dognovel Chapter 1034 1034: We Paid the Price for Your Arrogance
Chapter 1034 1034: We Paid the Price for Your Arrogance
If it were just one torpedo, it might not be enough to sink the "Barham." The "Elizabeth" class has watertight compartments, and it might survive under the cover of other warships, even fighting while damaged.
However, ever since the "Barham" was completed, its steering gear had underlying issues that had never been found and thoroughly resolved.
Now perhaps influenced by the torpedo, this hidden flaw emerged at a critical moment, causing the course to suddenly veer left uncontrollably.
Admiral Freddie hurriedly ordered to change the course through the propellers to maintain stability.
But it was all too late.
The ship was hit by the torpedo and listed to the left, the rudder jammed to the left, under the dual impact, the "Barham" severely deviated from its course and veered on the sea, then heavily collided with the "Magnificent" battleship that was speeding towards it.
There was a loud "bang."
The armor of the "Magnificent" was torn open with a large gap, the bow of the "Barham" wedged into it, the misalignment of the two ships emitted a piercing metallic friction and cracking sound.
The crews of both ships were shaken stunned, some of the crew fighting on the deck were even thrown into the sea.
Furthermore, they both lost their combat capabilities in this sudden change.
The German "torpedo planes" seized this opportunity, swarming like flies, launching torpedoes at the two "crossed" warships.
The German warships also turned their guns towards this area, firing volleys of shells at them.
The destroyers approached, firing torpedoes without hesitation...
For a moment, the entire world was in chaos, the explosions of shells hitting the hulls of the two ships, the torpedoes underwater were approaching like a school of fish, pillars of water shot skyward, and fifteen minutes later, the "Barham" reluctantly sank to the bottom of the sea.
The "Magnificent" also took on multiple hits and suffered severe flooding, disappearing from view a minute later.
The British fleet, momentarily lost the command, fell into a disarray, the radios on each ship "beeped" incessantly, but no one received any useful information:
"We should retreat, losing two battleships makes victory impossible, returning to the port we can rely on coastal guns to fend them off!"
"No, we have no retreat, coastal guns cannot stop them, the result of returning to port would only be getting sunk faster."
"We should counterattack, we occupy advantageous positions and still have the strength to fight."
...
The result of disunity was the fleet became dispersed.
Some returned to port, some insisted on fighting, others simply sailed into the Atlantic Ocean hoping to rendezvous with reinforcements as soon as possible for another battle.
Meanwhile, the German fleet seized this opportunity for a full-speed assault, blasting the isolated British ships to pieces amidst the continuous sound of gunfire.
...
London War Office Building.
A few people in the command center anxiously awaited reports from the front.
Prime Minister George paced back and forth in front of his desk, his brows furrowed, sighing.
What to do if we lose?
How to face the accusations from Parliament and the questioning of citizens?
They would immediately demand the Prime Minister to step down.
I really shouldn't have listened to the words of the Minister of Military Supplies, now all the responsibility is mine!
The Minister of Military Supplies sat silently in a chair drinking whiskey, the only way he could think of to relieve stress.
Unbelievable, it eventually turned into a decisive battle with the German High Seas Fleet.
I always thought it was Shire, always believed we were facing the French Fleet!
Shire used everyone, including the Germans, only they didn't know, or perhaps they willingly were used, those fools!
Never mind, I am just the Minister of Military Supplies, this should be the Minister of the Navy's issue to ponder.
Minister of the Navy Belfort stayed by the radio, hoping to get the North Sea fleet's intelligence at the first moment.
Although the North Sea fleet may not represent the strength of the Royal Navy, the impact of this battle is significant.
Because it was set up to besiege the German High Seas Fleet, the port stocked with ample military supplies.
Once the German High Seas Fleet occupies the port, it not only means breaking the British fleet's encirclement but also can guard the port leisurely.
Damn it, we should have more aircraft.
I have long said, we should build airports in the Shetland Islands, if there were "Camel" fighters taking off from there, the Royal Navy could completely control air supremacy.
With air supremacy, today's crisis wouldn't have occurred!
Belfort turned his gaze towards Chief of Staff of the Royal Flying Corps, Trenchard, it's this guy, who said the main direction of British air defense is France, not the Shetland Islands facing Germany.
Trenchard sat at the desk, pretending to be calm while sipping coffee.
This is a naval and army issue, nothing to do with the Royal Flying Corps.
We've done our best, the reason why the English Channel was blockaded is because of the performance gap between our aircraft and the enemy's.
Suddenly, a telegram was delivered to Belfort's hand, the staff reported with a heavy expression:
"Minister, sir, our forces were defeated."
"It has been confirmed that 'Barham' and 'Magnificent' have sunk, the status of other ships is unknown."
"This is the telegram from 'Bellerophon,' it returned to port with more than ten ships waiting for orders."
The command center instantly fell silent.
Although everyone predicted this outcome and psychologically prepared, when it truly materialized, it was still hard to accept.
"Prime Minister." The staff urged, " 'Bellerophon' is awaiting orders, the enemy fleet is approaching the port."
Though the words weren't clear, the meaning was obvious: if orders aren't given for retreat, these dozen ships won't be saved either.
"Retreat." Prime Minister George gave the order weakly.
What he actually thought was: Britain is already finished, my position can't be maintained, what significance is there in caring about these dozen warships?
"We have a chance." The Minister of Military Supplies jumped up:
"We simultaneously withdrew the third fleet and the second fleet."
"It only takes four days."
"No, three days. In three days they can reach the North Sea and retake the Shetland Islands..."
Prime Minister George interrupted the Minister of Military Supplies, his voice full of sarcasm:
"Really? Do you think so?"
"You seem to have forgotten the third fleet is blockading the Gibraltar Strait, and the English Channel is under French control."
"Once we withdraw them all, the French fleet only needs two days to reach the North Sea."
The Minister of Military Supplies was left speechless.
Once the French fleet enters the North Sea, even if the entire Royal Navy is thrown into it, they wouldn't win.
"You are dismissed, Minister." Prime Minister George said.
"What?" The Minister of Military Supplies was surprised: "Me?"
"Yes, it's you." Prime Minister George shouted, hysterically:
"Get out of here, you who thought you could defeat Shire, you've seen the results now!"
"We all paid the price for your arrogance, everyone!"