"Creak, creak!"
The tracks of the tanks ground against the earth, producing a sound that sent chills down the spines of the Anglo-French soldiers on the front line. Those of timid disposition were so frightened that they soiled themselves. Had it not been for the officers' stern presence, many might have turned and fled. In the face of these iron monsters, it was only natural for fear to grip the hearts of men.
"Tank gunners, steady your aim! The German tanks are not invulnerable. If our anti-tank guns can find their mark, we can destroy them!" a French officer rallied his men.
Despite their fear, a few gunners obeyed the command and maneuvered a 37mm anti-tank gun, preparing to engage a German tank.
"Fire!" At the officer's command, the gun roared to life.
"Boom!"
The solid armor-piercing round whistled from the barrel. In an instant, it struck a German tank, slicing through the front armor as easily as tofu. Shrapnel flew, instantly killing the crew within. The round also struck the tank's rear ammunition store, triggering a catastrophic explosion, engulfing the vehicle in flames.
"Well done! We have destroyed a German tank! Let's press on and take out another!" the officer exclaimed triumphantly.
However, they would have no further opportunity to destroy another tank. Sensing the threat, the German tanks immediately retaliated. A shell struck their position, toppling the anti-tank gun and killing several gunners.
In the face of the formidable German armored assault, only a handful of Anglo-French officers and soldiers chose to resist. Their efforts inflicted some losses on the German forces, but overall, these were minimal.
The Anglo-French resistance was akin to a mantis attempting to stop a chariot, easily crushed by the advancing German armored divisions.
Particularly devastating was the arrival of German aircraft, which bombed and strafed the already battered anti-tank positions of the Anglo-French forces, further compounding their dire situation. The outcome was all but certain.
The tank treads crushed barbed wire effortlessly, advancing directly into the positions of the Anglo-French forces.
"Rat-a-tat-tat!"
The machine guns mounted on the tanks opened fire, unleashing a deadly barrage on the Anglo-French lines, mercilessly mowing down those who were unable to escape.
"Die! Damn Germans!" a French soldier yelled, charging toward a German tank with a bundle of explosives. Yet, before he could approach, he was mowed down by the tank's machine gun fire.
More and more tanks surged into the Anglo-French positions, slaughtering the unfortunate soldiers. Countless German infantry, following in the tanks' wake, seized the opportunity to penetrate the defenses, systematically clearing the battlefield of Anglo-French troops.
The beleaguered Anglo-French forces began a large-scale retreat. However, on the southern bank of the Marne, they were left with only two lines of defense. Once the first line was breached, the Germans would swiftly attack the second. It was nearly impossible for the Anglo-French to hold out. In such circumstances, where could they possibly retreat to?
"Oh God! Run! We cannot withstand the German onslaught!"
"Cowards! You spineless wretches, return!" shouted a British officer.
Yet, a tank was already bearing down upon him. It rolled directly over him, the searing pain eliciting a heart-wrenching scream. When the tank passed, all that remained was a mangled mass of flesh. A long trail of blood marked the ground, with bits of tissue caught in the tank treads. A German soldier witnessing this gruesome scene doubled over and retched violently.
Faced with the onslaught of the German armored forces, the Anglo-French first line of defense was breached in less than an hour. The remnants of the troops fled in disarray toward the second line.
However, the Anglo-French soldiers had little confidence in their ability to hold the second line. The Germans' extensive use of tanks in their assault unleashed a devastating power that was insurmountable.
"Marshal, the first line has been breached. The Germans will soon attack the second line. I estimate that by noon, our second line will also fall. The Germans will completely overrun the Marne defenses," General Foch said with a bitter smile.
Although they had anticipated such an outcome, they could not have imagined the Germans would strike with such ferocity—ferocity that left them powerless to resist.
"Should the second line also fall, our forces stationed in Chalons, Épernay, and Thierry will likely find themselves entirely encircled by the Germans. At that point, they will be left with no escape," General Foch continued.
Despite the heavy losses suffered by the French Second Army, Fourth Army, and British Expeditionary Force's Second Army, many troops continued to fight on. If the second line were breached, the cities would be fully encircled by the Germans. The consequences for the Anglo-French troops trapped within would be dire.
"There is no other option; we have done all we can, yet we cannot withstand the German advance," Marshal Joffre sighed.
"Yes, Marshal. We have given our all," General Foch replied.
This defeat was now inevitable. However, it was not due to any failing of their own, but rather because the Germans were overwhelmingly powerful—powerful beyond their capacity to resist.
"Our forces have sustained too many losses; we can no longer continue this fight. Otherwise, collapse is imminent," Marshal Joffre stated, as if resolved within himself.
"Order the troops to retreat! The Second Army, Fourth Army, Sixth Army, Eighth Army, Ninth Army, and the British Expeditionary Force's Second Army shall withdraw to Paris. The Third Army and Fifth Army will retreat from Verdun to the south," Marshal Joffre commanded.