Boom! Boom!
The main fleet of the German Navy's Mediterranean Squadron relentlessly fired, each heavy shell smashing into the Gibraltar fortress. Though the fortress was sturdy, it could not withstand the continuous barrage. Even the most formidable of fortifications cannot endure such relentless strikes! Moreover, Gibraltar's fortifications were constructed many years ago, and the defense specifications of the time were far inferior to the immense power of modern artillery.
Boom!
A coastal battery equipped with 280mm fortress guns was repeatedly hit. A 380mm shell pierced the battery, detonating within. In an instant, the entire structure was obliterated. The fortress guns were twisted and deformed, and the Spanish soldiers within were reduced to mere fragments.
"My God! Everyone at that battery is dead. The German bombardment is too fierce—we can't withstand it!"
"The Germans are using 380mm naval guns. Our fortress is helpless. If this continues, we will all die here!"
As the devastating power of the German naval guns became apparent, the fortifications of Gibraltar crumbled one after another under the relentless assault. The Spanish defenders' morale plummeted. The Spanish forces were already not the elite, and in such dire circumstances, it was miraculous that any held their ground at all.
"Run! If we keep fighting, we'll all perish at the hands of the Germans!"
"Gibraltar was taken by the British—let them have it. If the Germans want it, give it to them. It's of no use to us. I don't understand why we're holding it; it's just a death sentence!" complained one officer.
In the face of such overwhelming circumstances, many Spanish soldiers fled.
When Major General Donald learned of this, he was livid with fury.
"Scoundrels! How could they do this? Bring them back at once!" Major General Donald commanded.
The Spanish Army had issued orders to hold Gibraltar at all costs. Unless a retreat order was given, no soldier was to abandon their post. Disobeying would result in a court martial, and Major General Donald had no intention of letting his promising future be ruined.
However, the Spanish soldiers were utterly demoralized. Despite the officers' pressure, their fighting spirit had vanished. In such a state, how could they be relied upon to continue the fight? Even if forced to remain, they would hardly pose a threat.
The German Navy's bombardment lasted only an hour, but Gibraltar's fortifications were almost completely destroyed.
"We've obliterated Gibraltar's fortifications. The engineers who will be tasked with rebuilding it will certainly have a headache," laughed General Moff.
"That's inevitable. The Gibraltar fortifications were already outdated. After we take over, we'll naturally rebuild them to our specifications. These fortifications were of no use. Rather than wait for the engineers to dismantle them, it's better for us to destroy them ourselves," remarked Rear Admiral Redel, the fleet's chief of staff, with a smile.
General Moff nodded, "Indeed! Let's have the Marine Corps land. From here on, it's up to them."
"Order the main guns to extend their fire. The light cruisers and destroyers will move in closer to provide fire support for the Marine Corps!" ordered General Moff.
The fleet's main guns began to extend their fire into the depths of Gibraltar, while the light cruisers and destroyers sailed closer to the shore. Soon, their medium-caliber guns would provide fire support for the Marine Corps, ensuring the least cost for victory in the upcoming battle.
Major General Hans, commander of the 2nd Marine Division, also issued the order to advance. The 4th Regiment of the Marine Corps, aboard hundreds of landing craft, surged toward the beaches of Gibraltar.
Originally, this battle had nothing to do with Major General Hans, but due to the Spaniards' incompetence, he had been ordered to lead the remaining forces of the 2nd Division. He was thoroughly satisfied, seeing it as an opportunity to earn accolades.
Hundreds of landing craft charging toward the beach was an awe-inspiring sight. Despite being only two or three kilometers away, this stretch of water was incredibly perilous. Any sudden fire from the Spanish could inflict severe losses.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The German Mediterranean Fleet's light cruisers and destroyers began to unleash a barrage. While the smaller-caliber naval guns could not match the battleships' main guns, they were more than enough to deal death to the already decimated Spanish forces on Gibraltar.
"Hurry, the Germans are landing! Get into position, hold them off!"
"Order the artillery to fire, sink the German landing craft. If they reach the beach, we're finished!"
A Spanish officer shouted, but a shell landed nearby. When it exploded, only a mound of shredded flesh remained where he stood.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The relentless barrage continued to rain down on the Spanish positions, destroying their defenses and tearing their soldiers to pieces.
"My God! The German bombardment is too fierce."
The Spanish army had not fought a war in over a decade, and with their outdated equipment and lack of experience with modern weaponry, they were utterly unprepared for the might of the German forces. The inevitable result was plain to see.
The German Marine Corps' landing craft reached the shore.
Fully armed soldiers leaped from the boats and dropped to the sand, engaging the Spanish defenders in a fierce firefight.
"Mortars, fire! Destroy their machine guns!" ordered a lieutenant.
Boom!
A mortar shell accurately struck a Spanish machine gun, obliterating it into pieces.
Simultaneously, German machine guns began firing, forcing the Spanish defenders to keep their heads down as they struggled to maintain their position.
With more German Marines landing, the assault intensified. Despite the Spanish forces' numerical advantage, they had already suffered significant casualties from the German bombardment. Facing the onslaught of the German Marine Corps, any hope of holding their ground was nothing short of delusional.
In just half an hour, the German 4th Marine Regiment had captured the Spanish front-line positions, and a large number of Spaniards fled northward.