I Became a Captain of the British Empire - I Became a Captain of the British Empire chapter 123

Pacific Fleet Battle (7)

US Pacific Fleet, flagship of the 1st Battlecruiser Squadron ‘Constallation’.

Admiral Ian Ashford touched his chin as a habit, watching the smoke from the large ship’s chimney rising over the horizon.

“Two battlecruisers?”

“Yes, one of them appears to be the new ship that destroyed the Ranger last time in the Caribbean.”

Hearing the report from the chief of staff, he nodded calmly.

The admiral took up his binoculars. Little by little the lofty mast poked its head out over the horizon.

“Admiral, the Invincible class is a battleship one step ahead of our Constalation class. We need the support of the main battleship forces.”

Seeing the admiral’s reaction, which was even cold, the captain cleared his throat and said,

“Well, maybe.”

However, it was still the admiral who spoke in a low voice. The captain held back a sigh and shook his head.

Even after repelling Admiral Lewis’s flyer that swept across the eastern United States, Admiral Lee encountered countless formidable enemies.

However, even in the middle of the fierce battle, there was hardly any change in the expression of the face.

Of course, it’s not that I don’t express emotions completely.

There was definitely a way to determine the state by language, etc. But at least, that was the last time the Captain had seen such a reaction in the Caribbean.

“This one has a total of 16 16-inch guns… That’s 9 guns and 6 15-inch guns.”

Blue eyes that can’t even see the slightest movement. I don’t know if it’s just a cold personality, but it seems that my emotions are just restrained.

Thanks to that, the captain never had a comfortable day.

Admiral Ian talked with the chief of staff while the captain standing behind him looked at him with a puzzled expression.

“I don’t know if the new bullets were supplied, but the only one who received the repair was the Ranger.”

“This side has the upper hand in firepower, so it seems better to hit them quickly before they get critical hits.”

It is an accurate judgment.

The admiral nodded.

The new Mark 12 armor-piercing shell is the latest equipment supplied only to the Rangers that were destroyed during the last year’s battle and entered the dock.

This new bullet weighing 1,015 kg boasted the power to pierce even South Dakota’s armor at a distance of 20,000 meters.

A new weapon that can easily stop heavily armored enemy ships from a longer distance.

However, Constalation, who left the dock first, did not even have time to receive the same number.

Because of this, it was necessary to see that only the Ranger’s teeth were embedded in the giant ships that appeared little by little on the horizon.

“Captain, how many knots is the current speed?”

“Yes, current speed 28 knots. If you run all the boilers, you can go up to 29 knots.”

Slower speed than last time.

But it wasn’t the captain’s lack of management.

On the contrary, I tend to care about my stomach excessively.

The admiral was well aware that there was a different reason.

“This is why anti-aircraft firearms are cumbersome. It would be nice to be able to fire anti-aircraft fire from the main gun.”

Looking towards the deck lined with all sorts of anti-aircraft weapons, he said nonchalantly. Soon after, he turned his head and gave instructions.

“Don’t advance. Go course 300.”

“yes! Course 300! turn the key! Fifteen to the left!”

“Let’s start the bombardment within 25,000.”

calm voice.

However, the captain felt something out of place there. Because of this, he inadvertently asked.

“Admiral, aren’t you shooting at 30,000?”

“Are you saying that the captain has the confidence to hit the target at 30,000?”

“yes? Oh no… Of course I do my best… .”

“I look forward to it.”

Damn, did I say something wrong?

I just pressed my mouth. The captain waved his hand and panicked. I was worried about what kind of reprimands would come if the results were not good later.

But the admiral didn’t care what the captain was doing and continued talking calmly.

“What move will the opponent choose this time?”

Oh, that’s what you were talking about.

Only then did the captain feel relieved and relax his shoulders.

At the same time, the admiral with his hands behind his back felt disgusting.

‘Where does it go if I don’t confuse it? sh*t.’

It was a captain who even muttered curse words. The Admiral didn’t even pay attention to him.

Even in the midst of conflicting thoughts, the two sea monsters broke through the curved waves and advanced furiously.

