Chapter 886 Accident (15)

At nearly 8 o'clock in the night, the Nimitz fleet was still fleeing crazily. When Cunningham's fleet was heading for destruction, his fleet received the second attack wave returning. Everyone was exhausted and felt for the ferocious interception of the German Air Force today. Terrified. Everyone was even more sad when they heard what had happened to their own fleet, especially the British fleet.

Originally, Nimitz had an idea, whether to turn back and close the distance with the Germans during the night, and kill them early tomorrow morning. However, after careful study, the staff believed that this was of little tactical significance: the German army would definitely pursue them all night long, and it would be difficult to achieve suddenness; even if they launched an attack wave first, the opponent's attack wave would definitely be released.

In other words, the best result is to sink 1-2 of the opponent's aircraft carriers, but our own aircraft carriers will also be destroyed. Considering that the opponent has three aircraft carriers, after eliminating interference from our own aircraft, they can continue to pursue them calmly. At that time, not only the Franklin, but also the two Iowa-class ships may not be saved.

Finally, there are two factors that have to be considered: first, our pilots are low in morale and fighting spirit, while the German army is so powerful that they are no match for it; second, the German army now has 5-6 aircraft carriers, even if it loses 1- Two ships can also support it. We currently do not have a single capital ship on the east coast. We must save the fleet and sail back anyway, otherwise the east coast of the United States will be wide open.

"Sir, I understand your feelings, but we will have two new aircraft carriers in service at the end of May, and there will be a steady stream of aircraft carriers in service in the future. Please be patient and avenge General Cunningham at that time."

"I can still wait, but the British Empire can't afford to wait..."

Everyone looked at each other and finally advised: "The British affairs cannot be supported by a fleet. Let the President and the Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff worry about it."

"Okay, go back as soon as possible, first to the north and then to the west, and be careful to save fuel."

At 8 o'clock at the same time, the Zeppelin, Hyuga, and Dunkirk all turned on their flight lights to provide illumination for the aircraft returning at night. Although the relevant results of the battle had been learned from the telegram, our aircraft had only just turned on before returning safely. Theoretically.

The planes stopped one after another according to the amount of fuel. Seydlitz got out of the cabin and was hugged by Machar: "Well done! Hahahaha!"

A group of staff members gathered around him to listen to him describe the situation of the final round of attack. They heard that a group of Royal Navy officers on the Hornet finally sank with the ship, and everyone was a little silent.

"Who is in the wheelchair? Have you ever heard of a British general in a wheelchair?"

All staff members expressed ignorance.

Koch suggested: "Ask the captured pilots, they should know."

A few minutes later a message came from a destroyer saying that a captain pilot on board confirmed that the person in the wheelchair was Cunningham.

"Admiral Andrew Brown Cunningham of the Royal Navy? Why was his leg broken? What did we do?" Marshall murmured to himself, "I met him several times before the war. He is a arrogant, An upright admiral, what he did today is worthy of his honor and status.”

After hearing this, Ozawa, Ito and others seemed to have a thousand words in their hearts and didn't know where to start: The Royal Navy has always been the model and teacher of the Japanese Navy. Today, they saw with their own eyes that the last elite of this teacher were annihilated in the North Atlantic. They also feel empty inside.

However, this melancholy mood was quickly diluted by the joy of victory. Machar enthusiastically stood in front of the loudspeaker and lectured all the officers and soldiers on the ship: "All officers and men of the Imperial Navy! You are all good! You have created A miracle, annihilated the invincible Royal Navy, and wiped away the shame of the German Navy since the 'Rainbow'!"

Everyone applauded!

"Today's victory tells us that Germany is not only the invincible European hegemon on land, but also can dominate the world on the sea!"

"Wow!" The applause became even more enthusiastic.

"Let us muster up the courage, keep up our efforts, and strive to send the nouveau riche of the New World to the sea tomorrow!"

"Long live! Long live the Führer! Long live the Imperial Navy!"

At 8:15 pm Azores time and 10:15 pm Berlin time, Marshal Dönitz, who presided over daily naval work, and Marshal Keitel, chief of the general staff of the Supreme Command, rushed into Hoffman's office.

"Führer, I have great news to report to you."

Hoffman raised his eyebrows: "Did Machar win?"

"Yes, an absolute victory! We did not lose any warships, and only annihilated the enemy's 2 aircraft carriers, 2 battleships, 12-14 cruisers and several aircraft at a small cost of losing nearly 200 aircraft and 68 pilots. The auxiliary ship shot down more than 140 enemy aircraft...the enemy commander, Admiral Cunningham, and others sank with the ship!"

"Cunningham is dead?" Hoffman stood up in shock, "Are the battle conditions accurate and verified?"

"Yes, it has been verified repeatedly." Dönitz's eyes sparkled, and he took a step forward to compliment, "Führer, you have created history and annihilated the arrogant Royal Navy, which has been showing off for hundreds of years! According to intelligence analysis and prisoners "Except for the unfinished warships in the UK, they no longer have any capital ships. The Royal Navy has finally become the dust of history and can only live in memory forever."

