26. The Hush Hush Operation Hush
The horrors of trench warfare in the stretch near the coast targeted for Operation Hush were exacerbated by marshy ground that reduced the area to a sea of mud. The British planned to first attack the German trenches with a normal ground assault across the area’s flooded no-man’s land. Then, once a sufficient advance had been made, such that a breakthrough out of the muddy region and into the dry land beyond was attainable, the British would land a force on the coast behind the enemy trenches. The amphibiously landed forced would then wheel right, and attack the rear of the Germans resisting the initial attack from Ypres.
Pinched front and rear, the Germans defenses would crumble, and the British would advance over them to link with the amphibious force on dry land. With the muddy region which had made advance so difficult now behind them, and open dry land ahead, the British would have better prospects for future operations.
