"Gentlemen, the four German corps have already begun their march, advancing toward London. Given their pace, within two days, the battle for London will officially commence. As things stand, the Germans will land with four corps, supported by five marine divisions, totaling approximately 1.2 million men. On our side, the Imperial Army has gathered seven corps, about 1.4 million soldiers, in defense of London. Moreover, we are on the defensive, which allows us to utilize fortifications to strike back at the enemy. Thus, we retain a significant advantage. If we seize the right moment, it is not impossible to defeat the Germans in London!" said Richard Haldane, the British Secretary of State for War, at the military conference.
As the German forces neared London, the atmosphere in the city became increasingly tense. Initially, the British forces stationed in London comprised six army groups, around 1.2 million men. However, twenty thousand men who had retreated from the southeast front were reassembled into the First Army Group, further bolstering the defenses around London.
Despite these reinforcements, fear still gripped the people within the city. Were it not for King George V and Prime Minister Churchill making repeated public appearances, it was likely that many would have fled. The German military's overwhelming success in the southeast had terrified the British soldiers stationed on home soil.
Despite the fact that the British forces had worked tirelessly over the past months to fortify London into an impenetrable stronghold, many still doubted their ability to withstand the German assault.
"I do not deny the formidable fighting power of the German forces, truly deserving of their title as the world's strongest army. However, this is London, the capital of the British Empire. If London falls, the Empire itself will be finished. Therefore, I urge you all to give everything you have in this battle—for the sake of the British Empire!" Haldane continued.
The British military leaders in attendance were, of course, ready to give their all, but there was a prerequisite—the hope that they could actually defeat the Germans. If the odds were completely against them, if victory was a mere illusion, many would hesitate, for no one willingly embraces death.
"Mr. Secretary, when the Germans attack London, they will undoubtedly unleash massive air raids. With the Royal Air Force nearly decimated, this will leave us vulnerable in the defense against the German assault. If we do not address this issue, it will be incredibly difficult to resist their onslaught," one officer said.
The overwhelming German bombardment was something the British generals found deeply unsettling. This strategy posed a significant challenge, for not only did they have to prepare for a direct assault, but they also had to contend with attacks from above. This added pressure was already stretching their resources thin.
"The remaining Royal Air Force fighters have been withdrawn to the north in order to preserve their strength. However, once the battle for London begins, I will order the Royal Air Force to engage. No matter the circumstances, their presence will at least help divert some of the German air attacks," Haldane reassured them.
"Mr. Secretary, we desperately need more anti-tank weapons. The Germans have an overwhelming number of tanks, and they are a force to be reckoned with. The light arms our soldiers possess are simply insufficient to counter them. If we do not secure enough anti-tank weapons in the defense of London, I fear we will be crushed by the German armor!" another officer stated.
"I have already requested the munitions factories to work overtime to increase production. I will ensure that as many anti-tank weapons as possible are distributed to the front lines. However, everyone must understand that due to the shortage of materials, our factories are severely limited in capacity," Haldane responded.
After Britain was blockaded by Germany, it had plunged into severe resource scarcity. The resources produced domestically could barely sustain the British population. For centuries, Britain had relied on imports from its overseas colonies to maintain its industrial power and rapid development. Once these trade routes were severed, Britain's very survival was at risk.
Thus, Britain had relentlessly developed its navy, relying on its maritime strength to protect its interests. But unfortunately, the Royal Navy had failed to defeat its formidable challengers, suffering near-total annihilation. This defeat had dealt a severe blow to the foundation of the British Empire. The downfall of Britain was intimately tied to the failure of its navy.
Churchill had been observing the meeting in silence, though he found the generals' attitudes troubling. He could tell they were demoralized, likely a result of the disastrous losses suffered in the southeast. The fear of the Germans' overwhelming power had evidently shaken them.
"Gentlemen! The British Empire now stands at the precipice of life and death. If we cannot hold back the German advance, the Empire will be finished. You may have heard through other channels that the government plans to relocate to Canada and continue the fight if the homeland falls. However, let me warn you, that is only a last resort. If possible, we must hold our ground here. As long as the homeland remains, the Empire has hope. If we lose the homeland, even fleeing to Canada will offer little solace. The chances of reclaiming our soil will be slim!" Churchill declared with grave seriousness.
Indeed, as Churchill had pointed out, some of the British military leaders had resigned themselves to the possibility of retreating to Canada. After all, if the homeland fell, they could still live in safety and comfort in Canada. Even if the soldiers could not escape, the generals would surely find a way out. This defeatist mindset was clearly detrimental to the upcoming Battle for London.
"Furthermore, do not think that retreating to Canada will ensure your safety. Do not forget that the Germans possess the world's most powerful navy. If they wish, they can cross the Atlantic at any time and attack Canada. And with the limited forces we have there, it is nearly impossible to fend them off. Therefore, in this battle for London, we must inflict as much damage on the Germans as possible and make them pay a heavy price. Only then will Canada be safe!" Churchill continued.
The British generals listened intently, their faces grave as they grasped the weight of Churchill's words.