I Became a Captain of the British Empire - I Became a Captain of the British Empire chapter 118

Pacific Fleet Battle (2)

“An anti-aircraft battle begins!”

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High-angle cannons raised towards the sky spew fire fiercely. An 8cm high-angle cannon that fires bullets non-stop.

As gunfire pounded in his ears, Admiral Eisuke looked up at the sky.

“The number of enemy planes is considerable.”

“It looks like at least two regular carriers are attacking at the same time.”

“I guess so. There must be a battleship nearby.”

It was the admiral who was looking at the group of aircraft with his arms crossed as if laughing. Soon, he asked the air chief in a sharp voice.

“Did you still not find the enemy reconnaissance aircraft?”

“yes. It seems to be hidden in the clouds.”

“How stupid… Stop it and get our recon planes ready. After this raid, we have to launch a counterattack.”

The operational range of US carrier aircraft is about 200 km. There must be an enemy carrier in this area. It’s not hard to find. I can’t help but feel the shame of being discovered first.

‘It would have been better if they had struck first… .’

Even while the admiral expressed regret, fierce fire continued from Kiy’s deck.

8 cm anti-aircraft guns, two on each side. The same goes for the Nagato class following from the back row. Thus, six anti-aircraft guns total 24 guns.

However, there was a problem with this.

“Red flag, it’s in good health! Ongoing approach!”

“what are you doing! Why can’t I get it right?”

“The danmaku is too thin! Break through!”

There are too few gunshots. The number of guns that can be projected on one side is only 12.

As a result, American aircraft approaching 60 were slowly approaching the fleet, losing only a few unlucky aircraft.

“Damn it, what is Jiggeumgi doing!”

“Currently responding! The bandit, prevail!”

In an unexpected situation, Admiral Eisuke hurriedly approached the window and glared at the sky.

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A torpedo bomber hit by anti-aircraft fire turns roughly. However, after changing the altitude a few times, it easily breaks through the fire net.

The high-flying dive bomber didn’t even have to change course that much.

American soldiers getting closer.

The distance now seemed less than 7,000 meters.

“Air chief! Can’t you contact Jikmeomdae?”

“Now I see the signal! Moving to the current intercept position!”

At that time, the fierce sound of engines passed smoothly over Kei’s bridge.

A squadron of fighters casting shadows over the sea. It is a type 3 fighter that defends the airspace of the fleet.

“Kaga is direct, fight back!”

A squadron of Type 3 fighter jets, organized by direct control, will face off against a squadron of US Navy F4B fighter jets.

It was the moment when the flagship aircraft of the two maritime ports met. Raindrops from tracer bullets flew and colored the sky.

“The fight against Jik-Eom University begins! oh! Push!”

A type 3 fighter that was turning smoothly and trying to catch up with the enemy plane. However, it is torn apart and set ablaze by another enemy plane descending from high altitude.

Admiral Eisuke’s face turned white at the sight of a voice full of astonishment.

Kaga’s air corps was clearly elite. However, it was not enough to deal with veterans with high-performance aircraft and practical experience that reflected the battles of the Atlantic Ocean.

There were obviously more Japanese planes falling in flames from the sky.

“Admiral! If we go on like this, we will be exposed to enemy air strikes!”

“The pitiful things… . Each ship! Freedom to evade maneuvers!”

While the admiral was giving orders, the sound of propellers was approaching overhead.

Ignoring the fire coloring the sky, the U.S. Navy’s boat SBU Corsair dive bombers began their descent all at once.

“Red flag, descend!”

“Shoot!”

2-pound anti-aircraft cannon that fires with an 8cm high-angle cannon. A 7.7mm machine gun was also added to the fire.

However, small and medium-caliber firearms with a messy trajectory were not enough to catch the aircraft in a dive.

Tracer bullets scattered in vain.

The bombers that infiltrated between them vomited something all at once from their rear.

The sound of falling that resounds like an echo.

Suddenly, Admiral Eisuke heard a whistle passing by the bridge. Before he could figure out what it was, a roar covered Kii’s deck.

coo goo –

500-pound bombs exploding over the deck in succession. The sound of breaking and breaking is scattered everywhere. A light vibration shook the floor.

“… Report the damage!”

Admiral Eisuke, who lost his balance for a moment and shook, quickly regained his senses and shouted.

