Chapter 426: Battle Patrol Duel
The battle cruiser detachment of the British Royal Navy and the 1st battle cruiser detachment of the German Navy were only a few tens of kilometers apart, which was almost a two-hour voyage. Pen & Fun & Pavilion www.biquge.info However, in the case of the two sides walking in the opposite direction, it only takes an hour for the two sides to meet.
Both sides were six battle cruisers, but the performance of the ships of the 1st Battlecruiser Detachment of the German Navy was significantly stronger than that of the battle cruisers of the British Navy. This has been proven in previous naval battles. David? The source of Vice Admiral Betty's confidence was undoubtedly the three 'Queen Elizabeth-class' battleships. If it had not been attacked by the German Navy, so that the two 'Queen Elizabeth-class' battleships were severely damaged, then the 2nd Battleship Detachment of the British Navy would have consisted of five 'Queen Elizabeth-class' battleships, which would have made the British Navy have a better chance of victory.
As time passed, the distance between the two sides was getting closer.
At 9 a.m., a German destroyer reported that a detachment of British naval battlecruisers had been spotted.
"All ships are ready for battle!" Lieutenant General Hipper immediately gave the order for combat readiness.
The three "Mackensen-class" battlecruisers and the three "Blucher-class" battlecruisers raised their guns one after another, preparing to send all the British Navy's battlecruisers to the bottom of the North Sea with powerful artillery fire.
At the same time, the British naval battle cruiser detachment, also discovered the German fleet.
"Report to the general, found the Germans six battle cruisers. Ten minutes later, they'll be within our range. "A staff officer to David? Lieutenant General Betty reported.
"Excellent! Sure enough, only six battle cruisers of the Germans were encountered. God bless the British Empire! "David? A flash of ecstasy flashed across Lieutenant General Betty's face. Only six battlecruisers of the German Navy were encountered, which was undoubtedly the best result. He believed that with six battlecruisers in his hands and three 'Queen Elizabeth-class' battleships, he could definitely defeat the six battlecruisers of the German Navy.
"Humph! Are the Germans too conceited to think that with only six battlecruisers they will be able to eat us? Soon, we will let them know that the Royal Navy is not so easy to defeat. "David? Lieutenant General Betty snorted coldly. Although the overall situation is still very unfavorable for them, it will be very helpful to improve their chances of victory if they can win the first victory and deal with a few German Navy's battle cruisers. At the same time, he can finally be ashamed.
"Order the ships, get ready for battle. Today will be a day of shame for us. In addition, let the 2nd battle cruiser detachment, outflank the Germans. This time, we are going to leave the Germans, the six battle cruisers, all here! "David? Lieutenant General Betty ordered.
The 'Queen Elizabeth-class' battleships were very fast, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 24 knots, although not as fast as the battlecruisers, but not much different. Carrying out the task of outflanking the rear road is undoubtedly the most suitable. Coupled with the 381mm guns on the 'Queen Elizabeth class' battleship, which is powerful, this gives David even more? Lieutenant General Betty was confident.
Just, David? Lieutenant General Betty didn't know that they weren't the only ones who had reinforcements. Six battle cruisers of the 2nd Battlecruiser Detachment of the German Navy were also on their way to the fast arrival.
The 1st Battle Cruiser Detachment of the German Navy and the British Navy's Battle Cruiser Detachment were getting closer and closer, and the battleships of both sides were lined up in a battle line. At a distance of more than ten kilometers, at the same time began to turn, heading northeast. David? Vice Admiral Betty did this in order to further close the distance between himself and his main fleet.
And Lieutenant General Hipper, who didn't care about it. He ordered the communications corps to report the situation to the flagship. Since the British are trying to lead them to their main force, then let the main force of the German Navy follow suit, and everyone will have a main force duel.
Anyway, the German Navy clearly had an advantage in this showdown. Even if it is a main showdown, they will not suffer, but will take advantage.
"Prepare for battle!"
When the distance between the two sides was directly reduced to fifteen kilometers, the battle officially began.
On the battle line of the German Navy, in order, there were 'Mackensen', 'Prince Frederick', 'Frederick? Karl', 'Blucher', 'von?' Morality? Tann' and 'Leopold'.
On the battle line of the British Navy, in that order, were HMS Tiger, HMS Queen Mary, HMS Royal Princess, HMS New Zealand, HMS Invincible and HMS Indomitable.
"Boom! Rumble! Rumble! ”
The flagship battlecruiser "Mackensen" was the first to carry out test firing. Five of the three triple 380 mm guns began firing.
One after another, armor-piercing shells weighing more than a ton roared and smashed into the British battleship more than ten kilometers away.
The other five battlecruisers followed suit and began firing. It's just that the 305-mm guns of the 'Blucher-class' battlecruisers, at such a distance, had a low hit rate.
"Start shelling!"
David? Lieutenant General Betty also gave the order, and this time, he did not close the distance before firing, as he had done before. Because, he already knew, the level of shelling of the German Navy was no worse than that of the Royal Navy, and even stronger. Although the officers and men of the Royal Navy are well-trained, they have been passed down for hundreds of years, which makes them have a strong will to fight. Under such circumstances, it was undoubtedly very difficult for the German Navy to surpass the British Navy in terms of the quality of its soldiers.
Fortunately, with the advancement of technology, the role of manpower in warfare has become smaller and smaller. The quality of the soldiers of the German Navy was, of course, inferior to that of the British Navy. However, relying on advanced technology, such as advanced sighting equipment and fire control systems, they are no worse than the British Navy in terms of gunnery, and even have an advantage.
"Boom! Rumble! Rumble! ”
The battlecruisers of both sides began to fire fiercely. One after another, the cannonballs whistled and smashed into the opposing battleship.
The shells exploded on the surface of the sea, splashing columns of water into the sky. The whole ocean seems to be starting to boil.
"God bless the British Empire, we must defeat the Germans in this battle!" David? Lieutenant General Betty secretly prayed to God. This battle is too important for them. Even if he could not avoid defeat in the end, he hoped to inflict enough damage on the German Navy.