Chapter 2216 Dawn 2
Jericho's worries soon became a reality. An hour later, when the sky had turned white and the sea in the distance was dyed red by the morning glow, Jericho finally received a reconnaissance report from the seaplane. No opponent was found at the German fleet's transmitting position, but then traces of the German fleet were discovered about 10 nautical miles away from the transmitting position! It is the main force of the High Seas Fleet, and they are moving southwest at a medium speed! Moreover, the reconnaissance seaplane confirmed that the other party had discovered him!
"Oops, something happened!" With Jericho's keenness, he has realized that the plan has changed. Obviously, under the current situation, after sending the telegram, the German fleet not only did not approach but retreated 10 nautical miles! What does this mean? It is very likely that the German fleet has learned about the British plan through some means-preparing to use dawn to fight an ambush!
What makes Jericho even more uneasy is that when the High Seas Fleet understood at least most of the British plan, they did not choose to escape, but deliberately kept a certain distance. In Jericho's view, this distance was still determined to fight. But trying to delay as much time as possible, just as Ruprecht said at the beginning, it was very uncomfortable for Jericho who was stuck at this distance. It was a bit far, but it was still within a distance that he could work hard to get into the fight!
And the most important thing is that the German fleet is now southeast of the British fleet and is maneuvering southwest. What does this mean? The Germans are preparing to cut off the British fleet's way home! If the crown prince opposite was not sure, how could he do such a thing? Please, give the 32 battleships of the Grand Fleet some respect, please? There is only one possibility that can allow the Germans to make such an arrangement, and that is, the Spey fleet is rushing towards the battlefield!
"The Germans don't want to leave today at all. They also want to end things with us, and the battlefield situation seems to be worse than we imagined." Thinking of this, Jericho felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, but he knew that he would definitely not be able to do so today. Walk! If you leave, then the next time the two fleets meet, the big fleet will have no chance! At least now, there are only the Grand Fleet and the High Seas Fleet on the battlefield. If you don't fight at this time, what are you talking about in the future? ! It’s better to go back and give up!
"General Betty sent a telegram. He said that the aircraft carrier formation is all ready. Ask us when we will launch an attack!" Lieutenant General Duff said.
"Is there any news about the German aircraft carrier squadron?" Jericho asked.
"A fleet was discovered east of the German fleet. It should be an aircraft carrier squadron. The size is uncertain. It is estimated to be 4 ships." An officer said.
"Four ships! It seems that the situation is not bad. Send a telegram to Betty to prepare to take off to attack the fleet. All ships of the Grand Fleet will turn three compass points south. Since the Germans want to cut off our way home, then we must Let them know how powerful the Royal Navy's iron fist is!" At this moment, with Jericho's order, the final battle finally kicked off!
The huge British fleet drew a huge U-shaped track on the sea. The huge formation of hundreds of warships turned without any confusion. People have to admire the high quality of the Royal Navy. The seven fast battleships of Thomas' fleet took the lead, followed by the fast fleet directly under Rear Admiral Hood's grand fleet, and then the main force of the grand fleet composed of five squadrons of fast battleships. Next to the main fleet, more than 20 light cruisers and more than 5 dozen destroyers were on the left and right of the fleet.
Betty's aircraft carrier detachment was also not mixed with the Grand Fleet. They were 8 nautical miles behind the Grand Fleet. At this time, the four aircraft carriers had entered the upwind sailing stage and could launch all the attack aircraft groups arranged on the deck at any time.
"Are we really not going to leave some cover planes? We are now separated from the Grand Fleet and have no protection at all. If the German planes fly over, then all we can rely on are anti-aircraft artillery and luck." An adjutant was worried. said.
"Two days ago, I made a mistake, I missed an opportunity for the Royal Navy to win, and now, I swear, I will never make the same mistake again! Everyone is expendable in this war! I don't care Whether I can see the moment when the war is won, the only thing I care about is to complete my mission and send out all the planes! Then drop bombs on the Germans' heads!" Looking at the place at this time "The fleet on the deck," Betty said decisively.
"Now, I will repeat my order, and then you execute it. If you ask questions that have nothing to do with the mission, then you will not come to the bridge. Someone else will take your place and do a better job than you!" Betty said.
"I ordered that the first wave of 120 attacking aircraft be divided into two groups. The first group of 70 aircraft will focus on attacking the Spey fleet, and the second group of 50 planes will attack the German flagship! If nothing happens, , the flagship of the High Seas Fleet should be the battleship Bavaria. The Crown Prince is the heir to Bavaria, and he will not choose other battleships! Pay attention to distinguishing the ships of the same class from the commander's flag on the mast. If we are lucky, we can eliminate the empire. Lose a big enemy!"
"After the first wave of fleets is released, release all the remaining fighter jets and let them provide air defense cover for the Thomas fleet. I don't want any of them to be in our hangar or on the deck after an hour. Used aircraft! That’s it!”
Although the release of 120 aircraft from four aircraft carriers in one wave is still too few for the German Navy, for the British, this is the largest fleet they have ever organized. This time, as Betty said, the entire The Grand Fleet aircraft carrier detachment has tried its best. If the previous battle had not caused the British aviation force to lose 60 precious aircraft, the British could at least launch two groups of attack aircraft this morning.
But what about now? In addition to the first wave, there are less than 30 aircraft available for the second wave, and they are all fighter jets. To be honest, it is a bit unsatisfactory for these aircraft to provide air defense cover for the Thomas fleet! Now Betty is very regretful. He wrote in his combat diary: "If I could turn back time, I would fill the hangar and deck with planes!"
However, all this can only be described as assumptions and what-ifs. The British aviation power that has been consumed can only be used as auxiliary force. Even the air defense of the Grand Fleet itself must be provided by seaplanes and disposable catapult aircraft carried on battleships!
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