On the morning of March 31, 1915, the positions of the four corps of the German Army Central Group were already bustling with activity. Although the 5th Corps was assigned as a reserve, its artillery was nonetheless involved in the forthcoming assault.
Since taking command on the Western Front, Qin Tian had implemented his tactical doctrines across all units. Each offensive was preceded by comprehensive preparations of firepower, ensuring that obstacles were cleared for the advancing infantry, thereby minimizing casualties.
Qin Tian harbored a profound aversion to the staggering losses that could reach hundreds of thousands in any given battle on the Western Front. Given Germany's relatively small population and even fewer adult males, each man was undoubtedly invaluable. The senseless attrition on the battlefield was detrimental not only to ongoing operations but also to Germany's future development.
Early that morning, Qin Tian rose and, alongside Major General Manstein, inspected the German positions. Along the extensive defensive line of over a hundred kilometers, the artillery of the four corps was diligently preparing for bombardment. Over the past six months, the German forces had significantly bolstered their artillery capabilities. Previously, only the 8th Corps was equipped with 150mm heavy artillery at the division level; now, all corps had received similar enhancements. The 75mm field guns had replaced the older 77mm models, thereby strengthening the artillery power of each corps.
"It seems the French have diligently prepared over the past six months. The southern bank of the Marne has been fortified with strong defensive works, making any attempt to breach their positions quite challenging," Qin Tian observed from a small hilltop, using his binoculars to survey the Anglo-French positions across the river.
The enemy entrenchments were only a few dozen meters from the riverbank, enveloped by a continuous expanse of barbed wire and trenches, including anti-tank ditches. The entire southern bank of the Marne had transformed into a fortress brimming with fortifications. Given such circumstances, the difficulty of launching an infantry assault was evident.
"Your Highness, I hope our artillery can obliterate the positions of the Anglo-French across the river. Once the assault troops cross and establish a solid foothold, our armored units can follow suit. At that point, the treads of our tanks will crush their defenses," Manstein declared confidently regarding the German armored forces.
On the Eastern Front, the German armored divisions had achieved remarkable success, overwhelming the Russian forces with ease.
Qin Tian nodded, "Are our air units ready?"
Over the past six months, in addition to focusing on developing armored units, the Germans had prioritized the expansion of their air corps. Following the establishment of an air unit within the 8th Corps, other corps had also formed their own air contingents, each comprising over two hundred and fifty aircraft, predominantly fighters and bombers. This bolstered the Luftwaffe's aerial strength considerably. While the Anglo-French also possessed some aircraft, their numbers were limited to perhaps one or two hundred, with performance that paled in comparison to the German planes. The skies over the Western Front had become unquestioningly dominated by the Germans.
"Your Highness, everything is prepared. Three days ago, all air units moved into the airport we constructed in northern France. During this operation, they will provide aerial reconnaissance and fire support," Manstein reported.
"Very well. In half an hour, the attack will commence. We must ensure uninterrupted logistics. The artillery preparation is to last a full day!" Qin Tian commanded.
To shatter the entrenched positions of the Anglo-French on the southern bank of the Marne, the Germans planned an extensive artillery barrage lasting an entire day. It was evident how many shells would be expended. Thus, Qin Tian emphasized the necessity of seamless logistical support. If ammunition ran dry and resupply was delayed, sustaining the campaign would become impossible.
"Your Highness, we have preemptively secured logistical support. The stored munitions are sufficient for a large-scale offensive. Additionally, a multitude of trains is continuously transporting supplies from the homeland to northern France. Our logistics will not encounter any issues," Major General Manstein assured him.
"Be vigilant against French guerrilla attacks on our supply lines," Qin Tian cautioned.
Although northern France had been occupied by the Germans, many Frenchmen refused to live as subjugated individuals. They organized guerrilla units to strike at the German supply lines, convoys, and sentinels, inflicting notable casualties. This compelled the Germans to deploy a significant number of troops in the rear to safeguard against such disruptions, as these guerrilla actions could severely impact frontline operations.
"Understood, Your Highness," Manstein nodded.
Qin Tian raised his binoculars again, continuing to monitor the situation across the Marne. The river swelled with melting snowmelt, yet its width remained less than fifty meters, most stretches measuring only thirty or forty. The water barely reached head height. While fording the river directly was impractical, constructing a floating bridge posed no considerable challenge.
The Anglo-French forces on the southern bank also became aware of the German presence and began preparing to defend against the impending assault.
In this confrontation, the need for tactics or subterfuge seemed irrelevant; it would ultimately be a clash of sheer strength. The more powerful side would prevail by overwhelming the weaker.
As time ticked away, it quickly approached eight in the morning.
At the German artillery positions, the commander issued the order to fire.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The artillery roared to life, shells hurtling through the air, crashing violently into the French positions.
"Boom!"
Shells exploded among the Anglo-French entrenchments, sending debris flying and shrapnel scattering, claiming the lives of all caught in its deadly embrace.
Although the soldiers of the Anglo-French forces had retreated to their sturdy bomb shelters as soon as the German bombardment commenced, the defensive works on the positions began to succumb under the relentless assault.