Shire is utilizing Albert I's appeal, or rather the power of the masses.
This is based on two considerations:
First, among the supplies captured from the German Army were a large number of German-style rifles. More than forty thousand were captured during the breakthrough of the German defenses, and more would likely be seized along the way as they capture supply convoys and occupy warehouses.
The French Army has no use for these arms, and while Belgium's First Special Reconnaissance Corps might use the ammunition, they don't need the rifles, and there are more bullets than they can use.
So why not arm the civilians along the way?
Forty thousand rifles can arm forty thousand militia, male or female, as long as they are taught how to shoot.
Second, at this point, the quality of the German Army is not impressive.
