Chapter 0773: Driving the Germans Back to the Sea

The sun set, and darkness cloaked the land. The fierce battle between Britain and Germany paused for the night, but the acrid stench of gunpowder and the nauseating tang of blood lingering in the air were a grim reminder of the brutal battlefield they were entrenched in. 

After a grueling day of combat, the German Marine Corps paid a steep price to establish secure beachheads at Margate, Dover, and Folkestone. Following this success, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd German Army Corps began deploying their troops ashore to prepare for a potential British counteroffensive. If they could repel this attack, the German forces would solidify their foothold on British soil and initiate the next phase of their campaign as reinforcements poured in. 

At Canterbury, in the Southeast Command Headquarters, the commander of British Home Forces and regional theater commander, General Ian Hamilton, wore a grim expression. The day's battle had inflicted devastating losses on the British Army, yet it had still failed to prevent the Germans from seizing the beachheads. To General Hamilton, this outcome was nothing short of unacceptable. 

"Gentlemen, I know your courage and valor were evident on the battlefield today," General Hamilton began. "But it pains me to say that the results have fallen far short of our expectations. According to our intelligence, the German Army has commenced a large-scale landing. Our chances of halting their advance are diminishing by the hour." 

"Sir, we gave it our all in today's battle. The 1st Army Group alone suffered over 30,000 casualties, half of whom fell to the relentless bombardment of German artillery and air strikes. Without command of the sea or skies, defeating the Germans on coastal terrain is an almost insurmountable task," General Douglas Haig replied, his face lined with exhaustion. 

"Indeed, Commander," echoed General Benson, forcing a bitter smile. "Today's battle has shown us just how formidable the Germans truly are. Despite our best efforts, this is the outcome we face." 

Although General Gough remained silent, his frustrated expression revealed his agreement. 

"I understand the difficulties," General Hamilton said firmly. "But are we to abandon the fight simply because the road ahead is arduous? If so, what was the point of all our painstaking preparations? We might as well surrender to the Germans outright." 

Haig and the other generals fell silent, aware that, regardless of the challenges, they had no choice but to continue the fight—and to win if Britain was to survive. As leaders of the British Empire, they could not accept any other outcome. 

"Commander, we urgently need reinforcements from our tank divisions," Haig implored. "The Germans deployed a significant number of tanks in today's battle, which tore through many of our defensive lines." 

"The Army has fewer than 1,000 tanks, most of them stationed in London," Hamilton replied. "I will request reinforcements from London, but I cannot promise a substantial number." 

Although Britain had been developing tanks for some time, their early models were slow, cumbersome, and poorly armored, prone to frequent mechanical failures. In comparison, the German tanks, battle-tested and far more advanced, were superior in every aspect. Ironically, these German designs had provided Britain with a blueprint for improvement, prompting British engineers to replicate their more mature technology—a pragmatic choice in wartime. 

"General, can our Air Force engage the Germans effectively?" Benson asked. "Their planes have dominated the skies, strafing and bombing our troops at will, inflicting heavy losses and immense psychological pressure." 

"Our aircraft are significantly outclassed by German fighters," Hamilton admitted. "Sending our airmen into combat under these circumstances would be a death sentence. To preserve our precious pilots, we've opted to keep the Air Force out of direct engagement. Newer aircraft are being jointly developed with the Americans, but they won't be ready for some time." 

"Even so," Gough interjected, "we need air support. It could at least alleviate some of the pressure on our forces." 

Hamilton nodded. "I'll ask the Air Force to deploy some squadrons to the front." 

"Gentlemen, the Germans are landing en masse. We cannot allow this to continue, or the consequences will be dire. I propose a counterattack tonight to drive them back into the sea," Hamilton declared. 

"A counterattack?" Haig exclaimed. "If we take the offensive, our troops will face devastating German firepower, and our casualties will skyrocket!" 

The other generals frowned, fully aware of the German Army's overwhelming firepower. In a defensive position, they could rely on fortifications to mitigate some of the German advantage. An offensive, however, would expose their forces to near-certain devastation. 

"My plan," Hamilton continued, "is to strike under the cover of darkness. At night, the German aircraft will be grounded, and while their ships can still provide fire support, it will be less effective. This may be our only chance to push them back into the sea." 

Haig mulled over the suggestion before nodding reluctantly. "It's worth a try, though success is far from guaranteed. Our losses will undoubtedly be severe." 

"Even if we must pay a heavy price, it will be worth it to drive the Germans off our shores!" Hamilton's tone was resolute, his mind made up. 

"Understood, Commander!" The British generals responded in unison, bracing themselves for the desperate gamble ahead.