Using monitor bombardment to simulate an invasion

Sir John French asked the Dover Patrol to pin German troops to the coast before a British attack farther south. Bacon distinguished a real landing, which depends on surprise, from a false one, which must generate visible evidence and rumours. He proposed repeated bombardments at Zeebrugge, Middelkerke, and Westende, selecting shore batteries and observation posts instead of canal locks or the Ostend dockyard because those targets fit a landing narrative. Multi-day fire and deliberately spread reports were meant to persuade Germany that preparations were under way. The bombardment was operational deception in support of the land campaign.