* * *

Task Force Z’s flagship ‘Repulse’.

“Two enemy battlecruisers! Constellation class! Rapid approach from bearing 290!”

“Send the Indipatible forward! got it? Just like the Mediterranean!”

A bridge that roars loudly.

Reports came and went in Jeonseong-gwan, and footsteps rang the ceiling.

“Donghangjeon! With gun heat 330! If you come within 25,000 range, Indipatigable will fire first!”

Repulse’s guns lined up side by side, raising their bulky barrels. In the Indipatigable, nine giant cannons like telephone poles went up.

Two monsters with sparkling fangs.

A huge muzzle stared at the opponent who was dripping smoke on the horizon.

“The main guns are ready. Admiral.”

“Wait.”

The enemy ships are still approaching from 30,000 meters away. If you shoot now, you can only shoot Indipatigable. If so, it’s a waste of fire. It is difficult to expect a hit at 30,000 anyway.

“Enemy ship, rapidly approaching course 330! Speed of about 28 knots! 30,000 streets!”

It comes within range, but the other side doesn’t shoot first either. Of course. This time, the opponent is approaching.

If the opponent is a battleship with 15-inch guns or a battleship with 14-inch guns, you can aim for out-range at 30,000 meters like the Mediterranean.

But less 16-inch gun battlecruisers. At least the firepower is equal to or higher than this one. They are also fast, so it is not difficult to hit them.

In addition, Repulse’s range is limited to 26,000. Within 30,000, only Indipatigable can be fired. A two-to-one composition is created.

‘It’s better to conserve firepower and concentrate on maneuvering when the accuracy rate is low.’

If you shoot at 30,000 and don’t get hit, only this side’s morale will drop.

With the defense of Indipatigable, it would be enough to last for 4,000m, but… Still, I am very anxious. I can’t help it now.

“Tell the destroyer flotilla to prepare a smoke screen. If you shoot from the other side first, it will deploy a smoke screen.”

“6th Destroyer Squadron, move.”

Acasta passing Repulse’s port side.

Even a small hull full of flags fluttering is majestic at first glance.

28,000 before long.

The enemy ship that was approaching with its bow out turned its course at an angle.

It seems that they are about to open all the gun doors to this side. As if hinting at a fierce battle, the bridge becomes busy.

“Enemy ship! Distance 27,000!”

The sound of gulp and swallowing can be heard all around.

We’ve already met them. in the Caribbean.

“Distance 26,000!”

The iceberg-like water column and the bright red foam of the fire are still visible to the eye. The roaring sound of propellers and the sound of burning metal still echoes in my ears.

The sight of a burning battlecruiser waving its final beacon is a sight I will never forget.

Having owed such a gift, I have something to show them.

“25,000!”

“Start firing!”

Kugung-

With a roar that overwhelmed the waves, Indipatigable howled.

“Distance 25,000! About 45 seconds until impact!”

“Indipatigable’s Tan comes first! Don’t get confused!”

“Enemy fleet, open fire!”

The battleship’s roar echoes across the ocean.

As if a volcano exploded, huge smoke covered the sky. The waves they collided with tore apart, letting their anger be known all over their bodies.

Tens of seconds seemed like eternity.

The steel fortress, which was advancing facing each other, was engulfed in a column of water.

“Check the impact! Near bullet!”

“Indipatigable is Wontan!”

“Red bullets are coming!”

A storm of steel that flew in at the interval of an instant.

A huge column of water fell as if enveloping the battlecruiser in front. But there were no hits.

“An enemy bullet landed about 300m from the starboard side of the Indipatible.”

“The impact is closer to us. Just like this, the crystals fly quickly.”

Both ships are concentrating their firepower on the Indipatigable. It’s threatening at first glance, so it must be an intention to get rid of it in advance.

Countless gunfire followed, and traces of the water column scratched the sea.

Soon after, Repulse’s first round scuttled the enemy’s second battlecruiser.

However, immediately after

“Indipatigable, Pittan!”

A sharp beam struck the long hull.

* * *

US Pacific Fleet, flagship of the 1st Battlecruiser Squadron ‘Constallation’.

