The Paris Garrison Command, situated within an underground facility, suffered from insufficient ventilation, leaving those who lingered there feeling increasingly stifled. Although the ventilation system had been upgraded, numerous deficiencies remained.
However, on the whole, remaining in the underground command center was undeniably safer than engaging in combat with the Germans above ground.
The relentless bombardment by German forces had struck the buildings above, collapsing entire structures. Yet, the reinforced basement remained unscathed, demonstrating the formidable strength of its defenses, which provided some reassurance to the officers of the Anglo-French forces stationed there.
Nonetheless, this merely meant that their survival was extended marginally compared to those stationed above. Should the German forces breach the surface defenses and seize control of Paris, they too would have nowhere to hide.
"Your Excellency, the German onslaught is exceedingly fierce, and our front-line troops have suffered substantial losses. If this continues, we may soon find ourselves unable to withstand any longer," lamented General Allenby, Commander of the British Expeditionary Force's Fourth Army.
In just two days, his forces had lost over twenty percent of their strength. At this rate, it would not be long before his entire command was decimated, leaving him a mere figurehead, a fate he found utterly unacceptable.
"General Allenby, we are besieged on all sides by the Germans; there is no longer any safe haven. Our own losses are considerable," sighed General Gallieni. His Tenth Army had endured similar hardships. Yet, he maintained his composure, fully aware of the Fourth Army's struggles. For the sake of unity, he refrained from voicing his concerns, understanding that the Fourth Army was an indispensable component of the defensive effort in Paris. Any discord between them would prove detrimental in the ongoing battle.
"Your Excellency, we have already lost over twenty percent of the urban territory. As our operational space continues to contract, the German offensive grows ever more ferocious. Our losses are skyrocketing. At this rate, we may not even last a week," Allenby exhaled heavily, clearly lacking confidence in the battles ahead.
In truth, it was not just General Allenby who harbored doubts about the forthcoming struggle; Generals Gallieni and Desperé shared similar sentiments. The might displayed by the Germans in combat had left them astounded. Previously, they could attribute the German strength to their armored divisions. However, in urban warfare, where such units were absent, the Anglo-French forces still faltered, even after extensive preparations within the city.
"General Allenby, the situation is indeed dire. Yet, we must persevere, even if it is for just one more day; it is advantageous for both our nations," urged Gallieni.
Allenby nodded, feeling as though he was inexorably marching toward doom. Nevertheless, he had resolved that even if they were to fail in the upcoming battles, he would not face death. Unlike the French, he would not fight to the bitter end; after all, this was Paris, and he was a noble British Army general.
After Allenby departed, the expressions of Generals Gallieni and Desperé darkened.
"Your Excellency, Allenby appears to be wavering," remarked Desperé.
"That is to be expected. The German assault is too relentless, and we cannot withstand their advances. In the absence of any hope, it is only natural to feel this way. However, we are soldiers of the French Republic; the British may despair, but we must not. For the sake of our Republic, we must endure!" declared Gallieni.
Desperé nodded in agreement; indeed, while the British might give in to despair, they could not. The reliance on the British was tenuous in the defense of Paris, yet they needed to exert every effort. Otherwise, if they lost the courage to continue fighting, Paris would swiftly fall.
The ferocious German offensive had inflicted grievous losses on the Anglo-French forces defending Paris. Faced with such relentless attacks, the only recourse for the defenders was to resist valiantly; any chance of counterattacking was slim. The British Expeditionary Force, in particular, would retreat at the first sign of significant loss, unlike the French, who occasionally fought to the last man.
The French government had fled to Orléans, where they took a brief respite before planning to move further south. Their destinations were twofold: Bordeaux and Toulouse. In the eyes of these French officials, moving southward offered the promise of greater safety, putting more distance between them and the German threat.
"Minister, what news from the battle in Paris?" President Poincaré inquired.
"Mr. President, the fierce fighting continues. The Germans are undeterred, deploying heavy artillery and aircraft in their assault on Paris. Under their relentless bombardment, the city is nearing complete ruin," replied Minister of War Alexandre Millerand, his voice tinged with sorrow.
A shadow passed over Poincaré's face as he grasped the gravity of the situation. The prospects for Paris were grim, indicating that the Anglo-French forces' hope of holding the city was dwindling. The future of France seemed bleak.
He even regretted that if they had sought peace with the Germans after earlier defeats, perhaps Paris could have been saved, at least from the devastation it was now enduring.
Unfortunately, it was too late for such reflections. They had chosen to resist, and now they had no choice but to press on, until the day when retreat became their only option.