Twenty kilometers southwest of Épernay lies a small town named Montmirail, now under military control. An infantry division of French troops is stationed here, and the entire town is under martial law.
The residents gaze with astonishment at the soldiers patrolling the streets. Some bold women even flirt with the tall soldiers, casting coy glances their way.
The German invasion, coupled with the French Army's early setbacks in the war, has compelled France to gradually intensify its mobilization efforts. Most adult men have either joined the military or are working in munitions factories, leaving the number of adult males in French society drastically diminished. This has undoubtedly left the naturally romantic French women feeling lonely and unfulfilled. They seem to forget that their husbands are bravely fighting on the front lines while they indulge in the company of others.
Several cars arrived at the heavily guarded town hall, where an older military officer, accompanied by a cadre of distinguished generals, entered. This venerable officer was none other than the renowned Marshal Joseph Joffre, the current commander-in-chief of the French Army. However, due to a series of devastating defeats on the battlefield, his position has become increasingly precarious. Had the Germans not voluntarily halted their offensive last year, it is conceivable that he might have already been replaced.
The group proceeded directly to the conference room, where numerous other commanders awaited. Most of the high-ranking officers of the Anglo-French forces stationed along the Marne front were gathered there.
"The commander-in-chief has arrived!" A staff officer announced loudly as Joffre entered the room.
Instantly, the murmurs among the commanders ceased, replaced by the sound of chairs scraping against the floor. The generals rose in unison, standing at attention to salute Marshal Joffre.
"Please, everyone take your seats," Joffre said kindly.
As the generals settled into their chairs, all eyes were fixed upon him. Everyone understood the gravity of the situation; large-scale combat was imminent. The Anglo-French forces faced a grueling battle ahead.
"Gentlemen, according to our intelligence, the Germans have completed their preparations. Their offensive is likely to commence soon—possibly tomorrow or the day after. In any case, time is of the essence. However, I must remind you that last year we successfully repelled their advance. This time, we will do so again and decisively defeat them!" Joffre proclaimed with unwavering confidence.
His conviction seemed to resonate with the other Anglo-French generals, instilling them with a renewed sense of assurance for the upcoming fight. They appeared to have forgotten that just last year they had suffered a crushing defeat, nearly losing their capital to the Germans. Perhaps this is simply the nature of the French!
"Although the Germans inflicted significant losses upon us last year, we managed to withstand their onslaught with the support of our British allies. After more than six months of preparation, the total strength of the Anglo-French forces has now exceeded three million. In contrast, the Germans have only around two hundred thousand troops. In terms of numbers, we hold a substantial advantage. Our weaponry is also on par with theirs. Furthermore, we have constructed formidable defensive fortifications along the southern bank of the Marne. Therefore, it will be nearly impossible for the Germans to breach our defenses. Soon, we will witness them crashing against our lines, suffering heavy losses. Once we have depleted their fighting strength, we will counterattack, decisively defeating them and driving them from our homeland, perhaps even advancing into Germany to capture their Emperor and Crown Prince, bringing them to the gallows to answer for their transgressions!" Joffre continued.
Undoubtedly, Joffre's address was invigorating, igniting a fervor among the assembled Anglo-French commanders, who felt their morale soar, as if the combat capability of the French Army had multiplied, rendering them capable of easily vanquishing the German forces.
However, the more senior commanders were less easily swayed than their junior counterparts. They clearly remembered the tremendous losses inflicted upon them by the Germans last year. Now, six months later, the Germans were returning, having meticulously prepared for their renewed offensive. It was evident that their strength had significantly increased. Although the Anglo-French forces had also bolstered their capabilities, uncertainty lingered regarding their ability to withstand the German assault.
Moreover, the current international situation was decidedly unfavorable for the Allies. With the Royal Navy having been defeated in a decisive naval battle against the German fleet, victory in the war seemed tantalizingly close for the Germans. Should they achieve success against the Anglo-French forces on the battlefield in France, ultimate victory would be within their grasp.
This overwhelming pressure weighed heavily on the commanders of the Anglo-French forces. Another defeat would likely spell the end of the Allies' efforts in this war.
Those present were undeniably high-ranking officials from both France and Britain, each wielding considerable power. A failure for their nations in this conflict would mean their own downfall. Thus, regardless of the risks, they were determined to strive for victory. After all, it would not be they who would face the Germans directly on the battlefield; that burden fell to the ordinary soldiers, whose safety they were assured.
"Generals, you are the bravest individuals of the French Republic and the British Empire. I urge you to channel your courage in this battle, leading your troops to withstand the German onslaught and to defeat them! Victory belongs to the French Empire and the British Empire!" Joffre proclaimed passionately.
"Long live the French Republic! Long live the British Empire!" the generals shouted in unison, their voices echoing as if they might lift the ceiling of the conference room.
Inspired by Joffre's fervor, the commanders rekindled their fighting spirit, resolved to confront the Germans with unwavering determination. Their resolve would undoubtedly inspire their subordinates and ordinary soldiers alike, propelling them to battle with fierce resolve against the Germans.