"Your Excellency, this is a telegram from General Hamilton. He requests that we dispatch the 4th and 5th Armies to launch an offensive from London towards Canterbury, break through the German defenses, and assist them in retreating back to London!" a general reported to the British Secretary of War, Richard Haldane.
Richard Haldane furrowed his brows, clearly displeased with the performance of the British forces in the southeast theater.
"What is Hamilton thinking? Did he not previously vow that he could hold off the German advance in Canterbury, perhaps even defeat them? And now, just a few days later, we are facing this situation!" Richard Haldane complained. It was known that the troops assembled in the southeast were far superior to those stationed in London, so the disastrous turn of events only added to his frustration. Moreover, Hamilton was requesting the only two elite armies stationed in London. If these forces suffered any setbacks, the consequences would be dire. Could London then rely on mere rabble for defense?
"Your Excellency, the Germans are too powerful. Our plans in the southeast are failing, and the losses we have incurred are substantial. The forces in the southeast are nearly on the brink of collapse under the German assault," the general explained.
Richard Haldane remained silent, the situation having deteriorated to an extent beyond his expectations. However, he was even more reluctant to send reinforcements to the southeast. Doing so would further weaken London's defenses. If the Germans attacked London, what could they possibly use to hold them off?
"Your Excellency, the Prime Minister requests your presence at 10 Downing Street," the secretary announced.
A flash of irritation crossed Richard Haldane's eyes, and he quickly surmised that Hamilton must have sent a telegram to Prime Minister Churchill.
"Prepare the car, I will go immediately!" Richard Haldane replied.
As expected, when Richard Haldane arrived, Churchill wasted no time in inquiring about the situation in the southeast theater.
"Prime Minister, the situation in the southeast is indeed dire. Under the fierce German onslaught, we have already lost over 300,000 men, and the losses continue to mount," Richard Haldane reported.
"300,000?" A pained look flashed across Churchill's face. For the British Empire, such a loss was catastrophic. Especially since the forces assembled in the southeast were among the finest, making this blow even more grievous.
"Yes, Prime Minister. Particularly the 1st and 2nd Armies—our elite forces—they are on the verge of being decimated!" Richard Haldane added.
"So, it seems we are on the verge of defeat in the southeast," Churchill remarked.
Richard Haldane nodded gravely. "Yes, Prime Minister. Given the current situation, our chances of victory are slim. The German offensive is overwhelming, and our losses are too great. The forces in the southeast are now in a state of crisis."
"Is it possible to withdraw them back to London?" Churchill asked.
Since defeat seemed inevitable in the southeast, Churchill believed it would be wiser to withdraw the forces, preserving what strength remained.
"Prime Minister, it may be too late for a withdrawal. The connection between Canterbury and London has been severed. We would have to send troops to reopen the route, but doing so might only ensnare them further, increasing our losses. In that case, not only would we fail to rescue the forces in the southeast, but we would lose more men, which would severely jeopardize London's defenses," Richard Haldane explained.
Churchill nodded thoughtfully, recognizing the validity of Haldane's words. In light of the hopeless situation in the southeast, reinforcing London's defenses was undoubtedly the most prudent course of action. Otherwise, if the Germans succeeded in the southeast, London would soon fall.
"Prime Minister, we no longer have the manpower to send reinforcements to the southeast. The forces around London are focused on constructing defenses. To withstand a probable German assault on London, we must ensure every preparation is made. Otherwise, the setbacks in the southeast will repeat themselves," Richard Haldane stated.
"Very well, Secretary of War. I respect your opinion. However, we still have a large number of troops in the southeast. To simply abandon them would be a great loss. If possible, we should withdraw as many forces as we can back to London. I believe this will greatly aid our defense of the capital!" Churchill said.
"Yes, Prime Minister. I will order the southeast forces to find any opportunity to break through and withdraw," Richard Haldane replied.
Churchill nodded and said no more.
Once the order for the southeast forces to find opportunities for a breakout was issued, General Hamilton and his staff were left in shock.
They cursed Richard Haldane's decision. If retreating were an option, they would not have been waiting helplessly for reinforcements from London. A withdrawal would save some troops, but the main force would certainly be wiped out by the Germans. The British Army would suffer an unprecedented blow.
If the British forces in the southeast were defeated, could they possibly defend London? The front-line commanders of the British Army could not fathom such a scenario.
"Is Richard Haldane abandoning us to die? If we're destroyed by the Germans, he won't be able to defend London either!" General Hamilton raged.
"Clearly, we have been abandoned. The Secretary of War thinks we've become a burden. Sending reinforcements would only increase the losses, so he wants us to fend for ourselves!" General Haig said angrily.
"Short-sighted fool! Even if he builds a strong defense in London, it won't be enough to stop the German advance! His actions will bring ruin to the British Empire!" General Hamilton hissed through clenched teeth. Having witnessed the power of the German forces, Hamilton had come to a grim understanding of the situation.