The outcome of this battle is undoubtedly a defeat for the Allied forces. In fact, both Britain and France have no chance of victory left. Why, then, do the politicians fail to see this? They insist on continuing the war, which is nothing less than a death sentence for us!" General Allenby mused.
In his view, these politicians were utterly despicable and shameless. After all, it was the soldiers who faced death; their own lives were not at stake. This, he believed, was why they persistently urged the continuation of hostilities.
"We cannot allow ourselves to be manipulated by those politicians any longer. Above all, I must survive," Allenby resolved.
Though the British government assured the generals that the Royal Navy was making preparations to defeat the German Navy in future naval engagements, Allenby dismissed this notion. He did not believe the Royal Navy was capable of defeating its German counterpart, especially after suffering a crushing defeat in their last naval encounter. The losses incurred were not limited to major ships; a significant number of skilled personnel and the morale of the forces had also been severely impacted. Even if the Royal Navy were to acquire a fleet of warships from the Americans, it would make little difference; their chances of success remained exceedingly slim. As for the French and Italian navies, Allenby regarded them as significantly weaker than the Royal Navy, rendering them even less equipped to confront the German forces.
Considering these factors, Allenby concluded that both Britain and France had completely lost any hope of triumph in this war.
To survive, it seemed there was but one option: to surrender to the Germans. Despite the substantial losses sustained by the British Expeditionary Force's Fourth Army in the Battle of Paris, there were still over one hundred thousand troops remaining. Surrendering would undoubtedly facilitate the Germans' rapid occupation of Paris. Notably, the area south of the Seine, defended by the Fourth Army, could be easily captured by the Germans. The remaining French forces in northern Paris would soon succumb to German siege.
Therefore, Allenby believed that the Germans would surely accept his surrender. He even envisioned negotiating certain conditions with them, such as ensuring his safety and permitting his return to Britain after the war. He was confident that the Germans would not refuse such modest terms.
Having clarified his thoughts, Allenby resolved to take action. He summoned his aide-de-camp and confided in him his plans.
The aide was taken aback but soon expressed his willingness to comply with Allenby's orders, recognizing that he, too, wished to survive. After all, the command to surrender came from Allenby; he would merely be executing orders. Any blame for this decision would not fall upon him.
That evening, Allenby convened several army and division commanders of the British Expeditionary Force's Fourth Army at headquarters. The commanders, unsure of the purpose of the summons given the pressing nature of the current situation, hurried to the command center.
With the battle reaching a critical juncture and the German offensive growing more intense, everyone understood that their losses were mounting. A momentary lapse could lead to even greater devastation. Thus, the frontline commanders were typically focused on bracing themselves for the German onslaught.
"Gentlemen, the situation has turned exceedingly dire. In just three days, we have suffered significant losses. The French have endured similar setbacks. What are your thoughts on this conflict?" Allenby inquired.
The generals exchanged glances, unsure of the meaning behind Allenby's words.
Seeing no one respond, Allenby continued, "The Germans have deployed considerable heavy artillery and aircraft to bombard Paris, rendering our defenses utterly shattered. We have sustained devastating losses under their fire, while they achieve victory at minimal cost."
"General, we cannot hold back the German advance in Paris any longer. Our efforts now serve merely to prolong the inevitable," one of the commanders sighed. The military leaders were not fools; they were well aware of the battlefield realities.
The other commanders nodded in agreement, exhibiting a shared reluctance. If it were not for the obligation to obey orders, they would prefer not to risk their lives defending Paris alongside the French.
"Since we all agree that defending Paris is a futile endeavor, why not consider alternative options?" Allenby proposed.
The commanders were taken aback, and some astute individuals seemed to grasp Allenby's intent, their expressions filled with shock. After all, Allenby was the commander of the Fourth Army, a full general! The notion of surrendering under his command was almost inconceivable, yet self-preservation made any action comprehensible.
"General, are you suggesting...?" one lieutenant general inquired.
"Gentlemen, for the sake of our lives, I believe we cannot continue this fight. We can surrender to the Germans. Since this battle is destined for failure, why should we endure unnecessary casualties? Rather than sending numerous soldiers to their deaths, it is wiser to surrender to the Germans so that we may all survive," Allenby laid bare his intentions.
"Surrender?" the commanders murmured among themselves.
"Gentlemen, I understand that surrendering may tarnish our honor. However, you must choose between honor and survival," Allenby added.
After a brief moment of hesitation, the British commanders eventually expressed their willingness to follow Allenby's lead. Their choice between honor and life was clear.
Allenby felt a sense of satisfaction at their responses. Though he had prepared contingency plans, not needing to implement them was the best outcome imaginable.