On February 15, 1915, Emperor Wilhelm II convened a routine meeting before his court. Although the harsh winter had yet to relent, preparations for Germany's military operations were already underway. As spring approached, a new offensive was poised to commence. Wilhelm II eagerly anticipated that the German forces, having spent the winter in readiness, would once again gain the upper hand on the Western Front.
"Gentlemen, the German Empire has achieved remarkable victories over the past six months. However, the war is far from over, and formidable enemies await our conquest. I hope to see significant breakthroughs in the war this year," declared Wilhelm II.
"Your Majesty, the Navy plans to engage in a decisive battle with the British Navy between March and April. We aim to utterly vanquish the Royal Navy in this confrontation, securing control over the Eastern Atlantic and indeed the entire Atlantic, thereby preparing for future operations to land on British soil," stated Admiral von Tirpitz.
Privately, QinTian had already discussed with Admiral Tirpitz and General von Falkenhayn the idea of the Navy's decisive battle occurring before the Army's confrontation with the Anglo-French forces on the Western Front. The strength of the Anglo-French forces was steadily increasing, with the French desperately mobilizing their men for the front lines. From the elderly to the youth, all were being called to arms. Likewise, the British Expeditionary Force was continuously dispatching troops to France, fully aware that failure to withstand the German onslaught would yield catastrophic consequences for their cause in the war.
If the German Navy could defeat the Royal Navy in this decisive battle, they might seize the opportunity to enter the English Channel and blockade it, preventing the British from sending further troops to France. This would significantly enhance the Army's chances of victory on the Western Front.
Wilhelm II nodded, "Tirpitz, is the Imperial Navy truly prepared to crush the British?"
"Your Majesty, the Imperial Navy is ready. We have long prepared for this decisive encounter, and this time we are certain of victory," Admiral von Tirpitz asserted confidently.
"Excellent. I anticipate you will achieve a glorious triumph!" Wilhelm II had high expectations for the Navy, which had flourished under his vigorous support, growing to its current formidable stature.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty, the Imperial Navy shall triumph!" Admiral von Tirpitz echoed his confidence, equally filled with anticipation.
"Your Majesty, the Imperial Army's corps are also nearing full readiness. We have amassed eight corps on the Western Front. Apart from the 8th Corps, the other seven have been significantly bolstered, with increases in machine guns, grenade launchers, and mortars, alongside the formation of an armored division for each corps. We are confident this time in our ability to breach the Anglo-French defenses and seize Paris!" General von Falkenhayn proclaimed with ambition. This would be his first major campaign since assuming the role of Chief of Staff, and he yearned for the German forces to secure a decisive victory, enhancing his personal prestige.
"Falkenhayn, is the Army genuinely prepared this time? I do not wish to see a repeat of last year's situation," cautioned Wilhelm II. The previous year's failure to swiftly defeat the Anglo-French had prolonged the conflict, leaving the Emperor unsatisfied. Of course, Chief of Staff Moltke had also paid the price for this.
"Your Majesty, you may rest easy; the Imperial Army is destined for victory this time," General von Falkenhayn reassured him with equal conviction.
This time, the German forces had assembled eight corps on the Western Front, totaling 1.7 million troops, including eight armored divisions and over two thousand tanks, with artillery exceeding ten thousand pieces of various calibers and an incalculable number of machine guns. Despite the Anglo-French forces currently holding the advantage in numbers, Falkenhayn remained steadfast in his belief that victory was theirs for the taking. Notably, the 8th Armored Division had already demonstrated the powerful assault capabilities of armored units on the Eastern Front. Though the entire Western Front had devolved into trench warfare, the treads of tanks would easily crush the enemy's defenses comprised of barbed wire and machine gun emplacements.
"Very well. When does the Army plan to launch its offensive?" Wilhelm II inquired.
"Your Majesty, the Army intends to initiate the attack in mid-April. By that time, the Navy will have secured victory. If all goes smoothly, they may have already entered the English Channel and established control there. In such a scenario, the supply lines and reinforcements for the Anglo-French forces will be severed, making it even more advantageous for us to defeat them," General von Falkenhayn replied.
Wilhelm II nodded in agreement, recognizing this as the most prudent strategy: allowing the Navy to lead. A naval victory would undermine Anglo-French supply capabilities and further diminish their morale, significantly aiding in their defeat.
"It seems that both the Imperial Army and Navy are thoroughly prepared for this undertaking. May God bless the German Empire with ultimate victory in this war!" proclaimed Wilhelm II.
"God bless the German Empire!" all present responded fervently, their eyes gleaming with fervor, as if victory were already assured.
"Gentlemen, if our two military actions succeed, will the British then surrender to us?" Wilhelm II suddenly posed the question.
Though King George V was his cousin, Wilhelm II would relish the prospect of defeating him personally.
"Your Majesty, should the British choose to surrender, it would be a boon for the Empire, allowing us to minimize casualties. However, if they refuse to capitulate, then the Imperial Army will land on the British Isles, teaching them the folly of spurning the Empire's goodwill!" Admiral von Tirpitz replied with a smile.
Wilhelm II nodded in satisfaction at Admiral von Tirpitz's response.