The Ministry of the Royal Navy in Britain; Richard Haldane, the Secretary of State for War, received an urgent telegram from the Expeditionary Force's headquarters. Without delay, he made his way to the office of the First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill. For the British Navy to dispatch pre-dreadnought battleships and armored cruisers to reinforce Le Havre, Churchill's approval was paramount.
Though the might of the Royal Navy had dwindled considerably, the last vestige of hope for the British Empire still rested upon its shoulders. Consequently, Churchill's position within the British Cabinet remained of the utmost importance.
Churchill, surprised by Haldane's visit, welcomed him with a raised brow. The rivalry between the Royal Navy and the Army had long existed, particularly in the realm of annual budgetary disputes, where the Army had often been overshadowed by the Navy. However, the current circumstances demanded unity. The Empire faced an existential crisis, and only through cooperation could the Royal Navy and Army stand together against the looming storm. If Britain were to sink, both the Army and Navy would perish alongside it.
"Good day, my dear Army Minister. Please, make yourself comfortable. Tea, if you please! Bring in the red tea sent by the Governor of India," Churchill instructed with a cordial smile.
"Your grace, you are too kind," Haldane replied politely.
"We are not just colleagues, Richard," Churchill said, offering a warm smile. "We are comrades in arms. No need for such formalities." Churchill knew well that, although both he and Haldane were staunch advocates for war, the failure of the Royal Navy in the forthcoming naval battle against Germany would severely shake the resolve of the war faction. In such a case, Churchill hoped to count on Haldane's support. Even if the Navy were defeated, the war could still continue, even if it meant turning the home soil into a barren wasteland to prevent German victory.
"Very well, First Lord. I will not beat about the bush. The reason I have come is to request the Navy's assistance. The Expeditionary Force is trapped at Le Havre, under a devastating bombardment from thousands of German artillery pieces. The losses are mounting rapidly. If reinforcements are not sent, they will not be able to hold out for much longer," Haldane stated gravely.
Churchill's expression hardened. The defense of the British Expeditionary Force at Le Havre was a matter of critical importance. His directive had been to ensure their survival until the decisive battle between the combined Allied fleets and the German Navy had been concluded. If the Expeditionary Force could not hold for that long, it would severely undermine French morale and could even affect the subsequent naval confrontation.
"Are you suggesting, Minister, that we withdraw the Expeditionary Force to Britain?" Churchill inquired.
"No, Churchill. There is no need for the Expeditionary Force to return to Britain just yet. They can continue their operations at Le Havre, but we must provide them with further support, particularly in terms of artillery. This would allow them to hold out longer against the German onslaught," Haldane replied.
"However, the Royal Navy's main fleet is already preparing for the final confrontation with the German Navy. We simply do not have the resources to spare ships to reinforce Le Havre," Churchill said with a frown. The Royal Navy had suffered greatly in recent months, and its once overwhelming might had significantly waned. Had the Navy been in its prime, this would have been a trivial matter.
"I understand, Churchill. That is precisely why we do not require the newest warships. All we need are the pre-dreadnoughts and armored cruisers. While they may be outdated, their heavy guns still pack considerable punch. At the very least, they can provide far greater firepower than any infantry artillery. If the Expeditionary Force receives naval fire support, I am confident they can endure much longer," Haldane insisted.
"You are correct, Richard. The Royal Navy still possesses a number of pre-dreadnoughts and armored cruisers. These ships may be obsolete for engaging the German Navy, but they would serve us well in supporting the Expeditionary Force. It is certainly better to employ them for this purpose than to let them rot," Churchill said with a slight nod. He was far more willing to see these aging ships provide support for the Army than let them sit idle.
"Indeed, it is a matter of urgency. The situation at Le Havre is critical. If it is possible, I implore the Navy to dispatch reinforcements to the Expeditionary Force at the earliest opportunity," Haldane pressed.
"Understood, my friend. I will immediately contact Portsmouth Naval Base and have a fleet dispatched without delay. By tomorrow morning at the latest, they will be in position to deliver a punishing barrage to the Germans. Let those blasted Germans finally feel the force of our wrath!" Churchill declared with determination.
Haldane nodded in agreement, a flicker of hope flashing in his eyes. If the Navy could come to their aid, the immediate crisis at Le Havre would be alleviated. This would be a great advantage for the Expeditionary Force, and perhaps, with naval support, they might even deal the Germans a crippling blow. The British Army had performed poorly on the battlefield, especially in recent months. Their morale was at an all-time low, and the civilian population was beginning to lose faith in them. If things continued this way, how would they defend the homeland?
"Let us hope, then, that God grants us His favor in this desperate hour," Haldane silently prayed.