Chapter 0774: The Night Battle

At Calais, the German High Command against Britain convened. Field Marshal von Falkenhayn, along with several corps commanders of the army, was engaged in a heated discussion of the current situation. 

"The performance of the Marine Corps today has been outstanding. All three divisions have achieved their objectives, establishing beachheads at Margate, Dover, and Folkestone. This marks a promising start for us," declared von Falkenhayn. 

"Indeed, Your Excellency. However, the decisive factor in securing a foothold on British soil depends on tonight's battle. Tonight is Britain's sole chance to drive our forces back into the sea. Should they miss this opportunity, they will have no other," remarked General Kluck, commander of the First Corps. 

"Exactly. Tonight is crucial. As of now, how many troops have we landed in Britain?" von Falkenhayn inquired. 

"Your Excellency, by nightfall, the First Infantry Division of the First Corps had already landed. The Second Infantry Division is currently disembarking. With two divisions ashore, we should have sufficient strength to repel the British counterattacks," Kluck replied. Though reluctant to send additional forces due to the limited beachhead space, which could lead to overcrowding and increased casualties from enemy bombardment, he was confident that the two German divisions would be enough to hold the line. With their superior defensive firepower, the German troops were well-prepared. 

The commanders of the Second and Third Corps also pledged to deploy two infantry divisions each to assist the Marine Corps in holding their positions. 

Von Falkenhayn nodded in approval. Such a robust defensive force should suffice. If they were defeated despite these preparations, there would be no excuses left. 

"Admiral Scheer, we will need continued naval support for tonight's battle. We've marked coordinates for artillery strikes to aid the navy in targeting the enemy," von Falkenhayn instructed. 

"Understood, Your Excellency. The fleet will provide ample fire support. However, please be aware that our accuracy may suffer due to the night conditions," Admiral Reinhard Scheer responded. 

Von Falkenhayn acknowledged the challenges posed by technological limitations. The formidable German firepower would inevitably be less effective under the cover of darkness—a reality that could not be avoided. Tonight's battle promised to be brutal, with heavy casualties expected. Yet von Falkenhayn was confident in the unyielding resolve of the German forces, believing that if any side were to falter first, it would be the British. 

"Relay this to the frontlines: they must hold their ground at all costs tonight. If we endure until dawn, victory is ours. At daybreak, the Luftwaffe and naval artillery will exact a heavy toll on the British!" declared von Falkenhayn. 

"Yes, Your Excellency!" the assembled commanders responded in unison. 

The commanders shared von Falkenhayn's optimism. A single night seemed manageable. Once morning came, German aircraft could bomb and strafe the British, while naval artillery would regain its precision, amplifying the pressure on British forces. This would significantly enhance the Germans' chances of repelling the British assault. 

"Gentlemen, the outcome of this campaign will be decided tonight. May God bless the German Empire!" von Falkenhayn proclaimed. 

"God bless the German Empire!" echoed the others. 

The assault on Britain's homeland hinged on tonight's battle. If the Germans could withstand the British counteroffensive, they would solidify their foothold. With reinforcements continuously arriving, the German army would soon launch its own offensive. Once the main German forces landed, the British Army's chances of holding out would diminish rapidly. 

Conversely, failure to hold tonight would necessitate another landing operation—an arduous task that would drain resources, demoralize the troops, and bolster British morale, all of which would be detrimental to Germany's plans. No one wished for such an outcome. 

Following the meeting, each corps commander issued the same directive to their troops: hold the line at all costs. Victory depended on enduring until dawn. 

As the night deepened, the German forces, newly landed on British soil, tirelessly constructed defensive fortifications and firing positions. They knew that the British would soon attack, and failure to hold the line would see them driven into the sea—a fate many would not survive. 

By 10 p.m., the sky was shrouded in darkness, with even the moon hidden behind thick clouds. Though visibility had not plunged into total blackness, the conditions were ideal for a night assault. 

Fortunately, the battle-hardened Germans had prepared extensively. Mines were laid across the frontline to expose advancing British troops, and flares were stockpiled to pierce the darkness and unleash the full might of German firepower. The British would need to weather a storm of bullets and shells before they could hope to dislodge the Germans from their positions. 

"Order the attack!" commanded General Haig. Three elite infantry divisions from the British First Army, totaling over 50,000 men, advanced under the cover of darkness toward the German defenses. Simultaneously, the British Second and Third Armies launched their assaults, determined to exploit the night to their advantage.