"General, to eliminate the advanced fighter planes of the British Air Force, there are two possible strategies. The first is to continue launching sorties and engage in aerial combat with the British. Through successive dogfights, we would gradually neutralize their aircraft. The second approach is to directly bomb their airfields, destroying their planes while still on the ground." The commander of the 4th Bomber Squadron suggested.
"While the first method would be time-consuming and costly, the losses would undoubtedly be substantial. Such a strategy is hardly advantageous. If the second option succeeds, however, we could achieve victory at minimal cost," replied General Zekt. Personally, he favored the second approach, though he knew it was not without its challenges.
First, they would need to locate the British airfields. Then, they would have to ascertain which airfields housed the British fighter planes, and which were merely reserve bases. Furthermore, the British would undoubtedly have formidable defenses around their airfields, likely bristling with anti-aircraft weapons. If the German Army Air Force launched an attack, they would have to prepare for the possibility of being shot down by these defenses. Lastly, the British would not remain completely unprepared. Should German aircraft enter British airspace, they might be detected, forcing the Luftwaffe to face a well-prepared British air force.
"General, we can seek assistance from our intelligence department to locate the British airfields. Our operatives in Britain should be able to gather the necessary information," one officer suggested.
General Zekt nodded. German intelligence had proven invaluable during the ongoing world war. Although Britain still resisted, many of its citizens had lost hope in their nation's future. These individuals, easily swayed by German operatives, were quick to betray their country's interests, allowing the Germans to gather extensive intelligence on Britain's military.
"As for the second issue, we could launch the attack either at dawn or dusk. However, to ensure our bombers can return safely, an early morning assault would be more suitable. With the current weather conditions, we could have planes airborne before 5 AM, reaching the target area by six. The British would be unlikely to anticipate the attack at that time. If luck favors us, we could destroy their aircraft on the ground without much difficulty." The commander of the 4th Bomber Squadron explained.
Destroying enemy aircraft while they are still on the ground was undoubtedly the best method for crippling the enemy's air power. If successful, it would significantly tilt the balance of air superiority in favor of the German Army Air Force.
"Regarding the final matter, I believe the solution is straightforward. Though the British have introduced some new fighter models, their numbers are likely limited. If they had sufficient numbers, they would not have waited this long to launch an attack. As long as we provide adequate fighter escorts for our bombers, we will be able to handle them. With our pilots' caution and skill, a surprise attack from the British would be nearly impossible to execute!" The commander of the 3rd Fighter Squadron added.
General Zekt considered this and agreed. The German Army Air Force was far superior to the British in strength. There was no need to be overly cautious. They simply needed to follow their plan and strike when the time came. Should the British attempt to intercept, they could be swiftly dealt with.
"Our only real concern is whether the British will have the courage to engage us in battle. If they choose to retreat, our efforts will be significantly undermined," General Zekt mused.
"General, if the British decide to flee, then we will bomb their airfields, crippling their ability to affect the frontlines. Without their airfields, they cannot mount any further defense. Even if they manage to repair them quickly, we can simply bomb them again. A few such strikes should give the Army the upper hand in the Battle of Canterbury!" another officer suggested.
"Yes, that's a good idea!" General Zekt replied. "Then, everyone, prepare at once! Tomorrow morning, we launch the attack. Let us aim to decisively defeat the British Air Force and seize control of the skies over the British Isles!"
"Understood, General!" came the unified reply.
General Zekt hoped that tomorrow's assault would resolve the issue once and for all. At the very least, he intended to ensure air superiority during the Battle of Canterbury.
The German Army Air Force moved swiftly. Less than two hours after the orders were given, a battle plan had been submitted. After reviewing it, General Zekt saw no issues and personally made his way to the British operations command to report to Marshal von Falkenhayn.
Marshal von Falkenhayn expressed his support for the plan. In operations far from the coast, the air support provided by the Army Air Force had become an indispensable part of the Army's strategic arsenal. Naturally, he hoped the operation would succeed and that air superiority would be seized.
At 4 AM on August 30th, the airfields of the German Army Air Force on the frontlines were already ablaze with activity. Ground crew had started their preparations early, as the scale of the operation required meticulous coordination.
Fuel trucks sped across the airfield, refueling each plane. Ammo trucks were just as busy, loading machine gun rounds and bombs into the aircraft.
Pilots were eating breakfast while receiving their mission briefings. Soon, they would be airborne, ready to join the operation.
"Is everything ready?" General Zekt asked.
"General, all units involved in the operation are fully prepared," reported a major.
General Zekt glanced at his watch. It was still 4:30 AM. The sky had not yet begun to lighten, but dawn was approaching quickly.
"Half an hour until takeoff," he ordered.
At 5 AM, the German Army Air Force's planes began taking off from airfields across the frontlines.