The French infantry divisions were each equipped with 36 75mm field guns, while the number of 105mm howitzers was exceedingly limited. The British infantry divisions boasted 58 83.8mm field guns and 18 114mm howitzers. The four frontline armies of the Anglo-French coalition comprised one British Expeditionary Corps and three French armies. Collectively, these forces were armed with 1,296 75mm field guns, over one hundred 105mm howitzers, 696 83.8mm field guns, and 216 114mm howitzers.
Although this artillery was formidable, it paled in comparison to that of the Germans, whose numbers were less than half of the latter. More critically, they lacked heavy artillery with calibers exceeding 150mm, and their limited supply of 105mm howitzers fell significantly short of the German arsenal. Consequently, the Anglo-French coalition found themselves entirely suppressed in the artillery duel.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The artillery of the Anglo-French coalition commenced fire upon the German positions, seeking to suppress their artillery and safeguard their own defenses from destruction. However, the German artillery was predominantly stationed far from the frontline, making it nearly impossible for the Anglo-French forces, aside from a few 105mm and 114mm howitzers, to reach them.
Instead, their fire quickly revealed their positions to the Germans. Guided by reconnaissance aircraft and observation balloons, the German artillery began to unleash a devastating barrage on the Anglo-French positions.
"Your Highness, the Anglo-French artillery has opened fire. Our gunners have commenced using 105mm howitzers and 150mm heavy artillery to strike their positions," reported Major General Manstein.
Qin Tian nodded and observed the situation through his binoculars. Indeed, plumes of smoke rapidly rose from the rear of the Anglo-French lines, marking the locations of their artillery. Those positions lay well within the range of the German guns, particularly the 150mm heavy artillery, which posed a grave threat to the Anglo-French forces.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The German divisions possessed more 105mm howitzers and 150mm artillery than the combined total of all the artillery in the Anglo-French forces. When these guns concentrated their fire on the enemy's positions, the consequences were inevitable. One after another, the Anglo-French artillery positions succumbed to the ferocity of the German barrage.
"Excellent, splendid work. If this continues, it won't be long before the Anglo-French artillery is decimated. At that point, our guns will be able to bombard their positions incessantly, obliterating their defensive works," Qin Tian expressed his satisfaction with the artillery's performance. Once the Anglo-French artillery was neutralized, the German gunners could fire upon their positions without hindrance, systematically demolishing their defenses to clear the way for an infantry advance.
Though the artillery duel was fiercely brutal, with neither side able to see the other, the shells that struck could rend the opposing forces to shreds.
"Damn it! How many guns have those Germans amassed? Surely they haven't gathered all the artillery from the entire Western Front here!" complained General de Cassagnac, commander of the French Second Army.
In this fierce battle, the French had suffered greatly from the German artillery. Regrettably, due to the urgency of the war and the pressing need for weapons production, the more mature 75mm field gun had become the preferred choice for French armaments factories, while the urgently needed heavy artillery was produced in much smaller quantities, leaving the frontline French forces unable to raise their heads amidst the German bombardment.
Equally frustrated were the commanders of the British Expeditionary Force. The British army also placed significant emphasis on artillery, boasting the highest number of guns per infantry division last year, surpassing that of the Germans. Yet, just six months later, they had been entirely outpaced by their adversaries.
In the rear, Marshal Joffre personally oversaw the command of the battle. He perceived the German offensive as a substantial threat to the Anglo-French coalition. Should they fail to repel the German onslaught, their defenses along the Marne River might falter. A breach of the Marne would place Paris directly in jeopardy.
However, as the battle commenced, the Germans exhibited an alarming offensive capability, causing great concern for Marshal Joffre.
"Marshal, the front requests more artillery support. Our frontline units are suffering heavy losses under the Germans' relentless bombardment," reported a staff officer.
Joffre furrowed his brow. He had no additional artillery available, save for the reserves of the two army groups. It was imprudent to deploy them so early in the fight.
"Inform the front that we cannot spare any extra artillery to support them. The battle has only just begun, and they must rely on their own strength to hold the line!" Joffre commanded.
"Yes, Marshal," the staff officer replied before sending the telegram.
"God save the French Republic!" Joffre murmured. He understood that this battle represented a critical test for France. If they could withstand the assault, the nation might endure; if not, collapse would be imminent.
Yet, under the carefully orchestrated German offensive, it seemed nearly impossible for the Anglo-French coalition to withstand the onslaught along the Marne.
The German artillery continued to ravage the Anglo-French positions, inflicting grievous losses.
Moreover, the German air forces eagerly participated in the bombardment of the Anglo-French artillery.
At 9 a.m., over two hundred fighter planes and bombers arrived at the frontline. These aircraft engaged in strafing runs against the anti-aircraft defenses of the Anglo-French positions, providing cover for the bombers.
"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"
Bombs rained down from the bombers' bays like dumplings, enveloping the Anglo-French artillery positions in smoke and fire. Once the haze cleared, the remnants of the artillery positions lay in utter disarray, with guns destroyed and the gunners entirely obliterated.
With the German air forces now engaged, the losses among the Anglo-French artillery escalated dramatically.