Chapter 0489: Air Supremacy

"Your Excellency, Marshal, under the relentless bombardment of the Germans, even our robustly constructed artillery shelters have sustained varying degrees of damage, with some collapsing entirely. This has led to an alarming increase in our losses. If we allow the German shelling to continue, our defensive fortifications will soon be utterly depleted. How then shall we withstand the German onslaught?" General Decaux-Ternot expressed his frustration.

"General, even without our fortifications, we can still withstand the German advance. Though the Marne River is not particularly wide, I believe it can become an insurmountable barrier for the Germans. We shall harness this natural defense to make them bleed," Marshal Joffre countered, unwilling to be easily swayed. Of course, if it were feasible, he would wish to send more reinforcements to the front lines. Unfortunately, he was at a loss to do so at present.

"Very well, Marshal, we shall do our utmost. Yet the German aircraft are a persistent nuisance; why are our planes not taking to the skies to confront them? If their planes continue to strafe and bomb us during their assault, I cannot guarantee that my soldiers will remain steadfast in the trenches against the German advance," General Decaux-Ternot continued.

Joffre furrowed his brow, acutely aware of the formidable German air power. It was no surprise; indeed, during the latter half of the previous year, the German air force had rendered the Anglo-French air forces impotent. However, at that time, the number of German planes was limited, and their impact on the battlefield was not overwhelmingly significant.

Now, the Germans had escalated their use of aircraft to bombard their defenses, inflicting considerable damage on both fortifications and personnel. In light of this, Joffre recognized the urgency of the situation.

"I shall immediately order our air force to take to the skies and engage the Germans. Let us hope they can withstand the onslaught!" Joffre declared.

Since its establishment, the French air force had steadily increased its number of aircraft, bolstered by the deployment of British fighters to assist in the struggle. Now, the Anglo-French coalition had over two thousand planes at their disposal, all of which were fighters. However, when compared to the German air force's aircraft, the French's Farman F.20s and the British's F.E.2bs were dreadfully inadequate in performance.

These aircraft, with their push-pull design featuring two seats—pilot in the rear and observer/gunner in the front—were generally armed with one or two machine guns. While their design allowed for easier weapon installation and firing, their lack of agility rendered them ineffective against the more nimble German fighters.

As the Anglo-French forces faced relentless bombardments and air assaults with furrowed brows, the German commanders were buoyant.

"Your Highness, the Anglo-French defenses have suffered significant damage under our bombardment. By the end of this afternoon's assault, their fortifications may well be reduced to mere rubble. Our infantry will then find it considerably easier to cross the Marne," General von Blücher remarked with a beaming smile.

Although the extensive artillery fire and bombings had consumed substantial resources and strained logistics, the prospect of minimizing casualties made the effort worthwhile.

"Indeed, problems that can be resolved with shells and bombs should never compel our soldiers to risk their lives. The life of every German soldier is invaluable. We hope to deploy them in the conquest of France, Britain, all of Europe, and beyond!" Qin Tian said with a grin.

"Your Highness speaks wisely. Our soldiers are among the finest in the world, and we must endeavor to minimize their losses," General Haussen concurred.

In the eyes of these commanders, a leader who values the lives of his soldiers is indeed an exemplary commander. They now understood the source of Qin Tian's esteemed reputation within the army, evident in the advanced weapons developed by his arms manufacturing company and his commanding strategies during battles.

"Tomorrow morning, as our forces launch their crossing of the river, let the air force provide support. This will further impact the Anglo-French coalition and reduce our troops' exposure," Qin Tian instructed.

For the German forces, the most significant challenge in this operation was undoubtedly crossing the Marne, which could lead to their greatest losses. This necessitated Qin Tian's urgent pursuit of methods to mitigate casualties during the river crossing.

"Understood, Your Highness," Major Manstein nodded, tasked with disseminating Qin Tian's orders to the divisions.

"Additionally, instruct the air force to be vigilant. Should any Anglo-French aircraft appear, they are to be shot down without hesitation. From the start to the conclusion of this campaign, the skies belong to the German Empire!" Qin Tian emphasized.

In this era, perhaps no one was more invested in the contest for air supremacy than Qin Tian. Although the aircraft of the time paled in comparison to their future counterparts, the importance of air superiority remained unchanged. Control of the skies not only allowed for devastating aerial assaults against the enemy but also enabled the observation of troop movements and logistical support.

The side that secured air superiority could maneuver forces more flexibly and employ more strategic tactics against their foes.

Thus, Qin Tian consistently prioritized the struggle for air supremacy as the foremost objective of his military operations.

"Yes, Your Highness. The air force is fully prepared. They will launch an immediate attack upon the sighting of Anglo-French aircraft!" Major Manstein affirmed.

On the afternoon of March 31, the German bombardments continued unabated. While the intensity of the attacks had diminished somewhat, their targets were now more precise. Utilizing reconnaissance aircraft and observation balloons, artillery fire became increasingly purposeful, focusing on the Anglo-French defenses and strongpoints that had survived previous bombardments.

This method of precision strike had devastating effects on the Anglo-French fortifications, resulting in further destruction of the already battered defensive positions.**