"Marshal, the 1st and 2nd Armies have achieved the predetermined objectives in today's operation. With the support of our armored forces, the infantry successfully executed a penetration, effectively cutting the British defenses into segments. Tomorrow, we will be able to launch further attacks and annihilate even more of the British forces!"
"Excellent, the Imperial Army's armored divisions truly are the mightiest!" Marshal von Falkenhayn nodded in satisfaction. Despite the British having gathered over a million troops around Canterbury, they had been unable to withstand the fierce German assault. This only further attested to the overwhelming strike power of the German forces.
"Marshal, the infantry of the 1st and 2nd Armies are preparing to defend against the British counterattack. However, from the current frontline reports, the majority of the British forces have been routed, and they will be unable to muster much strength for a counteroffensive in the short term. Once our attack begins, the British will be completely suppressed!"
Marshal von Falkenhayn nodded. "Send a telegram to the Navy; they must continue to bombard the British tonight to relieve some of the pressure on the Army."
"Yes, Marshal!"
At night, the Army's air support was unavailable, so the task of providing fire support fell to the Navy. Fortunately, the Navy's heavy guns were not affected by such limitations and could operate around the clock. As long as the Army provided coordinates, the Navy's guns could fire, provided they were within range of the Navy's primary ships. Although Canterbury and its surroundings were some distance from the coastline, they still lay within the range of the German fleet's heavy artillery, which could provide powerful fire support to the Army.
"How is the 3rd Army progressing?" Marshal von Falkenhayn inquired.
The 1st and 2nd Armies were engaged in the decisive battle with the British main forces around Canterbury, while the 3rd Army, being smaller, had taken on a more strategic role of diversion.
"Marshal, the 3rd Army has already reached Ashford in today's offensive. The British 3rd and 8th Armies are retreating. If not for the 3rd Army controlling the pace of the advance, we would likely have reached Maidstone by now!"
"Good, as long as the 3rd Army holds back those two British armies, it will be our greatest victory before the 1st and 2nd Armies crush their main forces," Marshal von Falkenhayn stated.
The battle was unfolding favorably for the German Army. Although the number of British forces destroyed was not significant today, the primary strategic objectives had been achieved. The time had now come to reap the rewards. As long as the German offensive proceeded smoothly, victory in this grand campaign seemed assured.
The 8th Army remained on standby, only to be deployed if absolutely necessary. Marshal von Falkenhayn hoped to resolve the British forces in the southeastern theater of Britain solely through the efforts of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Armies.
Meanwhile, at the British Army's Southeastern Command Headquarters in Canterbury, the underground command post was alive with activity, its lights burning bright as though it were midday.
Generals Haig and Benson had arrived at the headquarters, their dissatisfaction with the day's events palpable.
"Sir, the Germans have already captured Blean and Camber, and if they wish, they could sever our connection to London entirely. This would spell disaster for us! We can no longer afford to watch the situation deteriorate!" General Haig said, his face twisted in anger.
General Hamilton's refusal to deploy tank forces had allowed the Germans to easily breach the British defenses, an outcome that only deepened Haig's resentment toward Hamilton.
"Yes, Sir. We must launch a counteroffensive and eliminate the German forces that have broken through. Otherwise, the consequences will be unimaginable!" General Benson added grimly.
Hamilton's face darkened like the bottom of a pot. He could clearly hear the accusations from Generals Haig and Benson. Although he was the commander of the Home Army and also held the post of theater commander, Haig and Benson were only army group commanders. In terms of rank, they were his subordinates. However, since their ranks were equal, Hamilton had little recourse if they chose to disregard his authority.
"I understand! The German assault is indeed stronger than we anticipated," Hamilton begrudgingly conceded. "However, our forces did not suffer catastrophic losses in today's battle. While the situation is unfavorable, it is not yet beyond recovery."
"Sir, the Germans have completed their operational deployment. Their large-scale offensive is likely to begin soon. Can our disordered forces withstand the coming German onslaught? I have serious doubts!" General Haig sneered.
Hamilton paused, then said, "In that case, we must immediately organize a counteroffensive to eliminate those German forces."
"Sir, that will be extremely difficult. The German firepower is formidable, and in defense, they can use that firepower to inflict severe losses upon us. The previous battle has already proven that. Moreover, although our losses today were not catastrophic, we have lost more than fifteen infantry divisions and suffered significant casualties in equipment, not to mention the severe drop in morale. Under these circumstances, a counterattack is clearly not feasible," General Benson said gravely.
"Then what are we to do?" Hamilton asked, now alarmed. It seemed to him that the situation had become far more dangerous than he had originally realized.
"Sir, we must organize a strong counteroffensive tomorrow morning and defeat the Germans. Otherwise, defeat is inevitable!" General Haig urged.
"General Haig, do you mean to deploy the tank forces?" Hamilton asked, furrowing his brow.
"Yes, Sir. This is our only chance!" General Haig insisted.
Hamilton considered for a moment, then finally nodded.