I Became a Captain of the British Empire - I Became a Captain of the British Empire chapter 89

Is it plausible?

Chief of Staff John H Crawford could hardly contain his excitement.

This is because the hypothesis he had been pursuing for a long time has finally revealed its reality.

‘Future man, future man… … .’

Although it was quite different from what he had expected, it was good nonetheless. However, it is more realistic to know the future than a secret organization that may not even exist.

“Then let’s begin. Everyone, please refer to the first page of the material.”

The admiral looked around the conference room with his pods in his hands. While everyone around him opened the papers, John quietly watched the admiral alone.

No matter how you look at it, the leadership of that troublemaker child was questionable.

Was it possible for even the most talented officer to make such a dramatic change in real combat?

However, it is a different story if you are a person of the future. No matter how stupid you are, if you know how aircraft carriers operated in the future, you will be able to use them even rudimentarily.

While he was lost in thought, Repulse’s captain, Tobay, who looked at the data, spoke first.

“This is the remaining strength of the Italian naval fleet.”

“And the strength and disposition of our fleet… … .”

Furious’ captain, Bruce Fraser, continued. Admiral Lewis looked at the two in turn and nodded.

“As you can see, the capital ships deployed in the Mediterranean are now our Task Force Z. Except for Valiant and Marlboro for the time being, there are only four remaining battleships in the Austrian War Navy.”

The admiral points to the power table in the document and speaks.

As the saying goes, there were only six ships in total representing the Allied Navy’s capital ships.

Averting his gaze from the admiral, John glanced at the Austrian Navy’s battleship power chart for a moment.

The name of one of the five ships in the list is marked with a red line.

Just two days ago, they almost suffered.

“But it will be difficult to deal with the Italian Navy with four ships. The Teketov class is outdated and the Monarhi class has 14-inch guns. It’s one step below Caracciolo’s level.”

Those were the words of John Phillips, the captain of the Independent. He flipped through the papers and pointed his finger at the detailed performance tables for each battleship written on the back.

Data compiled by the Office of Naval Intelligence. Although some things were wrong, they didn’t matter to Admiral Lewis either.

As if you already knew it, you always come up with a plan optimized for that class. Even against human torpedoes.

Because of this, the suspicion was bound to deepen.

Of course, no matter what John thought, the meeting went on.

“In short, are you saying that it is difficult to go out of the Adriatic Sea with the power of the Austrian Navy?”

Captain Phillips nodded at the admiral’s words.

Eventually, he continued, pointing to the huge evangelist spread out in the middle of the desk.

“The Army is said to be still focusing on the defense of western Trieste. The northern part has succeeded in defending a lot, but it seems that the situation is not as good as it seems.”

Suddenly, John wakes up and pays attention to evangelism.

The dent in the wire was quite dangerous.

It is said that the battleships stationed in Trieste were able to slow down the advance thanks to the barrage of artillery fire.

Admiral Lewis, who was struggling, shook his head slowly.

“I can’t delay the showdown any longer. Gentlemen, according to reports from the intelligence department, some of the French anti-war fighters are in contact with the Italians.”

“yes? So, are you trying to set up a puppet government?”

“I’m not sure yet, but I can’t ignore the possibility. First of all, the internal situation in France is quite chaotic. It wouldn’t be strange if some defectors came out.”

Answering the surprised chief of staff, he cleared his throat and looked around again.

“Then the war will be longer. We need to make a decision quickly before they get into trouble.”

The admiral crossed his arms and resolutely hinted at a fleet battle. Everyone in the conference room looked at each other with their own expressions.

A displeased face raised a hand.

“But I don’t think they will agree to a fleet showdown. Even last year, we were overwhelmed by the firepower of our Infatigable.”

It was Captain Phillips. Admiral Lewis meekly agreed.

“I have to find a way. How can they pull them out?”

Ultimately, it is a question of method.

Seeing the admiral frowning and struggling, John thought to himself.

Anyone who knows the future doesn’t have to worry about these things. You just need to take action based on what happened in the future.

But the boss in front of him was seriously struggling. I could read the thoughts of the chief of staff who had been with me for half a year.

At least it doesn’t have foresight. I don’t know if it came from the future. Then, at what point did the future change?

“What do you think of the chief of staff?”

In an instant, in front of Admiral Lewis who turned his head quickly, John opened his eyes wide in surprise. After clearing his throat, he trembled for a moment before opening his mouth.

“well… It can be a challenge.”

Admiral frowning.

Before the nagging came out, John hurriedly fulfilled his duties as chief of staff.

“How about poking through an aircraft carrier?”

“aircraft carrier?”

Oops, did I pick the wrong words?

In front of Admiral Louis who tilted his head, John regretted his words.

“That, so… Combine the air power of the Furious and the Eagle, and concentrate on hitting the enemy ports, why not? Like Brest!”

John hurriedly continued his words. However, the admiral’s face only hardened.

I guess I made the wrong choice too.

The admiral he had seen so far was a master of aircraft carrier operation.

It is obvious what would happen if we recklessly talked about aviation tactics in front of such a person.

John licks his lips in a cold sweat.

Surprisingly, while he was thinking of his pitiful excuse, the admiral added to his surprise.

“Is it plausible?”

uh… ?

Seeing Admiral Lewis silently nodding, John couldn’t believe that he had a pioneering eye.

* * *

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Port of Gibraltar, battlecruiser ‘Indefatigable’.

The Royal Navy’s largest battlecruiser, the Invincible class, had first-class amenities just like its reputation. Despite the urgent exhibition process, the shiny captain’s room proved it.

“One room is large.”

