On May 8th, the weather was sunny. Although, the weather has been getting hotter day by day. However, Le Havre is located by the sea, so it doesn't feel too hot.
At 6 o'clock in the morning, Lieutenant General Ludendorff was already dressed. Today is the day when German military launches an attack on Le Havre, and he takes it very seriously.
After a simple breakfast, Lieutenant General Ludendorff went to walk around the position. The artillerymen were also busy. Although yesterday's shelling had already made these artillerymen very tired. However, after a night's rest, they became lively again.
According to German military's plan, before the infantry launches an attack, the artillery will conduct another round of fire strikes. However, the shells stored previously were almost used up in yesterday's shelling. Therefore, they need to use the remaining shells sparingly. German military and Logistics Department are also desperately transporting artillery shells and other supplies to the front line. But, that takes time.
"General!" Wherever Lieutenant General Ludendorff passed, there were soldiers and officers saluting him everywhere.
Lieutenant General Ludendorff took the trouble to return the gift. Although, when he was marching and fighting, he acted very seriously. However, he is still very approachable in private. This gave him great influence in the minds of these officers and soldiers.
"Boys, are you all ready? In half an hour, you have to fire again. Use your artillery shells to destroy all the defensive positions that Britain secretly built last night!" Lieutenant General Ludendorff said to the artillerymen after moving to the artillery position.
"General, don't worry, we are ready. Soon, we will use our artillery shells to kill those Britain guys."
"Let those Britain guys either go back to their island or die here. This is European continent, not a place for them to come!"
The artillerymen all answered, and it was obvious that they were of very good nature.
Lieutenant General Ludendorff nodded and stayed here for a while before leaving.
When Lieutenant General Ludendorff returned to the headquarters, General Kluck had also gotten up and was having breakfast.
"General Ludendorff, do you want some?" General Kluck asked.
"General, please use it slowly, I have already eaten it." Lieutenant General Ludendorff said.
"I really envy you young people! I remember when I was Franco-Prussian War, I was still commanding a Infantry Company. At that time, I was as young as you. During the war, I could stay up all night. But, I can't do that now, I'm old!" General Kluck sighed.
"General, you are still young. Your Majesty has said many times that without the efforts of generals like the general, Empire would not be as powerful as it is now." Lieutenant General Ludendorff said.
General Kluck couldn't help but laugh. It was also a huge honor for them to be praised by His Majesty the Emperor. Especially now that the new emperor has ascended the throne, it is undoubtedly very important to have a good impression of the new emperor.
Time passed little by little, and soon it was eight o'clock in the morning.
"Report, Reconnaissance Aircraft has investigated the surrounding sea area of 30 kilometers and found no problems!" An officer reported to General Kluck and Lieutenant General Ludendorff.
"If there are no problems, just implement it as planned!" General Kluck said.
"Yes, general. Order the artillery to start shelling. After an hour, the infantry will attack." Lieutenant General Ludendorff ordered.
"Yes, General." The officer immediately went to convey the order.
"General, if everything goes well, our troops will be able to invade Le Havre today. Within three days, there will be no problem in solving the British Expeditionary Force here and capturing the entire Le Havre." Lieutenant General Ludendorff said confidently.
General Kluck didn't say much, but he undoubtedly had great confidence in his troops.
Although, German 8th Army Corps is known as the most capable legion among the German Army. But General Kluck was still a little unconvinced. He thinks his 1st Army Corps is not bad either. Of course, the reason why 8th Army Corps is so powerful is entirely because of the large investment in the original Crown Prince, which is now His Majesty the Emperor, regardless of cost, so that the troops are equipped with a large number of advanced weapons. If other legions can also receive such reorganization, their combat effectiveness can be further improved.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
German artillerymen, after a night of silence, started roaring again.
One after another, under the influence of huge kinetic energy, the shells slammed into British Expeditionary Force's position.
Last night, British Expeditionary Force took advantage of the cessation of German military's bombardment and tried to restore some of the fortifications so that they could use these fortifications to withstand German offensive in today's battle. However, it is a pity that these fortifications were not able to play their role and were completely destroyed under the fierce bombardment of German military.
"The Germany people's artillery fire has begun, and their infantry will launch an attack soon. Send Telegram to General Cavisson and tell them they can take action." General Haig ordered excitedly.
Although, German military's bombardment continues. But it will take time for Royal Navy's fleet to reach Le Havre. Calculating the time, by the time the fleet arrives, it will be the time for German military's infantry to attack with all their strength. At that time, it is the time when British Royal Navy's warships can use full firepower to kill the German military infantry.
"Yes, general." Communications Officer immediately went to send Telegram.
After receiving Telegram from General Haig, Vice Admiral Cavisson issued the order on the fleet flagship 'Edward VII' Battleship. The fleet began to move towards Le Havre.
An hour passed quickly. German military's artillery fire finally stopped. The infantry, which had been prepared for a long time, began to attack.
In the first round of attack, 1st Army Corps invested four Infantry Division, while 8th Army Corps invested two Infantry Division. Six Infantry Division, more than 100,000 people, launched the attack. In one fell swoop, British Expeditionary Force's defense was torn open and their posture was seriously damaged.
German offensive, very violent. British Expeditionary Force, which suffered heavy losses, was indeed unable to resist. In just two rounds of attacks, British Expeditionary Force lost all the defense lines around Le Havre.
However, General Haig and others were not panicked at all.
At 9:30 in the morning, Royal Navy's fleet arrived. General Haig immediately ordered British Expeditionary Force on the front line to break away from contact with German military.
Subsequently, the warships of the Royal Navy navy cruising in the coastal waters of Le Havre began shelling.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The large-caliber Naval Guns began to roar one after another, and the shells weighing hundreds of kilograms flew fiercely towards the German militarys.