly of all, he must prepare for the Naval Conference. If he handles it correctly, he could ensure British naval dominance in the future. If he mishandles it, he would hand continued naval dominance to Germany. Every decision is eminently important.
Wilhelm II, Emperor of Germany, Head of the Mitteleuropa Economic Block, Victor of the Weltkrieg, and First Cousin to King George V, 1926
View attachment 404905
Victor Emmanuel III, King of Italy. He Acquiesced to Mussolini During the March on Rome, Giving Him Complete Control Over Italy, 1924
View attachment 404906
Karl von Habsburg, Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, Bohemia, Dalmatia, and Croatia. He Struggles to Keep His Crumbling Empire Together, 1919
View attachment 404935
Alfonso XIII, the Exiled King of Spain. Both the Nationalists and the Republicans Refuse His Claim to the Throne and Threaten to Arrest Him if He Sets Foot In Spain, 1911
View attachment 404907
Field Marshall Philippe Pétain, Head of the French Exiles, Hero of the Great War, the Lion of Troyes and Lyon, and Fierce Anti-Communard. He Seeks to Liberate France From Communism At Any Cost, 1918
View attachment 404917
Charles de Gaulle, a Lower Member of Phillipe Pétain's Inner Circle, Prisoner of War to Both Germany and the French Commune, Fierce Anti-Communard, and Proponent of a New Style of Warfare Similar to Fuller's, 1921
View attachment 404909
King Edward VIII, Followed by His Three Brothers, Trails Behind His Father's Coffin, 1926
View attachment 404924
King George V's Coffin and the Funeral Procession With It, 1926
View attachment 404927
Many Thousands Crowd the Route In Order to See the King's Coffin, 1926
View attachment 404930
- Lord_Vespasian
- Word Count: 2.8k