Cray, British Expeditionary Force Command. In Sir French's office, several generals of the British and French allied forces were frowning as they looked at the military map. The map shows that more than 500,000 people from the German 1st Army and 8th Army have already launched an offensive. There is no doubt that this is undoubtedly a great test for them.
"Gentlemen, the Germans have launched an offensive. Their forwards left Amiens and headed south. It is estimated that they will contact our troops tomorrow morning at the latest." Sir French said.
"Your Excellency, the Germans are also aggressively attacking the Marne River. Marshal Joffre is under great pressure. Obviously, the Germans are preparing to launch an all-out attack and defeat us in one fell swoop." British Expeditionary Force No. General Haig, commander of the 1st Army Group, said.
"That's right! For the Germans, after defeating the coalition forces, they can declare final victory. We have nothing to do with them." Admiral Benson, commander of the 3rd Army of the British Expeditionary Force, sighed. tone.
For these generals of the British Expeditionary Force, the disastrous defeat of the Royal Navy is also a pain in their hearts. Although, in the United Kingdom, the status of the Royal Navy is much higher than that of the Army, and the Royal Navy has always taken the bulk of its annual military expenditure. The Royal Navy was unlucky, and these suppressed army generals felt a bad breath in their hearts.
However, the disastrous defeat of the Royal Navy also pushed the British Empire to the brink of failure. Once the British Empire is defeated in this war, the consequences will be very serious. The entire British Empire will suddenly decline from its status as a world hegemon and become an ordinary country. This is undoubtedly something that these generals cannot accept.
Therefore, the generals of these expeditionary forces hope to defeat the Germans by their own strength. In this way, they can become the savior of the British Empire. At that time, the status of the army in the UK will also be greatly improved, and it may even be dubbed the title of the Royal Army.
It's just that the German army is too strong. They lost a lot of troops in last year's battle. The British and French allied forces tried their best to resist the German attack. In the past half a year, the strength of the British and French coalition forces has become stronger. But at the same time, the German army has undergone radical changes and has become stronger. This is definitely not good news for the British and French coalition forces.
"Your Excellency, I understand that the combat effectiveness of the German army has been greatly improved compared to half a year ago. The troops they attacked on the Marne River showed their powerful combat capabilities to the fullest. Not only are they equipped with a large number of artillery and machine guns , and the will to fight has also improved. Therefore, this battle may not be easy to fight." General Despere, commander of the French 1st Army, said with some concern.
Admiral Despere's words immediately silenced the atmosphere in the office. Everyone knows that this time is undoubtedly a great test for the British and French coalition forces. If it fails, France will undoubtedly be the first to be unlucky. However, after France fell, Britain would never be able to escape. The current Britain and France are like a pair of troubled brothers, their fates have been tied together, and if they fail, they will not end well.
"No matter what, for the sake of the British Empire and the French Republic, we must do our best to defeat the Germans. Otherwise, our two countries will be finished." Sir French said.
Admiral Haig, Admiral Benson, and Admiral Despere all nodded.
They certainly didn't want to fight the Germans if they could. However, the outbreak of war is not decided by them. However, once the war started, they had no other choice. The only thing they can do is try their best to win this war.
"First of all, we need to figure out the intentions of the Germans and where their offensive focus is. This is very important. This will allow us to mobilize a powerful army to stop the Germans. Second, we need more troops. I have already I sent a telegram to Marshal Joffre, requesting that the 4th Army of the Expeditionary Force be transferred up. If possible, the 10th Army of the French Army stationed in Paris can also go to the front to fight. To keep Paris, nothing is better than defeating the Germans There is a more efficient way," said Sir French.
"Your Excellency, I think the focus of the German attack should be Paris. There is nothing more important than Paris. Didn't the Germans always want to force us to withdraw from the war? He may think that taking Paris will be able to I got what I wanted," said Admiral Despere.
Sir French nodded, Paris is indeed the best target. From the very beginning of the war, this was the target of German attacks. However, the German army failed to succeed last time. But this time, it is difficult to say whether the German army will succeed. At least, the current situation is very unfavorable to the British and French coalition forces.
"There are many routes to attack from Amiens to Paris. However, if the Germans want to save time, a direct attack is the best. This is what we are looking forward to. In the past six months, we have built a large number of routes north of Paris. Fortifications. If the Germans attack, these fortifications can come in handy,” Admiral Haig said.
Sir French frowned. The British and French allied forces built fortifications north of Paris, and the German army could not be clear. So, will the Germans do what they want? This is undoubtedly difficult to say.
"Order the frontline troops to be vigilant. Once the Germans launch an attack, report immediately." Sir French said.
When it is impossible to judge the direction of the German army's attack, it can only adopt such a stupid method.
"Yes, Your Excellency." Several generals replied.
"In addition, let the main force get ready. Once the German attack direction is determined, it will be dispatched immediately. This time, we must successfully block the German attack. Wait until we have wiped out their vital forces, and then launch a counterattack to completely defeat them. They," said Sir French.
Sir French also wanted to lead the British Expeditionary Force to defeat the German army. Although, the strength gap between the two sides is very large. But Sir French believed that the joint British Expeditionary Force and the French Army had enough strength to fight the German army. With luck, defeating the Germans is not impossible.
To defeat Germany and save the British Empire, they must defeat the German army on the French battlefield and win. This is their only hope of winning the war.