Battle of the Third Reich

The defense system in the Dover area is unqualified by some military experts. Compared with the fortress defense systems on the European continent, its light and heavy firepower distribution is very unscientific, the main fortress is not strong enough, and the overall design is outdated. Most of the facilities are no longer suitable for the needs of modern wars. The most fatal problem is the lack of defense in depth and detours, which are easily broken down by the enemy siege.

There are various reasons for this situation. First of all, the Dover area has only suffered two threats of invasion in the past hundreds of years, and has never really encountered war, so the ancient defensive facilities built since the Middle Ages are almost complete. Has been retained, which seriously restricts the performance of the fortress builders of later generations, because many old fortresses can still play a defensive role in a period of time in modern times. In view of economic considerations, the upper parliament and the army did not agree to demolish Those seemingly sturdy fortresses were reinstated on the spot, because it was a shameful waste in the eyes of politicians, and in the eyes of the army it was abandonment of tradition and glory.

Secondly, the Dover fortress defense system is mainly to deal with the threat across the strait, and in the era when the British navy took over the world, this threat was reduced to almost zero, so the British government believes that these existing fort facilities are sufficient to deal with all the troubles.

It was only during the Napoleonic Wars and World War I that Dover was truly threatened by invasion. Especially during World War I, the British government really spent a lot of effort to improve and expand it, but it was proved afterwards. Another false alarm. When the war ended, the economic situation turned bad, and these new transformations stalled again, so the equipment in these fortresses was all old goods during the First World War, and many places even retained the old ones. Copper telephone tube.

The special geographical environment in the Dover area is also an important factor restricting the development of the defense system here. The port closest to the European continent first exists as a trading port, and military value can only be placed in a secondary position in front of economic benefits. All projects have to make way for trade development. Dover is actually a small plain sandwiched between two highlands. To the west is a large number of low-lying mountain beams and valleys. To the east is a platform with a three-hundred-foot rise and fall, and there are not many gentle grounds that can really be used.

Since there was no threat of war for hundreds of years, a lot of flat land and gentle slopes were occupied by civilian buildings, and military installations that were not necessary in the eyes of citizens were rushed to some hills and hills. The various fortifications were separated by large warehouse houses on the streets of civilian houses, and the positions were like isolated islands surrounded by residential houses. In order to mobilize troops and transfer materials between each other, all of them had to pass through small and crowded urban areas.

Also because of this terrain, Dover is surrounded by a large ridge and hillside, and a main road runs through the center line. There is no depth at all, let alone a defense system in depth.

The German landing attack directly hit its key point, because the Dover defense system is not a defensive circle, but a defensive line. This defensive line is composed of some coastal permanent firepower points, central fortresses, flanking fortresses and Two large coastal defense fortification positions and coastal defense turrets are formed, all of which are built to defend against enemies on the sea. Except for the central fortress and the fort, all have no omnidirectional defense capabilities. Machine gun perforations and artillery are mostly directed at the coastline and port roads, and they have little resistance to attacks from behind.

The remaining infantry strength of the first armored division of the British Army is not enough to put together an infantry battalion. The tankers are even worse than ordinary infantry after leaving their iron shells. After learning of the German armored forces behind them, the British command in the Dover defensive circle fell into panic without surprise, and everyone was shocked by this amazing news.

Most people thought that there must have been a communication error when they heard the news, but when the Queen’s private cavalry team a Vickers light tank with half a turret and the incomplete body of the captain was in panic After fleeing back to the British position, the commanders finally accepted this cruel fact.

The Germans have landed, and they have already outflanked Dover. There are only two roads left to the British commander, sticking or retreating.

As long as you have a formal military education, this question is actually a very good choice. Dover's back road is broken, and the Germans are continuing to outflank the side. The German's intention is very obvious, that is, to surround the Dover area. If you continue to stay in Dover, waiting for the British team will be a annihilation.

As a result, there is no need to guess at all. In addition to the still huge organization, the Dover garrison has little combat power left. After the German Army has bypassed the fortress side, no one has thought about this situation before. There is no defensive position at the rear of the city. Except for some trenches and barbed wire against paratroopers on both sides of the main road, there are at most a few checkpoints in the form of barricades and simple sandbags.

The local National Self-Defense Force wanted to set up a minefield in the roadside field, but it was stopped by local farmers because it was a private property. To bury something, the owner’s consent was required. The farmers insisted on the mine Every mine is set with signs, and at the same time it has to receive material compensation. Otherwise, until the Germans no longer land, who dares to enter this land, and finally noisy and noisy, the Self-Defense Force gave up this plan for half a month. The Navy still has the power to fight, and the Royal Air Force is also in the limelight. No one thinks that the Germans can break through the Dover Fortress.

So now if you want to stop the Germans from going forward, the British Army can only leave the strong fort and fight with the Germans in the hills. In the face of the German Army armed to the teeth, the British Army in the heyday is not necessarily able to confront head-on, let alone the present In this state, there is absolutely no hope of winning.

The highest command structure of the fortress was destroyed, the infantry troops stationed were severely damaged, the fortress artillery unit and the turret were burned together, the ammunition was damaged a lot, the supply line was cut off, the only armored mobile unit was annihilated, and the remaining armored forces were short of oil and food. Ammunition has only one base for the vehicle, which is only enough for one medium-scale operation, but the fuel has been consumed by more than half, and the mechanical failure situation is also very serious. Without accessories and spare parts, it cannot be repaired at all.

The most correct choice the British can make now is to give up Dover immediately, taking advantage of the fact that the troops still have a certain combat power and morale, and concentrate all the assault forces to retreat along the coastline towards Folkestone. Before the siege, he merged with the two infantry divisions stationed on Folkestone. When the time came, he would stay on the spot or retreat. Then we have to look at the specific situation at that time.

