Esco thinks he's a man of guts. People who don't have guts can't survive on the sea. However, now he feels a real heartbeat, and he can't stop worrying. I was even more frightened than the last time I encountered the Fourth Fleet of the White Navy.

After all, last time, his life was still in his own hands. Even if you can't beat it, you still have a chance to escape. However, this time, his life was completely in the hands of the white-clothed navy. There is nothing more painful in the world than to have one's fate completely in the hands of the enemy.

"Boom!"

Just as Esco's heart was scared, a loud bang was heard.

Esco knew right away that something was wrong, that another Dutch ship must have been wrecked.

There is no way, this familiar loud noise will only be made when a large battleship is destroyed. To be precise, it was hit by the high-powered cannonballs of the white-clothed navy and the complete smashing of the battleship that made such a terrifying loud noise. Anyone who hears this voice will instantly understand that another Dutch battleship has been finished, and hundreds more Dutch sailors have died at the bottom of the sea. With my eyes closed, I can imagine what kind of tragic scene it was.

It was a long time before Esco slowly turned his head and looked in the direction of the Dutch warship, which had unfortunately been destroyed. While turning his head, he kept telling himself in his heart to be calm, to be calm, not to be frightened by what he saw, and not to lose confidence because of this. Isn't it just a battleship sinking? Nothing remarkable. The Dutch Navy has warships, and even if five or six are sunk, it is not a big deal.

By this time, the Dutch battleship had completely sunk. On the surface of the sea, only a large whirlpool remains, and on top of the whirlpool, a large amount of debris floats. The dark green water was tumbling as if a monster was stirring below. Faintly, a few remaining Dutch sailors could be seen, desperately struggling in the whirlpool.

These Dutch sailors were all lucky. At the moment when the shell exploded, it was not immediately taken away by the Grim Reaper. They also have the opportunity to jump into the sea and avoid the direct movements of the Grim Reaper. But the power of man, after all, is too weak. And the Grim Reaper is indeed too ruthless. In the face of the huge whirlpool, their lives are more fragile than ants. Soon, under the tremendous pulling force of the whirlpool, they all disappeared without a trace.

Then the Dutch battleships of the next formation, breaking through the middle of the whirlpool at high speed, completely covered everything. Floating debris, hit by the bow of the ship I don't know where it went. The tumbling waters were also suppressed by huge warships. The waves stirred up by the bow of the battleship were still so snow-white, so crystalline, so pure and flawless. However, who knew that there was already a Dutch warship quietly buried at the bottom of the sea?

This is the third large warship to be destroyed by the main fleet of the Dutch Navy.

It was a huge battleship with a displacement of more than 1200 tons, second only to Seedorf's flagship in displacement. Seedorf's flagship, with more than ninety guns, also had more than ninety guns. Relying on the strength of the ship and the sharpness of the artillery, it has made countless feats for the Dutch Navy, as long as the Dutch Navy has reached the sea area, it has its figure.

It can be said that the history of this battleship is the history of the Dutch Navy for nearly two decades. The Dutch Navy was involved in major battles, and it was never absent. With its cannons, it created brilliance for the Dutch Navy. Previously, the battleship had been in service in the Atlantic, and was transferred to the Far East only three years ago. The purpose of the transfer, of course, was to strengthen the naval strength of the Dutch East India Company. However, who would have thought that it would be completely sunk in less than three years after it came to the Far East, leaving not even a trace of it.

Esco himself had served as a first mate on the ship and was all too familiar with it. There are countless scars on the body of this large battleship. What is left by solid bullets, what is left by chain bullets, and what is left by shotguns are all clearly visible. In previous battles, it did not know how many shells it had withdrew, and I don't know how many scars it had left behind, but it still sailed tenaciously on the sea, as if it would never sink.

However, in front of Esco's eyes, in front of Seedorf's eyes, and in front of countless Dutch naval officers and men, this so-called immortal warship finally sank. It is estimated that all the Dutch naval officers and sailors on this warship did not expect that its last words would come so quickly and violently that they did not even have the slightest psychological preparation. From the time the shells fell, to the complete sinking of the battleship, there were less than ten minutes in between.

"Damn it! That's too fast, right? Isn't that scary? ”

Esco couldn't help but mumble to himself, forgetting even the flag in his hand.

In ten minutes, a living warship can sink from the surface of the sea to the bottom of the sea, such an efficiency is simply numb, and the mind is blank. Rao is Esko is a genius among the geniuses of the Dutch Navy, a demon among demons, and with the knowledge he currently has, there is no way to explain all this, how it happened.

