บท 59: Aircraft
Edel was gently roused from his slumber by his wife, Sophie Marie, whose care and concern were evident in her soft touch and tender gaze. He was acutely aware of the toll the past few nights had taken on her; their recent marriage had been a whirlwind of celebration and intimacy, driven by Edel's irresistible attraction to her stunning beauty. Despite his reluctance, the crown prince knew he had placed undue demands on her.
"Ok," Sophie Marie replied with a sweet smile, her voice dripping with affection. It was clear from her radiant expression that she was thoroughly enjoying their newlywed life.
As Edel stepped out of their bedroom, he was met by Carust, the captain of the guard, who approached with urgent news. "Your Royal Highness, I have just received word that Italy has issued an ultimatum to the Ottoman Empire, demanding the surrender of their North African territories due to alleged mistreatment of Italians there."
"Bring it over and show me," Edel commanded.
Carust handed over the telegram, and Edel scrutinized its contents. The regions in question, Tripolitania and Cyrenaica, were strategically positioned across the Italian Sea in North Africa. Despite their arid, desert landscapes and limited economic value, their proximity to Sicily allowed control over a critical section of the Mediterranean.
Historically, these territories had been under Ottoman control since 1881, when the Turks had established a government in Porte. However, the French had already colonized neighboring Algeria and Tunisia, and were eyeing Tripolitania and Cyrenaica as potential additions. Italy, however, had long harbored ambitions to establish a foothold in North Africa and had been actively engaging in political maneuvers and diplomatic efforts to secure recognition of its interests there.
From 1880 to 1911, Italy had been methodically expanding its influence in these regions. They sent naval officers disguised as fishermen to conduct coastal surveys and encouraged Italian Catholic priests to gather intelligence under the guise of missionary work. Learning from its failed military expedition in Ethiopia in 1896, Italy was cautious yet determined. The second Moroccan crisis provided the impetus Italy needed to act decisively. Believing that delay could mean losing a crucial opportunity, Italy issued an ultimatum on September 28, 1911, and threatened military action if their demands were not met.
Turkey, in response, sought support from other nations to thwart Italy's aggressive maneuvers, but the major powers instead persuaded Turkey to acquiesce to Italy's demands, leading to the outbreak of the Italian-Turkish war.
As Edel pondered the implications of this conflict for Romania, he realized that although the war seemed distant, the effects could ripple through the region. The Ottoman Empire controlled vast territories in the Balkans, including Thrace and Macedonia, where the population was a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including over 100,000 Romanians.
The Balkan states, with their varying allegiances and the backing of powerful patrons like Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Austria-Hungary, were all eyeing Ottoman territories. Given Romania's ties to Germany and Austria-Hungary through strategic alliances and royal marriages, it was generally believed that these two powers supported Romania.
"Italy's bold move in North Africa could set a precedent for other nations to follow," Edel mused aloud. "We must keep a close eye on the developments of this Turkish war."
"Understood, my lord," Carust replied, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
Over the following days, Edel closely monitored the Italian-Turkish war. Although the Italian military was poised for invasion, their initial efforts were somewhat uncoordinated. Italian troops landed in Tripoli on the evening of September 28, 1911, but it wasn't until October 3 that they began bombarding the port, eventually taking control with a force of 1,500 men.
The Italian advance was met with stiff resistance from the Turkish army, which, instead of engaging in large-scale battles, opted for guerrilla tactics to harass the invaders. Diplomatically, Turkish officials traveled across Europe to garner support, while also rallying local Arab and Bedouin tribes to defend their homeland.
By October 10, the scale of the Italian military presence had increased significantly, just as the Xinhai Revolution erupted in China. The international community deemed the Italian force of 20,000 troops sufficient to secure victory, underestimating the resolve of the local Ottoman forces and the challenging terrain.
In the ensuing battles, the Italians managed to capture key coastal cities like Tobruk, Beda, and Sirte, showcasing their military prowess. However, the situation escalated on October 23, 1911, when a contingent of Italian troops near Benghazi was nearly encircled and decimated by mobile Arab cavalry, supported by regular Ottoman forces. This engagement, though downplayed by the Italian media as a minor skirmish, marked a significant setback for the Italian campaign, prompting Italy to bolster its forces to 100,000 troops.
Amidst the conflict, the role of aircraft emerged as a significant factor. Italy, possessing about 20 military aircraft and 32 pilots, took the lead in incorporating aerial reconnaissance and bombing into warfare. On October 23, Captain Piazza conducted a reconnaissance flight over Turkish positions, marking the beginning of aerial warfare. Subsequent sorties included the first aerial bombing on November 1, when Lieutenant Gavoti dropped grenades on Turkish positions, an act Turkey claimed targeted a hospital.
Despite the mixed performance of these early military aircraft, their potential impact on future conflicts was clear. Nations around the world, including Romania, took note, with those lacking the capability to produce their own aircraft opting to purchase them, while others accelerated their research and development efforts.
As the war progressed, Edel remained vigilant, aware that the outcomes of this distant conflict could have profound implications for Romania and the delicate balance of power in the Balkans and beyond.
Edel, holding the latest report on the Italian-Turkish war, commented thoughtfully. He had good reason to be reflective; perhaps, he mused, because the Roman Empire had drained the Apennine Peninsula of its vigorous men, Italy had since been a target for various aggressors. From the ancient Germanic tribes to modern powers like France and Austria, all seemed to treat Italy as their backyard, to be entered and exited at will. Even after its unification, Italy faced humiliation in Africa against the Ethiopians, tarnishing the reputation of European colonizers.
