Le Havre, located at the mouth of the Seine River, has long been one of France's most significant shipbuilding and naval bases. Throughout history, it has been a strategic point of military importance, especially during France's rivalry with Britain for naval supremacy. In those days, the French Navy's main fleet was often concentrated here.
However, after the crushing defeat suffered by France and Spain in their joint naval confrontation with Britain, France abandoned any ambition of challenging British maritime hegemony. Entering the 20th century, while the French Navy remained one of the world's formidable maritime forces, it had fallen significantly behind its former strength. Eventually, the French Navy withdrew from the Atlantic, relegating itself to the Mediterranean—a confined "pond" in which it could rule with far less competition, lacking the resolve to contest global naval power.
As a result, Le Havre, once a bustling naval base, fell into neglect.
Yet, now, Le Havre had once again become a hive of activity. The remnants of the British Expeditionary Force, scattered and shattered by the relentless German assault on French soil, had gathered here. The British had initially deployed five army corps to France. The First Army was decimated at Rouen, suffering catastrophic losses. The Second Army faced ruin along the Marne defensive line and was now retreating southward alongside the French Army. The Third Army was encircled and destroyed on the front lines, while the Fourth Army had surrendered in Paris. Only the Fifth Army, newly arrived in France, remained intact, but it was a fresh and inexperienced force with limited combat strength. Currently, it, too, was huddled in Le Havre, alongside the remnants of the First Army.
The commander of the British Expeditionary Force, Sir John French, had arrived in Le Havre, but the situation was grim. The German forces now held an undeniable advantage on the French battlefield and were tightening their grip on the Allied forces. Victory for the Germans seemed inevitable; it was only a matter of time before the British and French were utterly defeated.
"Sir, the French army's recent tentative offensive has failed. They have once again lost a significant portion of their forces. The Germans are pressing southward, continuing their relentless advance. France's defeat is now imminent. I believe we cannot remain here any longer. Staying would be tantamount to waiting for death. If we can return to Britain, we may still contribute to the defense of the homeland. A force of 300,000 soldiers could play a decisive role in the defense of Britain," suggested General Haig, commander of the British Expeditionary Force's First Army.
"General Haig, I understand your concerns, but the Cabinet and the War Office have not given us the order to retreat. Without that directive, we cannot move our forces," Sir John French sighed.
If it were possible, Sir French would indeed wish to withdraw his forces to Britain. But without official orders, he could not take the responsibility of giving such an order himself, for doing so could create more problems.
"Sir, the situation is becoming increasingly urgent. We cannot afford to delay any longer. The consequences of inaction could be disastrous. The Germans are already mobilizing forces toward Le Havre. The German First Corps has arrived and is poised to attack. The Eighth Corps, which had disappeared for a time, has now reappeared. It seems that the Germans have resolved their internal issues and are now reinforcing their forces to deal with us. This is extremely troubling," General Haig said gravely.
From the appearance of the German forces surrounding Le Havre, General Haig could sense that an assault was imminent. The British forces stationed at Le Havre were ill-equipped to withstand the attack of two elite German corps. It seemed inevitable that they would be overwhelmed.
"General Haig, I will consult with London, but you are well aware that the likelihood of receiving approval to retreat is extremely slim. Our Navy must join with the French Navy once again and confront the German fleet. If we win, the entire course of the war could be altered. But if we fail, then we will be utterly defeated," Sir John French said.
"Does this mean we must wait for the outcome of the naval battle before we can determine whether retreat is possible?" General Haig asked.
Sir John French nodded. While the thought of placing his fate in the hands of others was painful, there was little he could do. For the greater good, it was the only course of action.
"General Haig, I place the defense of Le Havre entirely in your hands. My only request is that you hold on as long as possible until the fate of the naval battle is decided!" Sir John French said.
"Very well, Sir. I will do my utmost," General Haig replied with resolve.
As the British prepared to hold their ground in Le Havre, the German First and Eighth Corps had fully arrived and were now in position. The Eighth Corps had originally been dispatched north to monitor the movements of the Fourth Corps, but with their return, the German forces were now ready to launch their offensive.
With the rebellion in the Kingdom of Württemberg now quelled and the royal family eradicated, the German advance could continue without delay.
According to QinTian's previous strategy, two army corps would be tasked with defeating the remnants of the British Expeditionary Force, thus paving the way for the eventual invasion of Britain.
On May 6, the day QinTian ascended to the throne in Berlin, the German First and Eighth Corps began discussing their impending attack on Le Havre.
"Today marks the day His Imperial Highness is crowned Emperor in Berlin. Since we cannot attend the ceremony, let us celebrate His Majesty's ascension with a victory!" General Krook said.
The death of Wilhelm II had been a blow to the older generals, but with the rebellion quashed, the more capable Wilhelm III was poised to assume the throne. This promised a brighter future for Germany, and the confidence of the front-line commanders soared.
"Yes! If we can destroy the 300,000 British Expeditionary Forces, then Britain's campaign in France will be effectively over. The French will surely surrender. We will only need to prepare for the final battle—our invasion of Britain," said General Ludendorff. The final battle, in his view, was the long-awaited landing on British soil. The various German army corps eagerly anticipated the honor of being part of the force that would invade Britain.