"Führer, the solution to the problem of Great Britain is just around the corner." Keitel flattered, "The ideal of uniting Europe - this unfulfilled goal of Emperor Napoleon will become a reality in your hands. You are the greatest conqueror in history. "

Everyone always likes to hear flattery, but Keitel said it so pleasantly. Hoffman also blushed and waved his hand: "We are only a few steps away from success. We still have to move forward steadily. Has the main fleet returned to port? ?”

"Not yet, they are going after the US fleet - the other side also has an aircraft carrier and two battleships."

"Very good, send them a call to express congratulations!" Hoffman thought for a moment and added, "Tell Machar that when he returns victorious, I will promote him to the rank of marshal, and General Ozawa's medal will be upgraded to another level. Other officers and soldiers will be rewarded and promoted based on their merit."

"Thank you for your generosity. The Navy will definitely continue its efforts to defeat the U.S. Navy as soon as possible!"

After receiving the battle report from Nimitz, the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington fell silent and fell into a deathly silence.

Admiral Jin opened his mouth several times, not knowing how to speak, but finally fell silent.

Li Hai said: "As a result, the situation in Europe has definitely worsened, and Great Britain cannot be saved."

The rest of the crowd nodded with a heavy heart.

Turner interjected: "Admiral Nimitz must be allowed to bring back the existing fleet, otherwise we will be defenseless in the North Atlantic."

Everyone nodded again. The shipyard still has two aircraft carriers that can be delivered next month. However, sea trials will be required after delivery. After sea trials, they will need to be run-in. It will take at least 2-3 months to form combat effectiveness. Nimitz's fleet is almost the only one. hope.

"We should be on the defensive. In addition, I think the West Africa landing plan needs to be temporarily shelved." Marshall said in a hoarse voice, "How is the situation of the Spruance fleet?"

"It's pretty normal. I'll be able to complete the mission soon."

"Evacuate immediately after delivery. Don't have anything to do with the British anymore." Admiral Jin explained, "We can't send even one new warship to the British. As for other supplies, the British-Canada route is blocked and we can't send them."

"Do we need to withdraw our people stationed in the UK?"

Li Hai shook his head: "Don't do it for the time being. This will cause unnecessary panic and accelerate the fall of Great Britain. It is best to allow Great Britain to support it for a while, so that we can survive the time when the navy is at its weakest. So we have to cheer them up. At least the TF44 fleet must complete its mission. If the German air strikes weaken, they can risk using strategic transport to send some supplies and aircraft accessories to Great Britain. However, no matter what, the Meteor jets and their pilots cannot leave. They must stay in North America to defend the free world, and must do so vigorously. Construction, at least 500 units a month!”

Arnold gritted his teeth and agreed - as long as he didn't move his jet, everything would be negotiable.

"Carrier-based aircraft must be replaced." Turner emphasized. "Our military aircraft are at a huge disadvantage. Not only do they fly slowly, their range is not as good as that of their opponents. What's worse is that they can't prevent the enemy from attacking from high altitudes. Since the F4U After improvement, it is capable of being carrier-based and has good high-altitude capabilities. It is recommended that the main aircraft carrier-based aircraft be replaced by F4U. As for the attack aircraft, experts say that the BTD has better performance, so we might as well let the troops give it a try.”

Everyone nodded: TBF and SBD were aircraft that had been equipped with the troops before the war. Although they have been modified again and again, their performance has been improved. However, the Japanese and German attack aircraft have replaced two generations, and the performance gap is getting bigger and bigger. If they do not replace them, they will just I am afraid that the next defeat is not far away.

"We have to come again to aid the Soviet Union and send another 30 ships to Stalin." Li Hai mused. "Stalin is said to have been doing well recently and has even counterattacked to the Caucasus Plain. We need to give him some encouragement. At least he can hold back a few more ships." Millions of German troops.”

"All of these must be moved. The key now is..." Admiral Jin looked embarrassed, as if there was something unspeakable, and he just sighed.

Marshall and Li Hai both looked at him, waiting for him to say what he said next. As a result, Admiral Kim did not say it, but Turner said it for him: "Sir, do you think we need to adjust our stance on European issues and seek political Solution? After Germany gets rid of the situation of being attacked on both sides, it will be our turn to be attacked on both sides, so..."

Li Hai nodded: "European issues can indeed be put aside. Now that Germany is gaining momentum, we must lower the relevant conditions. However, this requires the approval of the president. We have no say. The biggest task in the near future is to improve homeland defense. Now is the peak of Mr. Truman’s campaign, and nothing can be lost.”

Everyone nodded.

That night, after listening to Le Hai's report, Roosevelt was seriously ill and hospitalized again, and handed over the powers of the presidency to Vice President Truman.