While the main forces of the German army and the Anglo-French coalition engaged in fierce combat on the southern bank of the Marne, other divisions of the German forces initiated their assault as well. The right wing, composed of the 6th and 7th Corps, commenced an offensive towards Verdun. Approximately four hundred thousand troops from the French 3rd and 5th Armies prepared to confront them.
Meanwhile, the left wing, consisting of the 1st and 8th Corps, set forth from Amiens on April 1, marching southward with the objective of reaching Rouen on the banks of the Seine. Although the distance from Amiens to Rouen exceeds one hundred kilometers, and numerous Anglo-French forces lay in wait, the combined strength of the 1st and 8th Corps—amounting to five hundred thousand well-equipped and highly trained elite troops—rendered them formidable. Notably, the 8th Corps had single-handedly vanquished over a million Russian soldiers on the Eastern Front, making them ideally suited for this rapid advance.
To facilitate the long journey of these hundreds of thousands, Qin Tian had prepared a substantial fleet of trucks for the 1st and 8th Corps prior to the campaign. These trucks would not only transport artillery and supplies but could also convey troops directly when the moment demanded. After all, vehicles could cover distances far more swiftly and effortlessly than soldiers on foot; once they arrived, troops could disembark and engage immediately.
"General Ludendorff, His Highness's forces have already commenced fierce combat with the Anglo-French coalition on the southern bank of the Marne. Despite the intensity of the fighting, we maintain a decisive advantage. It is safe to say that the main body of the Anglo-French forces has been effectively held in check. The coming actions now depend on us," reported General Kluck, commander of the 1st Corps.
Ludendorff nodded. Compared to Kluck, he was significantly younger, and his rank and position were somewhat lower. Yet, serving as Chief of Staff for the 8th Corps and commanding it in Qin Tian's absence illustrated the level of trust placed in him. His capabilities were evident; otherwise, Qin Tian would not have recognized his potential and swiftly promoted him from colonel to major general. Once the war concluded, further promotion for Ludendorff would not be out of the question.
"General, in our march from Amiens to Rouen, we will face the British Expeditionary Force's 1st and 3rd Corps and the French 1st Corps. Although their combined strength exceeds six hundred thousand, our numbers are not far behind. However, these forces are undoubtedly the elite of the Anglo-French coalition. Therefore, we must exercise utmost caution in this engagement," Ludendorff advised.
While the 8th Corps had previously demonstrated its ability to dismantle over a million Russian troops on the Eastern Front, Ludendorff did not underestimate the formidable combat prowess of the Anglo-French forces. He doubted the 8th Corps could replicate such extraordinary achievements on the Western Front, yet he was confident in their eventual victory.
Kluck nodded in agreement. "According to our plan, we shall advance directly southward along the roads and railways, reaching Rouen, and then crossing the Seine to press onward toward Paris. Though the Anglo-French forces may attempt to obstruct us, I believe we can overcome them."
Despite the fact that the most strategically vital sections of Paris lie north of the Seine, the left wing was tasked with assaulting the southern bank to encircle the remaining elements of the Anglo-French coalition. Qin Tian was convinced that by the time the left wing reached Paris, the central group would have also vanquished the main body of the coalition on the southern bank of the Marne, converging on the city from both north and south, trapping the remnants of their forces.
"General Ludendorff, is the 8th Corps fully prepared?" Kluck inquired.
As the highest-ranking officer present, Kluck assumed command of the left wing since Qin Tian was not stationed with the 8th Corps.
"Yes, General, we are ready to depart at a moment's notice," Ludendorff confirmed.
Kluck checked his watch and declared, "Very well, we will commence the march in one hour."
At 9 a.m. on April 1, the left wing, comprising the 1st and 8th Corps, split into two columns and descended south from Amiens.
Stationed in northwestern France were the British Expeditionary Force's 1st and 3rd Corps, along with the French 1st Corps. These three units constituted the elite of the Anglo-French coalition, well-equipped and highly trained, distinctly more formidable than newly formed divisions.
Commanding these forces was Sir John French, the commander of the British Expeditionary Force, whose headquarters was located in Crépy, north of Paris. Their mission was to guard against a German advance towards the city. It was important to note that during last year's campaign, the 1st Corps had penetrated within mere kilometers of Paris, instilling panic among French leadership and nearly precipitating a hasty retreat.
To prevent such a scenario from recurring, the Anglo-French coalition had mobilized its main forces to defend Paris.
However, this time, they miscalculated. The 1st and 8th Corps were not advancing directly towards Paris but opting to maneuver via Rouen before turning their assault towards the capital. This strategy also aimed to sever shipping along the Seine.
Much of the British Expeditionary Force's supplies and equipment arrived from England via the Seine. This river route had become an essential lifeline for their logistics. Should the Seine's shipping lanes be disrupted, the coalition's supply lines would falter, inevitably diminishing their combat effectiveness. Such a development would make victory more attainable for the Germans.
The offensive launched by the two corps, totaling five hundred thousand troops, immediately heightened tensions among the Anglo-French command. Sir French promptly ordered the 1st and 3rd British Corps and the French 1st Corps to prepare for battle, instructing them to withstand any German assault. Additionally, he devised plans to draw reinforcements from the 4th Corps and the 10th Corps stationed in Paris, as well as the 11th and 12th Corps newly organized in southern France, to bolster the frontline if necessary.