From Oumale to Rouen, there are barely over fifty kilometers. With the speed of the German advance, it took them only two days for the 1st Armored Division, the 1st Infantry Division, the 8th Armored Division, and the 34th Infantry Division to reach the outskirts of Rouen.
However, the Germans did not immediately launch an assault; instead, they awaited the arrival of their main forces. After all, the British had nearly two hundred thousand troops stationed in Rouen. As a major city, attempting to capture Rouen with just four divisions and tens of thousands of men would be exceedingly difficult. Even if they succeeded, the casualties would undoubtedly be significant.
Although the German armored units were formidable, once the enemy acquired anti-tank weaponry, any engagement in urban combat would lead to severe losses for the armored troops. The true potential of armored divisions should be realized on the open battlefield, where their capabilities could be fully unleashed.
The other units of the 8th and 1st Corps were also hastily making their way to Rouen. To expedite their march, the Germans requisitioned a substantial number of trucks. With France's efficient transportation infrastructure, troop movements proceeded swiftly in the absence of enemy interference. By April 6, the main forces of the 8th and 1st Corps had already arrived in Rouen.
As the German presence in Rouen grew, the Anglo-French forces could confidently ascertain that the Germans' target was indeed Rouen. While this caused considerable confusion, there was no time left for further contemplation. The immediate priority was to withstand the German assault.
In the basement of Rouen's city hall, the command center of the British Expeditionary Force's 1st Corps was established. General Haig wore a serious expression. All intelligence indicated that the Germans were poised to launch an attack on Rouen. The pressing question remained: could two hundred thousand men withstand an onslaught from over five hundred thousand Germans? Despite General Haig's confidence in his troops, he understood the formidable challenge that lay ahead.
"How long until the reinforcements led by General Benson arrive in Rouen?" General Haig inquired.
If General Benson's thirty thousand reinforcements could arrive in time, they would have nearly five hundred thousand troops at their disposal. Even if their fighting capability did not match that of the Germans, the defensive advantages offered by the city should enable them to withstand the impending attack. Moreover, inflicting substantial casualties on the Germans would create favorable conditions for a counteroffensive.
"General, General Benson is not far from Rouen. He is expected to arrive within three days at the latest," an officer reported.
The speed of General Benson's reinforcements was less than ideal. Particularly given the absence of German assaults thus far, he feared a surprise attack. Consequently, their march was characterized by intermittent stops, delaying their arrival.
After a moment's thought, General Haig ordered, "Send a telegram to General Benson, instructing him that should Rouen come under attack, I hope he can deploy forces to strike at the German rear to alleviate our pressure."
"Understood, General," the officer acknowledged.
General Haig's thoughts extended beyond merely repelling the German advance; he harbored hopes of decisively defeating the Germans at this juncture. Such a victory would not only alter the current situation but also greatly benefit his standing.
The commander of the German 1st Corps, General Kluck, and the chief of staff of the 8th Corps, General Ludendorff, wasted no time. Upon the arrival of their main forces in Rouen, they immediately issued the order to attack.
The German artillery barrage commenced at 10 a.m. on April 6. The two corps unleashed 504 heavy 105mm howitzers, 1008 light 105mm howitzers, and 1512 75mm field guns, raining shells down upon the British defenses and the city itself.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Shells fell like rain, exploding along the British lines. The ground shook, earth and debris flew, and the acrid smoke clouded the air. Shrapnel mingled with dust, scattering dangerously; any soldier struck was likely to lose their life.
Under the relentless bombardment of the German artillery, the British defenses outside Rouen were gradually obliterated. Although the British gunners retaliated, the entirety of the British Expeditionary Force's 1st Corps could muster only 180 114mm howitzers and 540 83.8mm field guns, a mere fraction compared to the German arsenal. In terms of power and performance, they were at a distinct disadvantage.
Crushed under the weight of the German bombardment, British artillery suffered severe losses, unable to halt the German onslaught on Rouen.
The city itself also faced fierce bombardment, as Rouen slowly transformed into a wasteland beneath the German shells.
The air forces of the German 1st and 8th Corps soon arrived to provide support. A multitude of aircraft bombarded the British artillery positions, resulting in a rising toll of casualties among British gunners.
"Damn it, the German firepower is overwhelming. They have but fifty thousand men, yet they are equipped with such an arsenal. Even if we combine all the artillery of the Expeditionary Force, it likely wouldn't match theirs," General Haig lamented as he observed his artillery being systematically destroyed under the dual assault of German artillery and aircraft, his heart heavy with despair.
"General, in terms of artillery, the Germans are indeed the finest in the world. The number of guns each infantry division possesses is unparalleled by any other army," an officer remarked.
"The Germans' aircraft are formidable as well; many of our artillery losses stem from their aerial assaults and bombings."
General Haig nodded, feeling a profound sense of helplessness. He recognized that, in terms of firepower, the British Expeditionary Force could not compete with the Germans. More critically, should the Anglo-French forces be defeated in France, the Germans could potentially launch an invasion of the British Isles. At that point, they would face an assault from such a powerful army, a catastrophic scenario for Britain.
"We cannot allow those damned Germans to land on British soil. If that were to happen, the British Empire would be finished. I shudder to think of how many British cities would be laid waste, or how many lives would be lost to their guns!" General Haig resolved silently. Defeating the Germans on the French battlefield might yet turn the tide; at the very least, it would make any further German invasion of Britain impossible.
"Order all units that once the Germans attack, we must hold our positions at all costs; there can be no retreat!" General Haig commanded.