Chapter 775: Night War (ask for monthly ticket)
"Yes, Your Excellency the Marshal. However, if you really want to determine whether you can gain a firm foothold in the British mainland, you have to watch tonight's battle. Tonight is the only chance for the British to drive our troops into the sea. If you miss this one If given the chance, they would never have the chance again," said General Crook, commander of the 1st Army Corps.
"Yes, so tonight is the key. So far, how many troops have we sent to England?" Marshal von Falkenhain asked.
"Your Excellency Marshal, the 1st Army Corps has sent the 1st Infantry Division to land in England before dark. The 2nd Infantry Division is also in the process of landing. After the two infantry divisions land, it should be enough to deal with the British counterattack." Admiral Crook continued. It's not that General Crook doesn't want to send more troops to land, it's because the beachhead is not big, and sending too many troops will cause great congestion. At that time, once the British bombarded with artillery fire, it would cause great casualties to the German army. In addition, General Crook also believed that there should be no big problem for the two German infantry divisions to resist the counterattack of the British army. The German army in a defensive posture will have stronger firepower.
The 2nd Army Corps and the 3rd Army Corps also stated that they plan to send two infantry divisions ashore to assist the Marine Corps in holding their positions.
Marshal von Falkenhain nodded. Such a defensive force can already be regarded as very strong. If they are all defeated by the British under such circumstances, then there is nothing to say.
"General Scheer, the battle at night requires further support from the Navy. We have marked the shooting positions so that the Navy's warships can fire based on these coordinates." Marshal von Falkenhain said.
"Yes, Marshal. The naval fleet will provide sufficient fire support for the army. However, due to the influence of the night, our shooting accuracy will be compromised. So, I hope you can understand." Reinhard Scheer will answer.
Marshal von Falkenhain expressed his understanding. Because of technology, the powerful firepower of the German army will be somewhat restricted when fighting at night. This is something that cannot be avoided, and no one can avoid it. Therefore, this also means that the battle tonight will be very tragic, and the losses will not be small. But Marshal von Falkenhain believes that the German army's fighting will is far stronger than that of the British. In a fierce battle, even if it is the first to be unable to support, it should be the British, not the Germans.
"Tell the troops on the front line that they need to persevere tonight no matter what. As long as we persevere until dawn tomorrow, we will win. At that time, the planes of the Army Air Force and the warships of the Navy will make the British pay so much !” Marshal von Falkenhain said.
"Yes, Your Excellency the Marshal!" All the generals replied.
Obviously, these German generals also believed that there should be no big problem if they persisted for one night. Once dawn, the aircraft of the German Army Air Force can bomb and straf the British army, and the accuracy of the navy's naval gun shooting will also increase a lot, further causing firepower to the British army. In this case, the possibility of the German army resisting the British attack will undoubtedly be greater.
"Gentlemen, the outcome will be announced tonight. May God bless the German Empire!" Marshal von Falkenhain said.
"God bless the German Empire!" Others also said.
To some extent, the attack on the British mainland depends on tonight. If the counterattack of the British Army can be withstood tonight, then the German Army will be able to gain a firm foothold. At that time, a steady stream of German troops will successfully land. Attack on the British Army. Once the main force of the German Army lands and the British Army wants to resist the German attack, the possibility is definitely not too great. Therefore, Marshal von Falkenhain and others all valued the result of tonight's battle very much. If the German army was driven into the sea and suffered heavy losses, then the next round of landing operations would have to be organized. That was not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also a huge blow to the morale of the troops. At the same time, it will also boost the morale of the British Army. This will be very detrimental to defeating Britain. Therefore, everyone does not want to be driven into the sea tonight.
After the meeting was over, the commanders of each legion issued orders to the front line. They only had one request, and that was to persist until dawn even if it was the last soldier. As long as you persist until dawn, you will win!
Time passed bit by bit, even though it was already night. However, the German Army and Marine Corps that landed on the British mainland did not rest, but seized the time to build fortifications and firepower points. They all knew that soon the British would attack. If the British attack is not resisted, they will be driven into the sea to feed the fish. At that time, it is unknown how many people will be drowned in the sea.
At 10 o'clock in the evening, the sky has already dimmed. Even the moon hid in the thick clouds. Although, it's not to the point where you can't see your fingers. However, this kind of night is still very suitable for launching night attacks.
Fortunately, the German army can be regarded as experienced in many battles. They were in front of the position and planted mines. Once the British attack, they will step on the mines and be exposed. In addition, a large number of flares were also transported to the front. As long as the flares are launched regardless of the cost, the darkness can be dispelled and the German army's firepower advantage can be brought into play again. If the British wanted to drive the German army into the sea to feed the fish, they would first have to face the powerful firepower of the German army and suffer heavy losses. Perhaps, until dawn, they have not been able to achieve their strategic goals.
"Command the troops, let's attack!" Admiral Haig gave the order. Three elite infantry divisions, with more than 50,000 soldiers, deployed by the 1st Army, took advantage of the night to attack the German defense line.
At the same time, the British 2nd Army and 3rd Army also launched an offensive at the same time.