Le Havre, located at the mouth of the Seine River. Since ancient times, this has been an important shipbuilding base and naval base in France. When France and Britain competed for maritime hegemony, the main force of French Navy gathered here.
It is a pity that with the failure of France and Spain in the decisive sea battle against Britain, France completely lost its ambition to compete with Britain for maritime hegemony. After entering the twentieth century, French Navy can be regarded as one of the few world maritime powers. But compared with before, there is already a huge gap. Even the main force of French Navy had to evacuate the coast of Atlantic Ocean and go to the small pond of the Mediterranean Sea to dominate. They simply did not have the courage to compete for maritime hegemony.
This also made the naval base Le Havre abandoned.
However, now Le Havre has become lively again. Because, British Expeditionary Force's remaining defeated troops in France have almost all retreated here. British Expeditionary Force On French front, there are a total of 5 armies. 1st Army Corps was severely damaged in Rouen, with more than half of the losses. 2nd Army Corps suffered extremely heavy losses on Marne Defense Line and was almost on the verge of collapse. It is currently retreating to southern France with the main force of the French army. 3rd Army Corps was surrounded and annihilated on the Rouen front line, and 4th Army Corps surrendered on Paris. Only 5th Army Corps, who just arrived in France, is still intact. However, 5th Army Corps is a newly formed group army with limited combat effectiveness. Now it is only with the remnants of 1st Army Corps, huddled in Le Havre.
British Expeditionary Force Commander Sir French, also arrived at Le Havre. However, the current situation is already very critical for Anglo-French Allied Forces. German military already has an absolute advantage over French front. Anglo-French Allied Forces is being pursued step by step. It can be said that defeating them is just a matter of time.
"Your Excellency Sir, the exploratory attack just launched by French has failed. They have once again lost a lot of troops. The Germany people are continuing to attack them south. French is not far away from defeat. Therefore, I think we cannot continue to stay in France. This is equivalent to waiting for death here. If we can return to Britain, we can also participate in the defense of the homeland. The three hundred thousand troops will play a vital role in the defense of the homeland." British Expeditionary Force 1st Army Corps Commander General Haig suggested.
"General Haig, I know what you mean. However, neither Cabinet nor War Ministry gave us the order to evacuate. Therefore, we cannot evacuate at all now." Sir French sighed.
If possible, he certainly hopes to lead his troops to withdraw British mainland. However, the order to retreat was not issued. Obviously, he could not order the troops to retreat without authorization, right? In that case, a problem arises.
"Your Excellency Sir, time is critical now, and we cannot delay it any longer. Otherwise, the consequences will be very serious. The Germany people are already mobilizing troops to come to Le Havre. The German military troops appearing outside Le Havre are their 1st Army Corps. The military strength is almost the same as ours. The 8th Army Corps that appeared before has reappeared. It is foreseeable that the Germany people have solved their internal problems and have begun to deploy troops to deal with us. "General Haig said.
According to the German military troops appearing outside Le Havre, General Haig can feel that German military's attack is probably imminent. It is obviously impossible for the British Expeditionary Force troops stationed in Le Havre to resist the attack of the two elite group armies German military.
"General Haig, I will ask for instructions from the country. However, you should also know that the possibility of the country allowing us to retreat is probably very slim. Our navy will also join forces with French Navy to fight German Navy again. If we can win, the situation of the war will be changed. If we fail, then we will really lose everything." Sir French said.
"In other words, we have to wait until the navy and the Germany people decide the winner again before we can determine whether we can withdraw to the country?" General Haig said.
Sir French nodded. Although, this feeling of entrusting his life and death to others made him very uncomfortable. However, Sir French has no other way. For the sake of the overall situation, there is no way around it.
"General Haig, now we leave everything in Le Havre to your command. I have only one request, and that is to hold on as long as possible until our navy and German Navy decide the winner!" Sir French said.
"Okay, Sir, I will try my best!" General Haig nodded.
When the British army was preparing to resist German offensive at Le Havre, German 1st Army Corps and 8th Army Corps had all arrived at Le Havre. Originally, 8th Army Corps Kitakami went to monitor 4th Army Corps for any changes. This caused 1st Army Corps to wait for the opportunity instead of launching an attack immediately after arriving.
Now, Kingdom of Württemberg has put down the rebellion, and Württemberg Royal Family has been uprooted. German offensive, you can naturally continue.
In Oscar's previous plan, two armies were used to deal with British Expeditionary Force's remaining troops, eliminate them, and create favorable conditions for subsequent landing in Britain operations.
On May 6, the day Oscar was on Berlin coronation as Emperor, German 1st Army Corps and 8th Army Corps began to discuss the attack on Le Havre.
"Today is the day of Crown Prince in Berlin coronation as Emperor. Since we have no chance to go back to Berlin to attend the ceremony. Then, let us use a victory to celebrate Your Majesty's enthronement ceremony!" General Kluck said.
The death of Wilhelm II is a big blow to veterans like them. Fortunately, the rebellion has subsided. His Majesty Wilhelm III, which is more outstanding than Wilhelm II, is also better than coronation as Emperor. This means that Germany will have a brighter future. The generals on the front line are also more confident.
"Yes! If we can eat these three hundred thousand British Expeditionary Force, then British Expeditionary Force will be considered finished. The next French will definitely surrender and admit defeat. All we have to do is prepare to fight the last battle." Lieutenant General Ludendorff said. The last battle he mentioned was naturally the battle of landing in Britain. The various legions of the German Army are eagerly looking forward to becoming the troops of landing in Britain. This will be a great honor for them.