Rouen, the commander of the 1st Army of the British Expeditionary Force, Admiral Haig had a sad face. Pen ~ fun ~ pavilion www.biquge.info

On the first day of the German attack on Rouen, the British suffered heavy casualties. Not only did they lose the defensive line on the outskirts of Rouen, but they also lost a lot of area in the city. As for the casualties of the troops, Admiral Haig was very distressed.

"General, the Germans are attacking too fiercely, and a large area has been lost to the east and north of the city. Especially in the east of the city, we already have two infantry divisions that have been crushed by the Germans. The vanguard of the Germans was not even two kilometers away from the command in a straight line. A major general reported to Admiral Haig.

"This is really bad news, is there no way we can withstand the German attack?" Admiral Haig was speechless. The 1st Army of the British Expeditionary Force was the most powerful unit of the British Army. However, in front of the Germans, it looked vulnerable, which was a huge blow to Admiral Haig's speechlessness.

"General, the combat effectiveness of the Germans has indeed improved greatly compared with last year. In particular, the newly appeared 8th Army Corps on the Western Front, and felt that they were very good at street fighting. In the street fighting, they showed ease, and our defenders, even with fortifications to rely on, were still defeated by the Germans. If we continue like this, we may not be able to hold on for much longer. The major general continued.

"Hell, isn't there any good news?" Admiral Haig said with some annoyance.

"General, the only good news is probably that our anti-tank weapons are doing quite well, and when the Germans sent tanks to attack our outlying positions, we killed dozens of tanks. However, our anti-tank forces also suffered heavy losses. 37-mm anti-tank gun, capable of destroying the tanks of the Germans. However, the anti-tank guns, on the other hand, could not penetrate the frontal armor of the German tank, but only through its side armor. If the Germans had dared to commit their tank units in street fighting, we would have caused their tank units to pay more casualties. Another major general said excitedly.

"It's a pity that the Germans didn't send any more tank troops. They have clearly recognized the threat of our anti-tank weapons to their tanks. But even so, we in the city of Rouen still could not withstand the German attack. Admiral Haig said.

The atmosphere in the office suddenly seemed a little solemn. The current war situation is undoubtedly very unfavorable for the British army. If they're not careful, they could lose the battle. At that time, the 1st Army will suffer heavy losses and even be completely annihilated.

"Gentlemen, we have to find a way to hold off the German offensive in Rouen. Otherwise, we will suffer an unprecedented fiasco. Admiral Haig said.

However, they had no other choice but to continue to defend Rouen. Not to mention launching a counterattack, once a counterattack is launched, they will undoubtedly be waiting for the German armored forces. When the time comes, their troops will be crushed directly by the German armored forces.

In desperation, Admiral Haig had no choice but to send a telegram to the British Expeditionary Force Command, hoping that the 3rd Army of the Expeditionary Force led by Admiral Benson and a part of the 1st French Army would speed up and rush to reinforce them.

And this is exactly what the Germans want to see.

The German reconnaissance planes, which had been paying attention to the movements of the British 3rd Army and the French 1st Army, laughed when they learned that they were speeding towards Rouen, the commander of the German 1st Army Corps, General Crook, and the chief of staff of the 8th Army Corps, Lieutenant General Ludendorff.

"General, reinforcements from the British have arrived, and it's time for us to go out." Lieutenant General Ludendorff said.

After the Germans took Rouen, they had to cross the Seine. In this case, their logistical supply lines would be dangerous. If the Anglo-French army could be defeated before crossing the Seine, it would have been much easier.

They attacked Rouen without all their might, just waiting for the Anglo-French army to come to their door.

"The British and French troops who rushed to the rescue were as many as more than 300,000 people. If we can eat them all, then we will win this battle. Admiral Crook's eyes shone with excitement.

The troops deployed by the British and French forces in the northwest direction only had three army groups and more than 600,000 people. If they can eat these 300,000 people in one bite, then eat the 200,000 people in Rouen. Then, there would be only 100,000 men left in the Anglo-French army. Even if they had drawn troops from elsewhere for reinforcements, it would have been a cause for concern. After all, the central and right flank clusters of the German army were also on the offensive.

"This time, both of our armored divisions can be thrown into battle. There is no problem in crushing the reinforcements of the Anglo-French army. But it is very difficult to say how much success can be achieved. Lieutenant General Ludendorff said. Of course, he also hoped that the greater the results, the better.

In order to eat as much as possible the reinforcements of the British and French forces, the German 1st Army Corps and the 8th Army Corps made careful arrangements. The 1st and 8th Panzer Divisions will serve as the main force of the assault. In addition, the 1st Infantry Division and the 34th Infantry Division will be responsible for making a detour and blocking the way for the retreat of the Anglo-French forces. The rest of the infantry divisions will be thrown into battle in turn, and all the 300,000 reinforcements of the British and French forces will be encircled and annihilated in the area east of Rouen.

The two Panzer Divisions of the German Army lost dozens of tanks in Rouen, which was undoubtedly a big loss for them. But this time in the field, they are still the main force. Both armoured divisions also believe that they can once again play a key role in this battle.

The commander of the British 3rd Army, Admiral Benson, after receiving an order from Sir French, ordered his 300,000 reinforcements to speed up their march towards Rouen. At the same time, he also dreamed of attacking the flank of the German army and defeating the German army in one fell swoop. In his opinion, the main force of the German army at this moment must be used to attack Rouen, and the troops left behind will definitely not be too many. As long as he leads his troops to attack, he will be able to win.

Unfortunately, Admiral Benson did not know that when the Germans attacked Rouen, they did not invest many troops, but only six infantry divisions, which was already impossible for the British troops in the city to resist. The rest of the main forces, with their pockets wide open, are waiting for the 300,000 people led by Admiral Benson!