If Esko were the captain of that large battleship, he would definitely be unwilling even if he saw God. He'll definitely find a way to find out how he got destroyed. If he doesn't figure out this problem, even if he dies, he won't be able to see it. However, Esco fears that even God Almighty will not be able to explain the problem.

What's even worse is that from the destruction of the first Dutch battleship to the destruction of the third Dutch battleship, there was only an interval of less than twenty minutes. This is simply incredible in previous battles. In previous naval battles, in the era of using solid bullets, shotguns, and chain bombs to bombard, it took more than four or five hours for a large warship to sink at the earliest.

In the battle that Esko experienced, the fastest record also took three hours to sink one of the opponent's large warships. Prior to that, at least thousands of solid rounds, hundreds of chain and shotgun rounds were fired. In the end, it was not easy to smash through the opponent's side with a solid bullet, causing a large amount of seawater to pour in, and finally the opponent sank completely.

In fact, in Esco's opinion, it is much easier to capture one of the opponent's warships than to sink one of the opponent's warships. As long as the two battleships are close to each other, the sailors fight each other hand-to-hand, and kill all the sailors of the other party, and the battleship can be captured. However, if you want to sink a battleship, you can only dig a large hole in the bottom of the ship and let the sea water rush in. Of course, it is also a good option to detonate all the powder kegs on the battleship.

…… In just twenty minutes, the Dutch Navy lost three large warships. This is indeed a huge blow to the vast number of Dutch naval officers and men. Their morale has inevitably suffered. Seedorf had ordered his vice admiral's flag to be raised, and the morale he had inspired was gone.

At this rate, all 48 warships of the Dutch Navy's main fleet in the Far East will be completely lost in more than 300 minutes. More than 300 minutes, that is, five or six hours. Half a day, the loss of one of the main fleets. This kind of speed is really terrifying, and Esco said that he can't bear it.

Seedorf's face was obviously wrong.

What Esko could think of, Seedorf had naturally thought of a long time ago.

The speed with which the battleship was destroyed, so quickly, was indeed beyond Seedorf's expectations. In such a short period of time, he lost three large warships, and Rao is Seedorf's psychological endurance is extraordinary, and he can't help but have a blue face and a cold look in his eyes, as if he wants to eat people. He held his vice admiral's saber tightly, as if he would draw it and slash people at any moment. The staff officers around him all hid away with interest, lest the city gate catch fire and affect the pond fish.

In fact, Seedorf's heart has already regretted it. If he had known that this would be the outcome, he would not have ordered a sneak attack on the port of Pakistan. However, now, it is difficult to ride a tiger, and he has no reason to retreat. No matter what the consequences, he will continue to fight. Because the consequences of the retreat, more serious than the consequences of the loss of battleships. The loss of a battleship is a tactical defeat. Retreat is a strategic defeat.

"Boom!"

Two minutes later, another loud bang was heard.

In the blinding and piercing light of fire, the fourth Dutch battleship was destroyed.

The unfortunate Dutch battleship was probably killed by a shell from the white-coated army's shore defense guns that hit the ammunition depot directly, triggering a martyrdom. The power of the explosion of the shell and the power of the explosion of the ammunition depot were superimposed on each other, and the large battleship was completely shattered in an instant. This large battleship didn't even have a chance to sink, and it was directly reduced to nothing on the sea. When the fire was gone, there was only a lot of floating debris on the huge sea.

"Boom!"

Just a minute later, the fifth Dutch battleship was destroyed.

This Dutch battleship, it is estimated that luck is the best. The shells of the White Coats landed on its bow and blew it up. In general, the position of the bow of a battleship, because of the need for collision, there are no vital equipment and facilities, and as a result, the loss of personnel is relatively small. The captain of the battleship was also very clever and categorically gave the order to abandon the ship.

It was precisely because of the captain's decisive abandonment of ship that the Dutch sailors on this battleship basically saved their lives. They swam hard in the water, trying to stay away from the sinking ship until they were saved by the other ships. As for the battleship that was hit, the bow went into the water, the stern cocked, and slowly and without suspense sank.

…… The Dutch battleships, which were neatly arranged and well organized, and entered the main channel in a tight formation, looked like moving targets in front of the white-coated coastal defense guns. Although, it's a bit difficult to hit a moving target. However, with so many targets tightly grouped, even if you don't hit this one, you will hit the other.

