On the evening of May 7th, the German artillery ceased their bombardment of Le Havre. After an entire day of relentless shelling, the once-proud city had been reduced to utter ruin. Under the firepower of more than two thousand German cannons, almost every building in the city had been shattered, leaving little more than a desolate wasteland in the wake of the destruction. This critical port at the mouth of the Seine was no longer the bustling hub it once was but had become nothing more than a crumbled ruin.
The British Expeditionary Force stationed in Le Havre had paid a heavy price for this bombardment. Over ten thousand men had perished directly from the German artillery's assault, with many more wounded. The harbor was now a grim scene, filled with injured soldiers awaiting evacuation back to Britain. It was clear that the devastating bombardment had inflicted significant casualties on the British forces.
However, at last, the German artillery had ceased. This brought a momentary sense of relief to the surviving members of the British Expeditionary Force, who had endured the ferocious shelling. Though uncertain of what the following day would bring, they were eager for a peaceful rest, free from the constant threat of being struck down by the German guns.
The German artillerymen, too, were weary from their relentless bombardment. They had fired at least three hundred thousand shells during the day's assault. Although the intensity had varied, many gunners were left exhausted, unable to lift their arms by the end of the bombardment.
"General, Le Havre has almost been completely destroyed. Although we cannot yet ascertain the exact toll on the British forces, it is certain that the casualties have been severe. More importantly, the morale of their troops has suffered a devastating blow. When we launch our attack tomorrow, the difficulty will be significantly reduced," said General Ludendorff, clearly satisfied with the performance of the artillery.
"Indeed," General von Krook nodded. "If all goes as planned, the British will have lost most of their will to resist after such a crushing bombardment."
The morale of the British Expeditionary Force, already low from being surrounded, was shattered further by the devastating artillery fire. The full extent of their despair was clear to all who remained.
However, both Generals Ludendorff and von Krook would soon find that their optimism had been premature. For while the German bombardment had indeed inflicted heavy losses on the British, the Expeditionary Force had not collapsed. On the evening of May 7th, British naval reinforcements arrived in Le Havre.
Sir French, Commander of the British Expeditionary Force, along with General Haig, commander of the First Army, and General Gough, commander of the Fifth Army, stood on the docks of Le Havre, awaiting the arrival of Vice Admiral Cavison, Commander of the Portsmouth Naval Base.
Though the sky had darkened, and the outlines of the ships were obscured in the twilight, one could make out their massive silhouettes, lurking like great beasts in the shadows of the night. The sight was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
"Sir, the Royal Navy has truly spared no expense this time! To send such a formidable force is a clear statement," General Haig exclaimed, his excitement palpable.
The fleet consisted of twenty-one pre-dreadnought battleships, thirteen armored cruisers, and several smaller warships—an immense force that would provide the British Expeditionary Force with powerful artillery support. Each pre-dreadnought battleship was armed with two twin-mounted 305mm main guns, along with numerous secondary guns of various calibers. The armored cruisers were similarly equipped with main guns of at least 9 inches. The firepower of these ships, when directed at ground targets, would be nothing short of devastating.
Sir French nodded in agreement. "This time, we will show the Germans just what the British Empire is capable of. Though we may be at a disadvantage in this war, we are far from being a nation to be trampled upon."
Though the ships had yet to unleash their full power, the mere thought of the immense firepower they carried was enough to bolster their spirits. The arrival of this formidable naval force gave them renewed hope.
"Good evening, gentlemen," Vice Admiral Cavison greeted, stepping off a landing craft onto the dock.
"Admiral Cavison, we welcome you to Le Havre. Unfortunately, what was once a beautiful place is now little more than a ruin," Sir French said with a wry smile.
"All of this destruction is the work of the damned Germans. Tomorrow, my sailors will make them pay for it," Vice Admiral Cavison declared firmly.
"Yes, they are the ones to blame. If it weren't for them, the world might still know peace," General Haig muttered bitterly.
The conversation soon turned to plans for the battle on the following day. General Haig suggested a strategy to maximize the surprise of the fleet's artillery strike. He proposed that the fleet temporarily withdraw and remain out of sight until the German forces launched their attack. Once the Germans were engaged, the British fleet would emerge from the offshore waters and unleash a ferocious bombardment, inflicting massive damage on the advancing Germans.
Vice Admiral Cavison was highly agreeable to this plan. They were keen to avoid exposing their ships prematurely, as doing so would only alert the Germans and force them to retreat, rendering the fleet's firepower ineffective. After agreeing on the strategy, Vice Admiral Cavison led the fleet away from Le Havre, taking them several dozen kilometers offshore. Once the German forces began their assault, the Royal Navy would be ready to strike, reaching the shores within two hours. Both Generals Haig and Cavison were confident that the German forces, no matter how formidable, would be unable to overwhelm the British Expeditionary Force in such a short time. When the fleet emerged from the sea, their powerful guns would wreak havoc on the German invaders.
One could only imagine the terrifying impact when twenty-one pre-dreadnought battleships and thirteen armored cruisers opened fire simultaneously. The German attackers would be met with overwhelming force, and the damage inflicted would be catastrophic.
"Let us hope that tomorrow we can deliver a crushing blow to the Germans. If we can kill them all with our naval guns, then we will have won," General Haig murmured, watching the fleet depart.
"God has always stood by the British Empire. Just as He has for centuries, He will continue to protect us," Sir French said confidently.
The arrival of the Royal Navy's fleet brought renewed hope to the British officers and soldiers, many of whom had lost faith. With the navy's arrival, their morale was revived, and they were once again ready to face the enemy with determination.