“As expected, it is the largest ship in the Royal Navy.”

Torbay and Fraser, seated side by side at the reception table in the captain’s quarters, looked around and said that. The giant ship, which was much bigger than their own ship, felt envy and even a bit of jealousy at the same time.Make sure to read from noble mtl dot com

Phillips, who had put down a cup of tea from the other side, answered the two of them.

“It’s not like that. There is also the problem that the belly is too big.”

Taking a sip from his glass, he let out a weary sigh and continued.

“It’s nice that the bridge is wide, but it’s too high. It is said that it is easy to secure the view during battle, but it is still inconvenient when going in and out normally.”

“That’s a full complaint!”

Fraser also laughed and shook his head at Tobay’s joke that sounded like a sigh.

“Really. Isn’t receiving such a valuable battleship a recognition of your skills?”

“I don’t mind. The sailors are all young and the officers are inexperienced. Of course, I know there are no personnel anywhere, but it’s a shame as a Royal Navy.”

However, Phillips only raised his glass again with a stiff face after complaining. The two captains looked at each other with bewildered eyes. Tobay and Fraser, who had been watching for a while, cleared their throats and opened their mouths one by one.

“Don’t do that too much. Even so, isn’t it the best warship?”

“They say it’s a more powerful warship than the Mighty Hood. They gave a shot to the Yankees’ battlecruisers as well.”

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Phillips quietly put down his glass.

Recognizing the meaning of the two, he replied with a grin.

“Thank you. But I don’t know the performance, but I can’t agree on the aesthetics.”

I look around and shrug my shoulders.

“No matter how much it is, wouldn’t it be better to keep the main battery separate?”

Captains looking back.

The first thing they thought of was the main turret concentrated on the bridge as they looked out the window where the sunny Mediterranean sunlight was pouring in.

I know it’s rude to blame the appearance in front of the captain, but Tobay couldn’t help but laugh.

“what… There seems to be no disagreement.”

“It was definitely made in a hurry.”

Adding with a bitter tone, Fraser recalled an earlier memory.

The Invincible-class, which was built in a hurry to fit the US Navy’s shipbuilding plan and failed to modify the design, received countless criticisms from within the Royal Navy even during construction.

Even the Nelson-class did not receive a good sound due to the inconvenience of appearance and operation. However, since the design of the follow-up ship is an extension of it, it is strange that there is no fuss.

However, there was no suitable alternative, so the construction went ahead as scheduled.

The result is this 50,000-ton, full-loaded displacement monster they are riding.

Looking back, it was the best decision.

If the deadline had been delayed while changing the design, even the defense of Newfoundland would not have been guaranteed.

At least Fraser thought so.

“By the way, I’m worried about the next operation. Fleet battle again without even having time to train.”

Lost in thought, Phillips spoke again in a worried voice. Tobay, who was sipping black tea, replied in a soft voice.

“It’s not like you’re leaving right now, is it? Let’s think slowly.”

“But I’m a little worried from the beginning. I don’t think they will move as expected just because a few planes knock on them.”

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Phillips never licked his lips again in a tone of embarrassment. In front of him who can’t hide his uncomfortable look, Tobey just smiles and moves on.

The other one couldn’t.

“I don’t think you underestimate air power too much about that.”

A voice that intervenes firmly.

Startled, Phillips raised his head. In front of him, Bruce Fraser, the captain of the aircraft carrier Furious, confidently continued.

“Even at Brest, the French Navy took a pretty heavy hit from our torpedo bombers. It was the price of allowing a single Furious to ambush. I think the idea of integrating two carrier air groups, Eagle and Furious, is fine with me.”

A voice full of confidence.

It was definitely worth it. He was the one who destroyed the enemy’s aircraft carrier and the fleet stationed in the port in his first real battle after taking on the role of captain.

The two also acknowledged their skills.

Aside from that, Phillips still had a questionable face.

“But then it was a surprise. The Italians must have received that report. Can aircraft pose a threat to a battleship protected by sufficient anti-aircraft fire?”

“That’s something I don’t know. If the numbers support it, I think it’s possible enough. Especially since they don’t even have an aircraft carrier.”

“But the defense of the port is not easy. Anti-aircraft artillery and air force, as well as anti-aircraft nets. I don’t know.”

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Phillips still speaks with a confused face.

Soon, the two faced each other.

cold breath.

The hand holding the teacup stiffened little by little.

“We’re not going to argue here, how about making a bet?”

As the atmosphere cooled, Tobay quickly intervened. The two looked at him with bewildered faces.

Fraser thought for a moment, then suddenly laughed out loud.

“Bet… nice!”

Eventually, he puts the teacup down and points at Phillips.

“I’ll bet thirty pounds that our air group will disengage at least one enemy battleship.”

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Phillips nodded, arms crossed.

“Good. I’m 30 pounds under a boat.”

“Then decide like that! I don’t know what the outcome will be, but let’s all try our best anyway.”

After finishing the story, Tobay changed the topic again. However, the two captains shed strange eyes toward each other even after that.

‘I don’t think it will end easily.’

Thinking so, Tobey stiffened and sipped the black tea. The sound of the teacup clinking quietly echoed through the room.

* * *

USA, Washington DC White House.

With cold eyes in front of him, Hoover slowly opened his mouth.

“Tell me again, Admiral.”

Standing in front of him, the general in white uniform, Chief of Staff of the Navy, Fret stood firm in his sharp voice and answered.

“I repeat… … .”

chilly face.

Responding with a firm mouth, the admiral once again made up his mind.

“The Pacific Fleet sortie cannot be made.”

An instant gaze crossed between the two.