"This Seedorf is completely hot-headed!"

Chen Xinhai held the binoculars, it was none of his business, and said slowly.

"He doesn't die if he doesn't reach the Yellow River, and he doesn't shed tears when he doesn't see the coffin! He thought that with hundreds of artillery pieces in his hands, as long as he was close to the port and within range, he could effectively contain us. But he didn't expect that the main channel was his ghost gate! ”

Yun Qifeng said lightly. He is not as sentimental as Chen Xinhai, he is completely businesslike. This battle, for him, was purely to test the power of the 105-mm howitzer. As for who the target was, he didn't care too much. Even if it is the king of heaven, Lao Tzu, it will be correct.

...... "Boom! ”

The sixth Dutch battleship was destroyed...... "Boom! ”

The seventh Dutch battleship was destroyed...... "Boom! ”

The eighth Dutch battleship was destroyed............ When the ninth large battleship was destroyed, the morale of the Dutch navy was finally on the verge of collapse. Some of the captains chose to slow down and distance themselves from their companions. And those battleships that have not yet entered the main channel simply retreat and are not ready to enter the main channel. For Esco's flag, they pretended not to see it.

No matter which country's navy is replaced, in less than an hour, it loses nine large warships, and it is estimated that no one can stand it. No matter how strong a person's nerves are, there is always a limit. The remaining warships of the Dutch navy, which did not immediately abandon their companions and left the battlefield decisively, were already very well trained. If the navy of other countries had been replaced, it might have been completely scattered.

In the previous battles, how could there be such a one-sided one? It's not fighting, it's suicide! The Dutch battleship was simply sent to the door to commit suicide. In the era of long-range attacks using solid bullets, shotguns and chain bullets, the losses of battleships in naval battles were actually not large, and it was rare for so many battleships to be sunk. Hand-to-hand combat, which generally does not destroy a battleship.

Until Nelson's time, hand-to-hand combat was still the norm of naval warfare. Nelson himself was shot by a rifle during hand-to-hand combat. No matter how many guns were on the battleship, it could not effectively end the battle. The only way to end the fight is hand-to-hand combat. Kill the enemy sailors completely, and the battle will be won.

However, the emergence of the white-coat navy has completely subverted such a concept.

The heavy artillery fire left the hand-to-hand combat far behind. Powerful shells that will end the battle with artillery battles have gone from impossible to possible. The white-coated navy does not need to get close to the opponent at all, only needs to use artillery, and can quickly and effectively sink the opponent's warship. Such tactics made it impossible for the Dutch Navy to adapt to them at all.

The morale of the Dutch Navy, no matter how high, so what? The level of hand-to-hand combat of the Dutch Navy, no matter how powerful it is, so what? The White Navy didn't give you a chance to get close at all, how can you use your strength in hand-to-hand combat? No matter how brave a sailor is, after falling into the sea, he is not as good as a shark's combat effectiveness.

Seedorf clutched his vice admiral's sword, his face terrifyingly pale.

He finally realized what a terrible mistake he had made. The defeat of Solum and Esko did not make him completely realize that the era of hand-to-hand combat has completely passed. Now, it is a new era, an era in which cannons are the protagonists. In the hands of the white-coat navy, artillery has become a sharp weapon to end the battle. When the Dutch navy tried to defeat the white-coated navy, which was dominated by artillery, it was already doomed to failure.

Seedorf felt unprecedented heartache for his mistake. He felt guilty, guilty for his reckless decisions. Because of their recklessness, the Dutch navy lost nine large warships and more than two thousand experienced sailors. These are the treasures of the Dutch Navy. As the commander of the Far Eastern Fleet of the Dutch Navy, he had to be held accountable for this. He must forgive his sins for it.

"Your Excellency Lieutenant General, let's retreat!"

Finally, Esko mustered up his courage and said in a deep voice.

"Esco, I order you to take my command!" Seedorf said calmly.

"Your Excellency Lieutenant General......" said Esco in disbelief. There was a strange light in his eyes. Vaguely, he already understood Seedorf's mind. However, while admiring Seedorf's courage and being moved by Seedorf's spirit of forgiveness, Esko did not feel that this was the best choice. Dead people don't solve the problem.

"I've made up my mind! There you go! Seedorf stubbornly ordered.

