Creil, Headquarters of the British Expeditionary Force. The news of the Germans capturing Omer and swiftly dismantling the British Expeditionary Force's 2nd Infantry Division had reached the command, casting a pall over the faces of the British generals.
After all, the 2nd Infantry Division was regarded as an elite unit of the British Army, and its defeat so easily was a severe blow to the army's honor.
"Your Lordship, the 2nd Infantry Division was entirely unprepared for the German assault. Major General George Milne, despite receiving orders, failed to take any defensive measures. This is clearly dereliction of duty. I request that he be repatriated to face a military tribunal," General Haig remarked darkly. The 2nd Division's debacle had brought great disgrace upon him as the corps commander.
"Indeed, Major General Milne has committed an unforgivable error," Sir French replied, nodding. "However, the Germans' ability to defeat the 2nd Division and capture Omer in a mere two hours indicates their formidable fighting strength."
"Your Lordship, this is due to the Germans deploying a considerable number of infantry. The 2nd Infantry Division not only lacked preparation but also lacked experience in facing German armored units, which contributed to their rapid downfall," observed General Benson, commander of the 3rd Corps.
"Indeed, Your Lordship, the German armored divisions are exceptionally powerful. Particularly, the 8th Corps, which launched the assault on Omer, has single-handedly vanquished the Russians on the Eastern Front," lamented General Desperet, commander of the French 1st Corps.
Initially, the French had harbored high hopes for their Russian allies, believing that a dual offensive from France and Russia would inevitably overwhelm the Germans. They never anticipated that the Russians would prove so vulnerable, falling swiftly to German forces, thereby placing France in a perilous position.
"Regardless, since the Germans have initiated their assault, we must brace ourselves to withstand their advances and seek an opportunity to defeat them. We cannot afford a repeat of the 2nd Infantry Division's situation," Sir French stated firmly.
"Yes, Your Lordship," the corps commanders responded in unison.
"Now that the Germans have taken Omer, can we ascertain their intended direction of attack?" Sir French inquired.
"Your Lordship, following the capture of Omer, the Germans have two potential paths: one is to continue southward towards Rouen, which is defended by the 1st Corps, while the other aims for Beauvais, defended by the French 1st Corps, from where they could launch an assault on Paris. Currently, the likelihood of an attack on Beauvais seems greater," General Haig reported.
His assessment stemmed from the belief that Paris remained the Germans' primary target. Defeating the French 1st Corps at Beauvais would bring the Germans much closer to the capital.
Sir French nodded. "In that case, we must strengthen our defenses at Beauvais. General Benson, draw half of your forces from the 3rd Corps and hasten to Beauvais to assist the French 1st Corps in their defense. Regardless of the circumstances, we must thwart the German advance. I will dispatch additional troops for reinforcement. If we can shatter the German offensive at Beauvais, we may deliver a decisive blow."
"Yes, Your Lordship," Generals Desperet and Benson affirmed.
"General Haig, your 1st Corps must also prepare for action. Should we successfully withstand the German assault at Beauvais, the 1st Corps will launch a counterattack against their flank, aiding the frontline forces to achieve victory!" Sir French continued.
"Yes, Your Lordship," General Haig acknowledged, viewing this as an opportunity for redemption.
Following Sir French's orders, the British-French coalition promptly mobilized. The French 1st Corps fortified their positions at Beauvais in anticipation of the German assault, while the British Expeditionary Force dispatched one hundred thousand troops to reinforce Beauvais, ready to confront the Germans.
Unfortunately, from the outset, Sir French and his commanders were mistaken. While the Germans' ultimate target was indeed Paris, they would not assault Beauvais; instead, they planned to cross the Seine from Rouen.
On April 2nd, the 8th Armored Division and the 34th Infantry Division set forth from Omer, advancing towards Rouen.
The catastrophic defeat of the 2nd Infantry Division at Omer had instilled a sense of urgency in the other units of the British-French coalition. The Germans' departure from Omer was swiftly detected by their reconnaissance units.
"The Germans have departed from Omer and are heading south? This is inconceivable!" Sir French exclaimed upon receiving this shocking news, unable to believe the situation.
"Your Lordship, it appears that the Germans' target is not Beauvais, but Rouen. We must inform General Haig to prepare for this development," General Benson advised.
Early on April 2nd, General Haig departed Creil, returning to Rouen to assume command of the British 1st Corps.
Sir French nodded, though confusion lingered in his mind. With Beauvais closer to Paris, why would the Germans choose to attack Rouen instead?
"Send a message to General Haig, instructing him to prepare to defend Rouen against the German assault. General Benson, lead the entire 3rd Corps and a contingent of the French 1st Corps to Rouen at once, cooperating with the 1st Corps to thwart the Germans' plans. We must, under all circumstances, defeat the Germans!" Sir French commanded.
"Yes, Your Lordship," General Benson replied.
In response to the Germans' intended direction of attack, the British-French coalition promptly adjusted their deployment. General Benson, commanding the 3rd Corps, led thirty thousand troops to Rouen, reinforcing the British 1st Corps.
Upon learning that Rouen had become the Germans' target, General Haig grew increasingly anxious. Once back in Rouen, he immediately ordered the 1st Corps to enter a state of emergency preparedness, commencing a withdrawal of their perimeter forces to fortify around Rouen, ready to hold their ground until reinforcements arrived.
In light of the Germans' formidable offensive capabilities, General Haig felt little courage to engage them in open combat. After all, in a field confrontation, they would stand little chance against the onslaught of the German armored divisions.