Red smoke billowing from the center deck. It looks like a fire has broken out.

However, the face of the commander of the 1st squadron was not that serious.

“Admiral, the enemy plane’s bombs couldn’t pierce the armor. Admiral, there is no hindrance to combat action.”

“What about the other ships?”

“Nothing wrong. Not a single ship has reported being unable to fight.”

calm voice. Admiral Eisuke sneakily walked to the back of the bridge just in case.

The tail of Kii leading the long wake.

The sister ships, Owari, Sagami, and Tosa, were also moving vigorously as they were hit by dive bombardments.

Nagato, Mutsu, Ise, Hyuga, Fuso and others in the rear of the front line were also hit by several air strikes, but there were few hits. At least to the Admiral’s eyes, the burning battleship was invisible.

“Really. It’s not that big of a damage.”

The admiral quietly wiped away the cold sweat and turned his head. Explosions were heard all around, but no ship was tipping.

He was also interested in naval air power.

Because of this, he had a vague fear of being hit by an aircraft carrier.

However, as if relieved by the fact that it was a mistake, he looked back at the chief of staff with a grin.

“The dive bombing was no big deal. You just have to be careful of the enemy’s torpedo squad.”

“Admiral, during an air raid, it is best to evacuate to the command tower… .”

“A raid like this doesn’t seem to be a problem. More than that, is Kaga all right?”

“Yes, I am fine. Their air strikes are focused on battleships.”

thank god.

Unlike battleships covered in strong armor, carriers can be mortally wounded by a single bomb.

It was fortunate that the main target of the enemy fleet was a battleship.

“Enemy torpedo squad approaching! Distance 3,000!”

“If you endure this, it will be a counterattack! Let each of us do our best!”

Admiral Eisuke gave instructions in a confident voice.

Of course, anti-aircraft guns that didn’t fit like that didn’t suddenly fit well.

I just put my hopes on the evasion maneuvers of each captain.

The admiral clenched his fists at Kii’s bridge, which was tilting with sudden maneuver. There was still a lot of red flags left.

* * *

At the same time, at sea 120 nautical miles northeast of the Marshall Islands.

The flagship of the 2nd Task Force ‘Lexington’.

“Admiral! Report from the raid! Hit 4 enemy battleships! A lot of enemy ship damage!”

Rear Admiral Ernest J. King, commander of the 1st Carrier Squadron, asked, frowning in reverse at the excited Air Staff report.

“Is that a reliable report?”

“I do not know. For now, the hit report is certain.”

“Damn it, how do you know if the enemy ship is disabled or not? When you see it properly, talk to me then!”

In front of the admiral, who was acting like a tiger, the staff member opened his eyes and immediately calmed down his excitement and saluted.

The aides who urgently review the report at an untimely shout.

Looking back at them, the admiral shook his head alone.

“This is why we couldn’t beat the Royal Navy… Like idiots.”

He clicked his tongue and approached the window, crossed his arms and looked down at the wide deck. Dozens of squadrons were lined up on the deck where the preparations for the second raid were in full swing.

And two large warships that are advancing as if enveloping the Lexington in front and behind. It is a beautiful ship with 16-inch guns on the same hull. The two battlecruisers are now specially assigned to provide direct cover for aircraft carriers.

“Admiral Marshall’s wish has finally come true. He should have seen this.”

King clenched his fists as he recalled his predecessor who fell behind due to an injury.

Having been captain of the Lexington just a year ago, he is now in command of the entire task force. He was a competent talent who was promoted only through his performance across the Atlantic.

could not fail because

Don’t let those stupid giants do any more damage to the Air Squadron!

“Admiral, special from Flagship South Dakota.”

“Something?”

At the report of the chief of staff, King raised an eyebrow.

They are like idiots who put the carrier forward and fell behind. What kind of attendant will the big-time burglar bet this time?

“If discovered by the enemy fleet, immediately move to Wake Island and engage the enemy’s leading task force in cooperation with the base air force. This fleet will engage the enemy’s main fleet.”

Oh, you mean you want to eat the delicious parts yourself?

Despite orders from the Pacific Fleet gunships, King said with a smirk.

“You leave the troublesome work to us.”

“But Admiral, if the enemy task force is defeated, the main fleet can be annihilated.”

