In the underground command center of the British Army War Ministry, Richard Haldane stared at the London defense map hanging on the wall, his eyes nearly bloodshot, like a gambler who had lost until his eyes turned red.
The current situation was extremely unfavorable for the British Army. Nearly all of southern London had fallen into German hands. The remaining British forces could only huddle along the south bank of the River Thames. Before long, they would likely be wiped out.
Although Richard Haldane had long expected that day to come, the speed of the German military's advance still far exceeded his expectations. It could be said that the British Army had no ability even to put up a token resistance. This battle had been fought with unbearable frustration. Under the German military's fierce assault, the British Army appeared so fragile.
The generals stationed in southern London kept sending Telegrams to headquarters, requesting permission to withdraw to the north bank of the River Thames. Yet Richard Haldane still rejected them in harsh terms. Although Richard Haldane knew this would leave those generals deeply dissatisfied with him, he did it anyway.
Richard Haldane hoped they could hold out in London a while longer. That would allow Churchill and the others to leave Britain at their leisure, while also making the German military pay a greater price in London. But now, it seemed they simply could not achieve that! As for holding back the German offensive, Richard Haldane had no real hopes for that.
"Sir, more frontline generals are requesting permission to retreat. The Germans have beaten them into a corner. If they are not allowed to withdraw, I fear they will soon be wiped out by the Germans!" General Haig reported.
Although the 1st Army Corps under General Haig's command had