One hour later into the fight, and the French Army in the Romney Marsh continued growing as more and more troops landed on the shores. The third and first-rate ship of the line of the French Republic and the Spanish Kingdom bombarded British positions, specifically at number two and three trenches, where most of the British were taking cover.
The thunderous roar of the naval cannons reverberated across the battlefield, drowning out the sounds of musket fire and clashing bayonets. Explosions rocked the ground as cannonballs tore through the air, slamming into the British defenses and causing chaos among their ranks. The well-coordinated barrage from the ships of the line created a path of destruction, creating openings in the British defensive line and forcing them to shift their positions.
With the naval artillery support raining destruction upon the British trenches, the French assault columns surged forward once again.
The French forces moved in a coordinated manner, utilizing the cover of the terrain and the smoke generated by the artillery barrage to advance steadily.
General Bernadotte and General de Marmont rallied their troops, shouting orders and encouragement amidst the chaos. The French soldiers pressed on with renewed determination, overcoming the heavy casualties they had already suffered. They advanced methodically, pushing the British defenders back and gradually gaining ground along the beach.
The illumination rounds continued to bathe the battlefield and the British defenders persisted in their defenses.
As the French assault columns continued their advance, the British defenders began to give ground. The combination of the naval bombardment and the determination of the French soldiers began to tip the balance in favor of the invaders.
Slowly but surely, Napoleon could see the British retreating behind the cliff line.
A smile of satisfaction spread across Napoleon's face. He lowered down his spyglass and turned around to face Berthier.
"The British are retreating, we can secure Romney Marsh as the bridgehead. Begin all necessary preparations to convert this beachhead into a stronghold," he pulled a folded map of the Romney Marsh out of his pocket and continued. "Our engineers need to set up defensive positions and fortifications. I want artillery placements here and here."
"As you wish, Your Excellency," Berthier said and began issuing orders to his staff.
Napoleon turned around to check the beach again.
"Maybe I should go down there," he mumbled.
"Admiral Brueys," Napoleon called.
"Yes, Your Excellency?"
"I need a boat that can get me to the shore, can you arrange one for me and for the others who will be joining me?" Napoleon asked.
"We can have a boat prepared immediately, Your Excellency," Admiral Brueys replied with a salute. "I will ensure that it's ready for you and your party."
Good," Napoleon nodded and approached Berthier who was in the middle of talking with his staffers. "Berthier."
Berthier jolted up from his conversation with his staff and turned to Napoleon. "Yes, Your Excellency?"
"Continue your discussion on the beach, I want to go down there and inspect the troops," Napoleon said firmly.
"If you say so, Your Excellency," Berthier nodded.
"Your Excellency!" Admiral Brueys called. "The boat is ready for you and your party."
Napoleon acknowledged the admiral with a nod and turned to his officers who had gathered nearby.
"Gentlemen, join me on the boat."
His officers saluted and followed him as he made his way to the waiting boat. The crew assisted them in embarking, and soon they were gliding across the water towards the beach.
As they reached the shore, Napoleon stepped out onto the sand. Before him were the troops in the middle of setting things like moving the corpses away and huddling together to have some respite.
Napoleon walked through the scene, his officers following closely.
"I want to know the number of casualties," Napoleon said to a nearby officer who was overseeing the gathering of wounded soldiers. The officer saluted and quickly began to work on finding the number of casualties.
One hour later, the officer went back to Napoleon, who was inside a makeshift tent, discussing with his generals.
"Your Excellency, I have the reports you are asking," the officer informed.
"How many are dead?" Napoleon asked straight to the point, his expression grave.
The officer cleared his throat before delivering the sobering news. "Four hundred soldiers have been confirmed dead, Your Excellency."
Napoleon's face tightened, a mixture of sadness and respect for the fallen evident in his eyes. He nodded slowly, acknowledging the sacrifice that had been made.
"Four hundred brave souls," Napoleon murmured. "We'll give them a proper burial tomorrow. How about the British?"
"We are still tallying their casualties, Your Excellency but it appears to be double or triple our losses," the officer replied.
"That means the British still have a considerable amount of force," Napoleon noted. "Thank you, officer, you may now return to whatever it is you need to attend to. Your dedication is noted."
The officer saluted and withdrew from the tent, leaving Napoleon to his Generals.
"So, returning to where we left off, we will fortify this beachhead and prepare for a march towards London," Napoleon began, striding toward the table upon which a map lay spread out. "The British won't surrender easily; they'll likely conscript locals for their defense. The challenge is that we're uncertain where they'll choose to make their stand. Therefore, we will divide our forces and initiate a three-pronged assault to capture London. Corps I, II, and III will seize Royal Tunbridge Wells from the west. Corps IV, V, and VI will secure Maidstone. And finally, Corps VII, VIII, and IX, along with the Cavalry Reserve, will target Rochester.
Should any one of the groups encounter the entire British Army, notify us using a telegraph. We will come to their aid as swiftly as possible and encircle the enemy if necessary. The British are likely to adopt a traditional strategy of keeping their forces concentrated.
Now, once we have decimated their army and their militia, we are going to send a messenger to London. We will state our demands of surrender, and if they refuse, well, we are going to bombard their defenses relentlessly. Now, does anyone have questions?"
No one raised or objected to Napoleon.
Good, we will begin tomorrow at eight o'clock in the morning. I trust that each of you will ensure that your divisions are fully prepared by then. We are making history here gentlemen."
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