“Ranger’s 5th shot, hit!”

The watchman’s report resounded like cheers.

Officers holding binoculars with flushed faces.

Admiral Ian followed them and looked at the enemy ships on the horizon. However, he soon felt something strange and tilted his head.

“You look fine.”

In the place where the water column of Iljesa sank, the whale-like ship was advancing undamaged.

“Admiral! Enemy ship… The Ranger’s bullet deflected!”

The captain reported with a furious face.

Of course. The new 16-inch armor-piercing projectile is the U.S. Navy’s trump card targeting the heavy defense Nelson class. No one thought it would be so easily blocked.

“To deflect the new bullets… .”

Even in the midst of such embarrassment staining the bridge, the admiral calmly looked back at the chief of staff and said,

“An interesting defense. I’ve heard of his performance in the Mediterranean, but seeing it in person is amazing.”

“Looks like we need to re-evaluate the enemy ship’s defenses.”

The chief of staff answered calmly.

To deflect new bullets with the side armor at a range of 20,000 means that the enemy ship’s defense power surpasses that of South Dakota.

No wonder.

The Indipatigable’s side armor is 356 mm thick and sloped at 18 degrees.

Considering the efficiency of sloped armor, the actual protection is about 430mm. Even new bullets can easily be deflected.

Of course, Admiral Ian aboard the Constellation had no way of knowing that.

“Red bullets are coming!”

Shun-

The sharp whistling sound passes the bridge.

Before long, the uneasy shock echoed as if wet the floor.

“Red bullets, narrow cross!”

mighty roar.

A huge column of water cast a shadow outside the window. The captain opened his eyes wide and raised his binoculars to peer out.

“To make a narrow gap on this side even while being under intensive fire… . What skill is this?”

A battlecruiser with nine guns pointed this way looked like a giant monster.

Soon after, on the bridge of the Constellation that had been intercepted, Admiral Ian gave the order without hesitation.

“Retreat.”

“yes?”

The captain doubted his ears.

Turning his head with a more surprised face than before, he looked at the admiral again.

“Are you sure?”

“Looking at the current power difference, it’s hard to win. If you rush in, you’re bound to get hit and sit down.”

Admiral Ian said so in a voice that would make him yawn if left alone.

The captain couldn’t help but be dumbfounded when he saw him with his hands behind his back without blinking.

Haven’t we just exchanged matches?

“Deploy the destroyer smoke screen as it is, and we go back. Go course 180.”

I blinked my eyes as I looked at the admiral calmly giving instructions.

Of course, the captain was also taken aback by the results of the moment before. However, I thought there might be a way to narrow the distance further. I didn’t expect to be eliminated without a proper fight.

When there was no answer, Admiral Ian turned his head away.

“To course 180.”

“Yes, yep! Course 180!”

Repeating the order belatedly, the captain hurriedly approached Jeon Seong-gwan. Soon after, the massive ship of the Constellation turned quickly and turned.

Leaving behind a wave of white foam, the two giants quickly fled the scene.

* * *

Ten minutes later, the aircraft carrier ‘Lexington’.

“Ian ran away?”

Admiral King asked again in a puzzled voice on the Lexington’s bridge, which was soon ready to launch the last raid of the day.

“Yes, Admiral. The enemy battlecruiser’s firepower is unpredictable, so he will try to engage in a long-range engagement with the support provided by the carrier strike force.”

“Are you maintaining contact?”

“That’s right.”

King shook his head, then put his hand on his waist. There was no sign of anger.

“That son of a b*tch has a reason to back off.”

He said so in a serious voice. Seeing the arrogant admiral’s unusual reaction, the chief of staff flinched in surprise.

But without surprise, another report came from Lexington’s bridge.

“Admiral! It’s urgent in South Dakota!”

King frowned at the news of the call from the flagship.

It is a yard where fighters have been requested all the time to drop reconnaissance planes in the midst of being busy. What errand are you trying to run this time?

But this time, it was a little different from running errands.

“A number of enemy planes appeared over the fleet! Air cover required immediately!”

“what?!”

At least, it wasn’t trivial.