Esco had no choice but to go to another Dutch warship by small boat and temporarily take over the position of commander of the fleet. His first order was to order all the other warships to lower their sails and reduce the speed of their advance. At the same time, take all possible measures to withdraw from the main channel. The Dutch warships, which were still lining up outside the main channel, immediately spread their guard to prevent the arrival of the major fleets of the White Army Navy.

If the major fleets of the White Army Navy suddenly appear at this time, the Dutch Navy and the main fleet of the Dutch Navy will be completely finished. Fortunately, this bad situation did not occur. Due to communication reasons, such long-distance cooperation is difficult to carry out on the sea surface.

…… Seedorf's flagship, alone broke into the harbor.

Yun Qifeng frowned and said, "It seems to be Seedorf's flagship?" What is this guy going to do? ”

Chen Xinhai sighed slightly and said, "As the commander of the fleet, he hopes to use his death to boost the morale of the Dutch Navy. At the same time, he should be aware of the mistakes he has made. He hopes to use his own blood to wash away his mistakes. ”

Yun Qifeng sneered and said disdainfully: "Since this is the case, I will fulfill him." ”

Chen Xinhai shook his head lightly and said slowly: "If it is possible, it is best to capture him." If we want to learn more about the Dutch Navy, as well as the navies of other Western powers, Seedorf should be a good choice. Intelligence from all sides shows that this person has a relatively simple mind and a relatively weak anti-interrogation ability. ”

Yun Qifeng thought for a while and said slowly: "Okay, I want to find a way to capture him alive as much as possible." However, it depends on God's intentions. ”

It is not difficult to destroy Seedorf's flagship, and it is not difficult to kill Seedorf, as long as there is continuous shelling. Seedorf's flagship certainly could not withstand the constant shelling. However, it is really a bit difficult to leave a surname of Seedorf. Because, howitzers don't have long eyes, who can guarantee that the shells will not explode next to Seedorf. If a shell exploded next to Seedorf, his life would be over.

When Yun Qifeng was planning the bombardment, Chen Xinhai also started to move. Chen Xinhai's side, although there are no warships, there are still land sailors. These marines were all small detachments drawn from the army, and they were all armed with Han-style rifles. They are the most primitive Marines. Since Seedorf was going to be captured, it was natural to use them.

…… Seedorf had a mortal heart and was naturally fearless. He commanded the flagship, desperate to assault forward. His men, all the sailors on the flagship, were equally mortal. Therefore, they did not care about the shelling of the white army. No matter where the shells of the white-clothed army landed, they all moved forward with vigor.

"Boom!"

Suddenly, a shell landed on the foredeck.

After a loud bang, the flagship's foremast fell down heavily.

A violent explosion that tore the foredeck apart. At first glance, it is a big hole. Around the big hole, there is a mess of debris. Coupled with the breaking of the foremast, the sails fell all over the place, and the entire deck can be described as a mess. The explosion of the shells was very powerful, and already a large amount of seawater began to pour in.

The sails were inserted into the seawater and pulled by the seawater, causing the balance of the entire battleship to be seriously affected. Some of the sailors were unsteady on their feet and rolled straight into the sea. The consequences of losing the balance of the battleship are very serious. Even, the cannon in the cabin rolled into the sea in a row.

"Stop shooting!"

"Stop shooting!"

Yun Qifeng hurriedly shook his order.

All the shore defense artillery has been ceased one after another.

Seedorf's flagship has already been badly damaged, and if it continues to fight, Seedorf will be finished.

The rest is Chen Xinhai's. Hopefully, his sailors will be able to capture Seedorf alive before his flagship sinks.

The sound of artillery in the port next to Pakistan finally fell silent. The originally boiling sea gradually returned to calm. On the surface of the sea, there is a large amount of debris. Of all the debris, the battleship had the most fragments. The corpses that were swallowed by the whirlpool also gradually emerged from the water. Looking at it from a distance, the sea surface near the port of Balinbian looks like a garbage heap swept away by a typhoon, a piece of wreckage.

"The battle is over?"

"The battle is over!"

One by one, the merchant ship owners looked at each other.

It was only when the news of the victory came that they began to cheer loudly.

The merchant ship owners who were worried before can finally rest assured completely.

With the exception of Seedorf's flagship, all the Dutch naval warships had already left the port of Balin. Esco wasn't stupid, and he knew it was dangerous, and he wanted to stay here. In case the navy fleet of the white-clothed army came, he would not be able to eat and walk away. As for Seedorf's fate, Esko didn't care, and he couldn't control it.

(To be continued)