Edel was well aware that in the upcoming World Wars, Italy would be among the least impressive performers. This was not merely a reflection of Italian characteristics, he thought, but also a testament to Italy's relative lack of power compared to other major nations.
Setting aside the war report, Edel picked up a dispatch about the Wuchang Uprising in the Qing Dynasty. The familiar historical event seemed distant to Edel, despite his previous financial speculations in the Far East which had netted him nearly 20 million taels of silver. The vast empire of the East was crumbling under its own decrepit rules, a decline hastened by the calamitous nationalization of railways—a topic much debated by later historians, though Edel chose not to dwell on it now.
What intrigued him was the current European view that this uprising would modernize the Qing Dynasty and civilize it further. Only Edel knew the truth: this was merely the beginning of China's long period of suffering, soon to be followed by decades of warlord conflicts and widespread misery among the populace. It would not be until the establishment of a communist government that this turmoil would end, allowing the ancient nation to rise anew and eventually regain a prominent stance on the world stage.
As Edel pondered these thoughts, a knock on the door interrupted him. "Come in," he called, slightly annoyed but knowing his guards would not disturb him without good reason.
"His Royal Highness, General Puleshan requests an audience," announced the guard as he entered.
"Invite him in," Edel responded, always ready to welcome his Chief of Staff.
General Puleshan entered with measured steps, his purpose clear. "Your Highness, there is growing concern about the new Italian military technologies, particularly their use of aircraft. Our Romanian forces are in need of similar advancements."
"This matter should be directed to the Coanda Aircraft Factory. We are not experts in aircraft manufacturing," Edel replied, then added, "But surely, General, there is more you wish to discuss than just aircraft?"
"Yes, my lord," Puleshan replied, pausing briefly before continuing. "I am here to invite you to inspect this year's military training. The performance of our newly formed divisions last year was disappointing. They have doubled their training efforts and hope to redeem themselves before your Highness."
Realizing the importance of such an inspection, especially now with tensions rising in the Balkans, Edel agreed. "Yes, let's arrange it."
"How does November 3rd sound for the inspection, Your Highness?" Puleshan proposed.
"You arrange it," Edel consented, thinking over the proposed date.
With the prince's approval, Puleshan promised to organize everything accordingly and left, satisfied. Edel, meanwhile, considered a visit to the Coanda Aircraft Factory to check on their progress.
He summoned a guard. "Prepare the vehicle. I'm going to inspect the Coanda Aircraft Factory," he ordered.
Upon arrival at the factory located in the suburbs, Henri Coanda and his assistant Firaicu, along with a group of employees, were already waiting to greet him.
"Welcome, Your Highness," Coanda greeted, with Firaicu by his side, both appearing slightly disheveled as if they had been working right up until the moment of Edel's arrival.
"I'm here to see the progress on your new aircraft," Edel stated directly.
Coanda exchanged a nervous glance with Firaicu before responding. "Your Highness, the new aircraft is nearly complete, but we've encountered a small issue that needs resolving before it can be tested."
"What sort of issue?" Edel inquired, his smile belying his understanding that the problem was likely significant.
"We are attempting to replace the French land-based rotating cylinder star air-cooled engine with a shaft-rotating type, but we're facing some difficulties," Coanda explained, clearly anxious about the prince's reaction.
Edel, perceiving their concern, decided not to delve too deeply. He was aware that rotary engines would eventually become obsolete, and appreciated their forward-thinking approach despite the current setback.
Firaicu, sensing an opportunity to shift the focus, suggested, "Perhaps, Your Highness would like to see the new plane itself?"
"Alright," Edel agreed, eager to move on from the awkward conversation.
They proceeded to the aircraft manufacturing workshop, where Edel's eyes were immediately drawn to a new model distinctly different from its predecessors. This aircraft boasted a protective cover over its nose and a windshield about fifty centimeters high, giving it a more refined appearance than the earlier models with exposed engines.
"This plane looks impressive," Edel remarked, genuinely pleased with the post-war style design.
"This is all thanks to your support, Your Highness. Without the funding, this vision would not have been realized," Coanda said, with Firaicu nodding in agreement.
Edel, accustomed to such flattery, chose not to respond. Instead, he reminded them of the urgency: "The military's demand for aircraft is increasing; you must accelerate your progress. We cannot keep them waiting."
Chastened, Coanda and Firaicu acknowledged the need to expedite their efforts.
"Now, let me introduce you to this new aircraft," Firaicu said, eager to discuss the technical details.
He explained that the aircraft, named "Navigator," was constructed from iron wood and skin, measuring 12.4 meters in length with a wingspan of 10.1 meters. Despite their best efforts, the aircraft's performance metrics—particularly its range and elevation—still fell short of Edel's requirements.
However, Edel was satisfied with their progress. "You've done well. I look forward to seeing this aircraft in flight. Expect a military inspection soon, and likely another order will follow."
Relieved by the prince's approval, Coanda and Firaicu felt reassured. With Edel's continued financial backing, they were optimistic about the future of their aircraft designs.
After the visit, Edel returned to his palace, his thoughts now turning towards the upcoming military inspection, an event that held his utmost concern and anticipation.
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