Chapter 674： Preparations for crossing the sea (8th update)

The Strait of Dover, located in the east of the English Channel, is an important waterway connecting the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. To the east of the strait is France, to the west of the strait is the United Kingdom. The narrowest part of the strait is only 28.8 kilometers.

After Germany signed a peace treaty with France, the German army has begun to march towards the Strait of Dover and its surrounding areas in batches. Obviously, if the German army wants to launch a landing operation against Britain, crossing the Strait of Dover is undoubtedly the best route.

Emperor Qin Tian and a group of generals from the imperial army and navy arrived in Calais. In Berlin at this moment, representatives of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Kingdom of Italy are negotiating. The empire had already decided to suppress the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Qin Tian didn't want to stay in Berlin to avoid being annoyed by others.

Fortunately, the war between Germany and France is over, so the next stage of fighting against Britain will be relatively easy. Germany can muster all its forces against the British. However, in the plan of the General Staff, at most only three to four legions will be sent to land on the British mainland. In the war game of the General Staff, three to four legions are enough to completely defeat the United Kingdom.

Standing on the beach of Calais, overlooking the UK across the Channel. Although, nothing can be seen. But it is conceivable how terrified the British were on the other side of the strait.

"What Napoleon failed to do, we will definitely do. For hundreds of years, the British relied on the protection of the strait and their powerful navy to interfere in the European continent. When France was strong, it united with other European countries to deal with France. When the Russians were strong, they did the same thing. When we were strong, the British tried to do the same thing again. But this time they failed after all. Next, it is their turn to bear the wrath of the empire. If the empire wants to rise to become a world hegemon, it must have the corpses of other countries as stepping stones. Britain, the previous world hegemon, is undoubtedly the best stepping stone!" Qin Tian said, looking across the strait.

"Your Majesty, I think our goal will be achieved soon. Although the newly appointed British Prime Minister Churchill is actively preparing for war. A large number of British people have been armed. However, a group of lack of training, lack of weapons, and no Can the rabble who have been on the battlefield be able to resist the attack of the elite troops of the German Empire? I don’t believe it at all. After the imperial army lands on the British mainland, it will definitely sweep the entire British Isles.” Minister of War and Chief of Staff Marshal von Falkenhain looked confident.

After the baptism of the World War, the combat effectiveness of the German Army has undoubtedly reached a new level. A large number of advanced weapons and new equipment have been replaced, and new tactics have also begun to be promoted throughout the army. All these have made the German Army secure the world's number one throne.

Qin Tian nodded. Churchill became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom at this time, which he did not expect. It seems that the victory of Germany, or the crisis of Britain, made Churchill become the prime minister of Britain in advance. A man like him was born to function in a difficult situation. However, Qin Tian believed that even if Churchill came to power, he might not be able to save the current British Empire. The disparity in strength between the two sides is too great, and the German Empire can easily crush them to scum.

"Are the Navy and Marine Corps ready?" Qin Tian asked.

"Your Majesty, the main force of the Imperial Navy is blocking the British Isles. However, we have also prepared enough warships to prepare for the landing operations. All the former dreadnoughts will participate in this attack. They will be used as an artillery fleet , to provide artillery support for the landing force. However, the British have deployed a large number of mines at the mouth of the Thames River. I am afraid that we will not be able to enter the Thames River. We can only choose landing points from other places. The 5 divisions of the Marine Corps, more than They have already arrived at the predetermined location. After the battle begins, they will complete the landing as quickly as possible to consolidate their positions and create conditions for the army's landing!" said Marshal Earl Tirpitz, Minister of the Navy.

The Marine Corps has only five divisions in total. In this landing operation in the UK, the Marine Corps will devote all its troops to it.

Landing operations are inherently tragic, and the attacking party must be prepared for heavy losses. Even when the Marine Corps is training, it is mainly training landing operations. But at this time, no one can guarantee how much the Marine Corps will pay for its first large-scale landing operation.

"I believe that the Marine Corps will definitely be able to display amazing combat effectiveness in this battle!" Qin Tian said.

Although, every country has marines. However, there are very few that are really dedicated to training landing operations. The marines of many countries are used to protect embassies abroad or perform tasks on warships. In terms of scale, it is not as good as the German Navy. At the same time, it will not invest so many marines at one time to launch a landing operation like the German Navy.

"Your Majesty, the soldiers of the Marine Corps not only want to participate in the landing operation, they also hope to participate in the attack on the British army after the landing operation. After all, the equipment of the Marine Corps and the army's The elite troops are almost the same." Marshal Count Tirpitz continued.

"The Marine Corps is an elite force. If it is only used in landing operations, it will be a waste of their combat effectiveness. Chief of Staff, the Marine Corps can also be taken into consideration when formulating follow-up combat plans." Qin Tian said.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Marshal von Falkenhain nodded.

Marshal Earl Tirpitz smiled all over his face. It was the last battle against Britain. After that, there was not much fighting. Therefore, if the newborn Marine Corps wants to gain more military exploits, it must seize more opportunities in the battle against the United Kingdom. If it is just to launch a landing operation, then naturally there will not be too many opportunities. Only by participating in the follow-up operations will there be more fighters.

"When will our combat preparations be completed?" Qin Tian asked.

Cross-sea combat is originally a very complicated project. The preparation and transportation of logistics materials alone is enough to make one's scalp tingle. Therefore, Qin Tian did not launch the battle against Britain immediately after the French battle ended, but gave them three months to prepare.

"Your Majesty, the materials needed for cross-sea operations are under intense preparation. Within three months, the preparations will definitely be completed." Lieutenant General Waldzer, deputy chief of staff, replied.