Colonel Evans, the first armored division of the British Army, holds this view. He has taken over the command of the Dover Garrison based on his being the highest-ranking army officer in the Dover area. Discussion with other officers. Immediately issued an order to assemble the whole army to retreat.

At this moment, the most dramatic scene in the history of war appeared, and the Dover Fortress Command, which had been thought to have been buried underground with the collapsed fortress underground works, had returned to the world. The process can be called a Hollywood-style catastrophe blockbuster, and the ups and downs of the plot are wonderfully moving, and there are many personality flashes embellishing it. Of course, this is another story, so I won't elaborate here.

Anyway, the members of the headquarters were almost unscathed. They took the trouble to overcome all difficulties, and finally escaped from the closed concrete coffin through an abandoned shaft for many years. Major General Mason poured two kettles of water after returning to the ground, and then The first time he arrived at the interim headquarters, he wanted to regain his command.

The first grade of the Guan Da can kill the dead, not to mention the two ranks now. Colonel Evans has not even struggled at all. On the spot, he obediently gave the big commander of the defense zone that was not overwhelmed. Major Mason is not an official fan. There is no such strong power**, he just stubbornly thinks that he is a fortress commander, and mastering command is a commander’s duty and responsibility. As long as he has a breath, he will never give up this responsibility.

Mason first asked Evans and the current commander of the Garrison Garrison to report on the current situation of the Dover district fortress, especially the current status of the troops and the latest battle conditions obtained. He was also taken aback by the news that the Germans had landed. Where did the Germans go ashore? Did London know the news? Why hasn't there been any response so far, and the commander of the fortress is completely puzzled.

Evans advised Mason to retreat. He felt that as a qualified commander, Mason would definitely agree with him and make the right choice. But what happened to everyone surprised, Mason firmly opposed the withdrawal of troops from Dover. This shocked the officers present.

Major Mason’s reasons are very good. There are still some fortresses in Dover that have not been destroyed. The air defense caves of Queen Elizabeth Hill are still 30% intact. There are still some barricades and barricades that have been built in the urban area. Intact. Mason believes that the British Army can rely on these existing conditions to fight the German army in the Dover area. The Germans were firmly attracted to this port, and time was allocated for London to dispatch reinforcements.

Mason believes that although the retreat can temporarily retain the existing army, it is difficult to predict how long it will last. The British supply line has been cut off, and the supplies on Folkestone have dried up, even if the Dover British army has really reached Folkestone. There is also no way to get supplies, and the remaining vehicle fuel will be wasted on the road. At the same time, Folkestone’s food supply has been in short supply. Together with Dover’s troops, the consequences can be imagined.

And now no one knows how many Germans have landed on the British island. If the number is sufficient, the German National People’s Congress can even include the British troops of Folkestone in the circumstance. Who can guarantee that the Germans have not entered Folkestone now.

Mason felt that it was a good thing for the German army to dispatch the army. As long as the German army was put into the city, the other side would not dare to bombard it with heavy artillery. He still wanted to fight a vigorous street battle with the Germans according to the original plan.

Mason also comforted Evans. Although the garrison’s coastal heavy artillery had been lost, but there were more than a dozen large-caliber infantry guns on the small turrets around the bastion that were not destroyed. Although the ammunition was not much, it was enough to give the German attacking troops Cause a deterrent.

He also has a reason to stay in Dover, that is, Dover’s port is still intact. London can organize the delivery of troops and supplies to Dover Fortress from the sea. As long as the sea supply line can be guaranteed, Dover is still a Fortress that never falls.

Perhaps it was Mason’s rank that put too much pressure on it, or it was indeed convinced by the facts that Mason enumerated that Evans finally agreed to Mason’s plan.

A part of the stronghold garrison was sent to the suburbs, and they were ordered to build a simple line of defense to delay the advancement of the German army and to rearrange the rear troops to gain time. More than a dozen infantry tanks with almost exhausted fuel were given to these light infantry units. These tanks were used as mobile firepower points to provide infantry firepower support on the entire defense line. When the fuel was exhausted, they could also be used as fixed bunkers. These tanks carried Sufficient ammunition and heavy armor should be able to withstand the Germans for some time.

The remaining armored forces and infantry were ordered to shrink into the core defense zone, strengthen and rebuild the barricades, and at the same time draw out a part of the surviving troops of the central fortress to enter the urban area, build concealed firepower points and street fighting anti-tank traps in the houses, and the soldiers began to collect various combustibles Objects, set up anti-tank fire barriers and manufacture combustion bottles.

Another part of the soldiers was ordered to clean up the core fortress and dig the buried underground ammunition depot and material warehouse. Mason believes that at least three such tunnels excavated along the **** were just blown out of the hole, which should still maintain the complete structure. These The ammunition and supplies in the storage warehouse are now important safeguards for Dover, even if they are to be dug up at all costs.

Following the command of the Rear Admiral, the entire Dover Fortress area became busy. The frustrated soldiers finally found the direction of their efforts. The news of the German arrival was waving like a whip behind them, but they are now starting. Feeling a kind of confidence, perhaps under the command of Major General Mason, he can really block the Germans.

On this day, because of this series of orders, the Rear Admiral Henry Mason was recorded in the annals of history. Historians agree that if the German head of state put a noose around the neck of the Dover garrison, then the Royal Rear Admiral was the one who unscrewed the scaffold floor valve.

ps: Yesterday the computer was broken and the graphics card was killed because it was discovered late and it was Sunday again. As a result, I had to ask for a day off. I posted a sticky note in the book review area yesterday. Obviously many people did not go to watch it, so I will make another one here. Explanation, thank you for your support. (To be continued.)