The German Central Group of Armies comprised four army groups, totaling 47 infantry divisions, each equipped with artillery in accordance with the specifications of the 8th Army Corps. Consequently, these four army groups collectively possessed 846 150mm heavy howitzers, 1,692 105mm light howitzers, and 2,538 75mm field guns—excluding mortars and grenade launchers—bringing the total artillery count to over five thousand pieces.
It is noteworthy that the length of the attack positions held by the four army groups stretched merely a hundred kilometers. This calculation reveals a staggering deployment of more than fifty guns per kilometer, a density that is truly astounding.
When factoring in the mortars and grenade launchers of each unit, the total artillery the Germans would employ in this conflict would be even greater. Although the Anglo-French forces outnumbered the Germans, they were vastly outmatched in artillery count.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!" The German artillery positions buzzed with activity as the gunners, stripped of their shirts, glistened with sweat. Despite the coolness typical of late March in Western Europe, the arduous labor of hauling shells had drenched these soldiers.
Each gunner fired at maximum velocity, striving to unleash as many shells as possible upon the Anglo-French positions. Whether or not these rounds claimed enemy lives was secondary; the primary objective was to obliterate their defensive works, which would constitute a significant victory.
In previous assaults, numerous German soldiers had perished en route to the enemy's trenches, hindered by barbed wire and machine gun emplacements. Advancing even a single step often incurred tremendous losses. Thus, it was imperative that the preliminary bombardment effectively dismantle the Anglo-French defenses, greatly benefiting subsequent operations.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!" Shells rained down upon the Anglo-French positions, causing violent explosions. The defensive structures erected by the enemy were sent skyward. Barbed wire was tossed about chaotically, and machine gun emplacements were obliterated.
However, the Anglo-French forces exhibited a level of expertise in fortifications far superior to that of the Russians. This made their defensive structures considerably sturdier, particularly the reinforced shelters where soldiers took cover. Unless subjected to sustained fire from heavy artillery, these shelters generally held firm. Therefore, inflicting significant casualties on the Anglo-French forces during the bombardment was nearly an impossibility.
While those sheltered in the bunkers remained relatively secure, the external defenses crumbled under the relentless German barrage, with numerous structures being destroyed.
"Damn it, how many cannons have the Germans amassed? Are they intent on completely annihilating our positions?" exclaimed General D'Astier de la Vigerie, commander of the French 2nd Army Group, as he surveyed the smoke and flames enveloping his troops. Although both sides routinely prepared heavily before an assault—a customary practice on the Western Front—this time, D'Astier sensed something amiss; the German artillery seemed even more formidable than it had six months prior.
"General, it appears that among the German artillery, there are heavy 150mm guns—and quite a few of them," remarked an artillery officer.
"Have their heavy guns been deployed to the battlefield? It seems they are determined to secure this assault!" D'Astier's expression darkened.
"Sir, the German field guns also seem different. Their rate of fire is astonishingly rapid, nearly matching our 75mm field guns," another officer noted.
"Those shameless Germans must have brazenly copied our 75mm field guns. How utterly disgraceful!" D'Astier exclaimed in frustration.
The French 75mm field guns were regarded as a secret weapon, boasting a remarkable firing rate of up to 15 rounds per minute, with each infantry division equipped with 36 such pieces. Larger caliber artillery was rare among the French forces. During the latter half of the previous year, the French had successfully inflicted significant damage on the Germans with these rapid-fire guns. While they had suffered considerable losses during engagements with German heavy artillery, the overall effectiveness of their 75mm guns had proven invaluable. Qintian had disclosed key technologies behind the French 75mm field guns to the Krupp factory, allowing the Germans to replicate and even improve upon their design, including significantly lightening the artillery for more agile transport and deployment. In some respects, the German 75mm field guns surpassed their French counterparts in performance.
"General, His Excellency the Marshal has ordered us to launch an immediate counterattack; we cannot allow the Germans to obliterate our defensive positions," reported a staff officer.
D'Astier nodded decisively. "Order the artillery to commence counterfire and suppress the German bombardment!"
"At once, General."
Almost simultaneously, several army groups of the Anglo-French forces stationed at the front received orders to counterattack. Their artillery quickly moved into position to retaliate, initiating a fierce artillery duel.
Among the six corps positioned along the southern bank of the Marne River, four were deployed on the front lines, while the other two served as reserves. Maintaining a robust reserve was essential to withstand the German offensive; failure to do so could lead to dire consequences if the situation turned unfavorable without sufficient forces to mount a counteroffensive.
"Counterattack immediately, suppress the Germans!" commanded the artillery officers of the Anglo-French forces.
The 75mm field guns, 105mm field howitzers, 83.8mm field guns, and 114mm howitzers roared in a vigorous response.
Of these, the 75mm field guns and 105mm howitzers were French, while the 83.8mm and 114mm were British. However, the French fielded relatively few 105mm howitzers; their primary artillery remained the 75mm field guns.