Chapter 0765: Churchill's Persistence

Dover, England.

This is the closest point on the British Isles to the European mainland, and it is also the focal point of the British Army's homeland defense. The beaches here are fortified with an intricate network of defensive structures. Trenches, barbed wire, land mines, and strongholds are scattered throughout.

In the past few months, the British have transformed this place into an impregnable fortress. This not only demonstrates the British determination to defend their homeland but also reflects their deep-seated fear. After all, their adversary is none other than the world's most formidable military force, the German Army. The British have no confidence in their ability to withstand a German assault.

Despite the expansion of the British Army to over four million men, only three hundred thousand of them are fully equipped for battle. The rest are poorly armed, and even those units that are properly equipped are severely lacking in heavy weaponry. Only a few elite divisions are well-equipped, but even then, facing the fully equipped and battle-hardened German forces would be an immense challenge.

A few cars drove onto Dover's beach, but the shore was eerily deserted. The sweltering heat kept the soldiers in the shade; no one was left out on the open beach. Normally, during the summer, Dover would be teeming with tourists, many of whom came to enjoy the beach and the sunshine. But with the clouds of war casting a dark shadow over the British Isles, no one had the luxury of leisure anymore. Everyone wished for the war to end soon, so they could avoid the ravages of conflict.

Some people got out of the cars, and at their head was a tall man—none other than the current British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. He was accompanied by the Secretary of State for War, Richard Haldane, General Ian Hamilton, Commander of the British Army's home forces, and other high-ranking British military officers. Their golden epaulets glittered, signaling their high rank and illustrious positions, like stars of war.

"Hm, the defensive works here are impressive," Churchill remarked, lowering his binoculars, a satisfied expression on his face. "If the Germans dare to launch an attack from here, they will pay a price beyond their imagination!"

"Your Excellency, over the past few months, we have been repairing the coastal defenses. However, our coastline is vast, so we could only fortify the key areas. Based on our intelligence, we believe the Germans are most likely to land in these areas," Ian Hamilton explained.

"Which areas are the most likely landing zones for the Germans?" Churchill inquired.

"Sir, from the intelligence we have gathered, the line from Eastbourne to Margate is the most likely target for a German invasion. This stretch is the closest to France, and the Germans could easily cross the Channel to land here. Moreover, their three main army groups are stationed directly across the water. We can safely conclude that, if the Germans were to invade, this line would be their primary landing zone," Hamilton continued.

Though he had not become the commander of the expeditionary forces as he had hoped—an opportunity that had been seized by Sir French—Hamilton had remained in Britain and risen to the position of Commander of the Home Forces, overseeing millions of soldiers preparing to repel a German invasion. This was a position of great authority, and in times of war, it elevated Hamilton's stature even further.

"Do we have the ability to prevent the Germans from landing?" Churchill asked.

"Your Excellency, the main body of the home army is currently stationed in the southeast and London. The Army Minister and I are the commanders of the southeastern and London theaters, respectively. If the Germans do plan to land in the southeast, I am confident that we can make them pay an exorbitant price for it!" Hamilton replied, brimming with confidence.

A landing operation was always a bloody affair, especially for the invading force, which would be exposed to the full weight of the defenders' firepower. This would result in heavy casualties. If the defenders could fortify their positions, the outcome would be even more devastating. With a bit of luck, the beaches could be stained with blood, and the bodies could pile up like mountains.

"Good, that's what I want to hear!" Churchill nodded approvingly.

"Gentlemen, though the Germans have gained the upper hand in this war, and the Royal Navy has been nearly obliterated, the British Empire will not simply surrender to the barbaric Germans. We will continue to fight, and we will make them pay dearly for any attempt to invade our shores. I believe that when the Germans have suffered losses they can no longer bear, they will come to the negotiating table. At that point, we will secure a peace that benefits us," Churchill declared, his voice resolute. This, after all, was his steadfast goal.

Churchill knew well that defeating Germany in this war was now impossible. Thus, he had already begun laying the groundwork for the next conflict—preparing contingencies like retreating to Canada if the homeland could not be held, and secret alliances with the Americans. These were all steps to secure the future of the British Empire.

Of course, Churchill still hoped to preserve the homeland. That would be the best outcome for Britain. If they could hold the British Isles, even if they lost all their overseas colonies, Britain could still survive. Tens of millions of Britons would provide enough manpower to continue the fight, and with the eventual help of the United States and other nations, defeating Germany was entirely possible.

If they failed to defend the homeland, however, the loss would be catastrophic. Even with the help of allies, Britain's diminished power would hardly be enough to secure a major post-war share of the spoils.

Thus, Churchill's primary objective was to ensure that the home army held firm against the German assault. With the homeland secure, they would stand a far better chance of winning in future battles. He would not give up on Britain unless absolutely necessary.

"Understood, Prime Minister!" the generals responded in unison. They, too, understood the gravity of the situation. If they did not give their all, the British Empire would have no future. Thus, the generals would spare no effort in the coming struggle.

Of course, whether their efforts would succeed remained uncertain.