“I know. It’s just a nuisance.”

He waved his hand as if he was annoyed, then asked with a sharp look in his eyes.

“What about Admiral Ian?”

Ian Ashford, commanding the Battlecruiser Squadron, was of the same rank. So King had no choice but to politely ask for his cooperation.

“I will follow the admiral’s orders.”

“You speak as if you are yielding to me.”

While looking at the grumbling admiral, the chief of staff only quietly smiled bitterly. This was a very polite attitude by Admiral’s standards.

“good. Whatever the situation, all four sisters of the Lexington class have gathered.”

Make sure to read from noble mtl dot com

Putting his hand on the window and looking around, Admiral King raised his voice quite happily.

The Lexington and Saratoga were converted into aircraft carriers, and the Constellation and Ranger were built into battlecruisers.

Although they are of different types, the four sister ships with the same basic hull proudly advanced through the waves. He liked the sleek hull with its long slenderness ratio.

“Then, let’s see how well the tin battlecruisers will do. If you break it again and come back, then I will really kick your ass.”

Even in the midst of his harsh words, the corners of his mouth went up quietly.

* * *

At the same time, Task Force Z flagship Repulse.

Immediately after the main fleet was attacked, reports continued to pour in.

“Entrance in Akagi! Raid Takeoff on Wake Island! Defense 340! 100 miles away! Number 20!”

“Stand by the combat aircraft. Send the 4th to Akagi. What about the interceptor report?”

“Intercept success! Annihilate enemy raids! Currently returning to mothership!”

“Okay, we should get out of here too. It’s uneasy within the range of the enemy’s air force.”

It is our staff’s job to gather all this information and draw conclusions.

At the center of it, I rolled my head like a storm as I turned the sword in my hand around.

The engagement has already begun. But so far we haven’t been harmed. The small attack party that had just flown in from Wake was also taken care of by interceptors guided by our scout planes.

I wish everything would go smoothly like this… .

“If the enemy task force is here, the enemy main fleet will also be nearby.”

“What is the enemy’s purpose? A fleet showdown?”

“Well, there are too few of them over there for that. Even if they do fight, they probably want to fight in an advantageous position.”

Discuss with the chief of staff and quietly draw a line on the map.

Our location is 180 km south of Wake Island. The location of the enemy fleet is probably 300 nautical miles to the southeast.

If our fleet runs at full speed, it’s about 50km an hour… Maybe we can contact you after 10 hours. If that happens, it will be a night battle.

“I need help from the 1st battle. They are experts in night combat.”

“I guess we won’t have to suffer this time. But while we go, what about the main fleet?”

“The speed of the US battleship squadron is slower than that of the main force of the Combined Fleet. The choice of when to engage is on this side.”

As long as they don’t stupidly threaten to be destroyed individually. Please don’t be so stupid there. please.

“Reconnaissance plane report! Enemy task force spotted 280 miles southeast! Battleship 2, Carrier 2!”

“An enemy fleet?”

After accepting the full text of the report, I pondered deeply.

“Is this the unit that ambush the main unit?”

“It is said that the main force of the combined fleet will engage the main forces of the enemy. The battle period is probably expected tomorrow.”

“The damage won’t be insignificant. Is it tolerable?”

“I don’t know.”

The yard is strictly forbidden even to radio except for essential contact. We don’t even know what the situation is.

So, here and now, you have to make the best choice with the given information.

“Then we must intercept the enemy task force.”

“Is it a head-to-head match?”

“You have to do that to win.”

widely-

Draw a line over conduction. route leading southeast.

After getting out of range of the ground-launched air force on Wake Island, assault the expected position of the enemy fleet from above.Make sure to read from noble mtl dot com

Perhaps, as I predicted, the enemy maneuver force would also move north toward Wake. Because you want to fight in a more advantageous position.

If we do something wrong, we may have to act as an anvil.

But someone must do it. And the destruction of the Pacific Fleet is an important goal of the Royal Navy. I came back halfway around the world for this, but now I’m going to run away.

“Don’t worry too much, chief of staff.”

Looking at the chief of staff who still cast a shadow on his face, I smiled and said.

“We have Indipatigable.”

From the stern of the Repulse, the three-turret tower followed. Looking at the majestic high bridge, I clenched my fists.

Now is the time to give back what you received.