The actions of the German Navy's carrier-based aircraft were swift. Upon their arrival at Le Havre, they immediately began preparations for the impending assault. A large supply of aviation munitions was also delivered to the front lines through the tireless efforts of the logistics department.
By May 10, everything was ready.
"General Krook, General Ludendorff, according to the intelligence we have gathered, the British fleet is positioned approximately twenty kilometers from Le Havre. If the city is attacked by our ground forces, they can sail directly toward Le Havre and commence bombardment within half an hour," Vice Admiral Ingolstadt reported.
Both General Krook and General Ludendorff nodded in acknowledgment.
"Our failure last time was due to a momentary lapse in vigilance! The reconnaissance aircraft failed to detect the British fleet, and we mistakenly believed there was no danger. It was only after the infantry launched their assault that we realized the British fleet was in position. After entering Le Havre, we were subjected to a devastating bombardment," General Ludendorff remarked.
"This time, the British fleet will not have the opportunity to strike. Our carrier-based aircraft will sink their warships," Vice Admiral Ingolstadt said confidently.
"By the way, General, there is another piece of news I must convey. The Imperial Navy, in a show of support for the army, has mobilized a fleet of ten pre-dreadnoughts, which is currently en route to Le Havre. Due to the mines in the Strait of Dover and the English Channel, the fleet must take a detour around the western coast of Britain. They are expected to arrive tomorrow morning, at which point they will cooperate with the army to launch a bombardment on Le Havre and eliminate the British Expeditionary Force stationed there," Vice Admiral Ingolstadt added.
"This is excellent news! After enduring so many shells from the British Navy, it is now their turn to face the fire from our navy," General Krook said with a smile.
A similar smile spread across General Ludendorff's face. With the firepower support of the ten pre-dreadnoughts, their assault on Le Havre would be backed by overwhelming strength, allowing them to capture the city with minimal losses.
"General, our troops are already in preparation. In half an hour, the 3rd and 4th Carrier Air Wings will take off. An hour later, the 5th and 6th Wings will follow suit. I estimate that by the time all four wings have launched their attack, the British fleet will be left with very few ships. Afterward, additional aircraft will be dispatched to mop up the remnants," Vice Admiral Ingolstadt said.
"Ingolstadt, the specifics of the command are yours to decide. We only require one result. I have full faith that the Imperial Navy's carrier-based aircraft will easily triumph this time!" General Krook stated.
"Understood, General," Vice Admiral Ingolstadt replied, without further comment.
At that moment, life was comparatively serene for the British Expeditionary Force stationed at Le Havre. Under the threat of the British fleet, the German Army dared not approach the city, which naturally meant that they posed no threat. The soldiers, no longer living in constant fear, were enjoying a rare period of peace. Though supplies were beginning to run low, they had not yet reached the point of starvation. This might have been the most leisurely period they had experienced since arriving on the French front.
"General Haig, how is the morale of the troops?" Sir French inquired.
"Your Excellency, Sir, the morale of the troops has been fully restored. The soldiers are confident in their ability to hold Le Havre," General Haig replied.
Naturally, it was understood that this confidence stemmed largely from the belief that with the British fleet's firepower support, the German Army would never dare to launch an assault. With this in mind, they were untroubled.
Sir French nodded, "However, I still feel that the Germans will not give up easily. They won't simply allow us to remain in Le Havre. I wouldn't be surprised if they are already plotting some scheme to deal with us."
General Haig furrowed his brow, "Your Excellency, perhaps you are right. But what else can the Germans do in this situation? The Royal Navy has not detected the German fleet moving south. Furthermore, the final showdown between the Royal Navy and the German Navy is imminent. At this point, the Germans should not be dispatching their fleet to drive the Royal Navy away."
Sir French thought for a moment and nodded, "Let us hope that God will protect the British Empire this time and see us through the crisis."
"God will certainly protect the British Empire. Our misfortune has ended, and now it is time for us to be blessed with good fortune. In this war, we shall surely emerge victorious," General Haig said, brimming with confidence. However, where this confidence came from was uncertain.
By 9 AM on May 10, the German Navy's carrier aircraft were fully prepared for their attack.
"Order the 3rd and 4th Carrier Air Wings to take off!" Vice Admiral Ingolstadt commanded.
"Yes, Sir."
With the order given, the 128 operational aircraft of the 3rd and 4th Carrier Air Wings took off in sequence, soaring into the sky. After assembling in the air, they flew toward the western waters of Le Havre.
"My God! Aircraft, German aircraft!"
"The Germans really are formidable, equipped with so many planes. Are they planning to bomb us?"
When the German carrier aircraft flew over Le Havre, the soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force gasped in astonishment. Although they had seen aircraft before, it was their first time witnessing such a large-scale air group.
Both Sir French and General Haig also saw the swarm of aircraft flying over Le Havre. However, their faces turned grave.
"Damn it, these German planes are likely heading toward the Royal Navy. I knew the Germans would not give up so easily," Sir French cursed.
"I've heard the German Navy used aircraft in their battle against the Royal Navy. It seems they plan to use them against our fleet now," General Haig said, his face pale. The confidence he had previously shown had disappeared. Clearly, the deployment of the German Navy's carrier-based aircraft had instilled a deep sense of crisis in them.
"Send a telegram to General Cavison immediately and inform him of this!" Sir French ordered.
As for how Admiral Cavison and the British fleet would respond, or whether they could withstand the German aircraft assault, they could only wait in uncertainty.