Chapter 2158: Layout One
"The British government rejected our proposal." Two days later, the Grand Duke of Baden came to Ruprecht's office with a note from the British government and said.
"It seems that we still underestimated the persistence and arrogance of the British." Ruprecht said calmly.
"So, killing the British Grand Fleet is no longer a bonus question but a must-do question?" asked the Grand Duke of Baden. "Will you personally command this final battle?"
"Yes, I will personally direct." Ruprecht nodded. "In order to have a perfect ending at the end of the war, I hope that the various departments of the empire can fully cooperate with my actions."
"As you wish, Your Royal Highness," said the Grand Duke of Baden. "You can recruit any personnel and materials from the empire without reporting to His Majesty the Emperor or the Parliament. In order to keep it secret, Your Excellency can also use some extraordinary measures. His Majesty the Emperor will wait for news of your victory in Berlin."
A day later, Ruprecht and his entourage returned to Wilhelmshaven and established the first joint naval and air force command in the German Empire here. The Air Force, the entire German High Seas Fleet, and the land-based aviation attached to the Navy. In addition to military aspects, this command also has an independent outreach department, which is responsible for contacting foreign governments. Yes, you read that right. This joint command has replaced some of the government's foreign ministry duties.
"This will be the last big battle of this war. We will face the largest fleet on the planet at sea. Therefore, even though we have gained some advantages, we still cannot take it lightly. In order to ensure the victory of this battle, we will All forces that can be mobilized must be mobilized. Now, I need to know the situation of the Allied fleets in the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean.” In the conference room of the Admiralty Building in Wilhelmshaven, Ruprecht held a joint meeting with the elites of the German navy and air force. The first meeting after the establishment of the command.
"Two months ago, we had already controlled the Suez Canal. General Su Xiong's two ultra-dauntless Scharnhorst and Gneisenau had entered the Mediterranean Sea and joined the Mediterranean Fleet of the Allies. The entire fleet can be mobilized now. The total number of capital ships includes 4 United Force-class super dreadnoughts of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, 2 super dreadnoughts of the Turkish Empire, and 2 super dreadnoughts under General Souchon, a total of 8 ships, and we can equip the entire fleet Destroyers and supply ships." said Earl Spey, who was seated second to the right of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.
Although Earl Spey was in charge of commanding the former Dreadnought Fleet before this, he also had the command of the Allied Mediterranean Fleet, so he was still in charge of liaising with the Allied Mediterranean Fleet. After the Suez Canal was opened, the Suxiong Fleet and the Mediterranean Fleet of the Allies completed the confluence, and the two Austro-Hungarian Super Dreadnoughts that were damaged in the air strikes have also been repaired. Up to now, the Mediterranean Fleet of the Allies has a total of 8 Super Dreadnoughts ship! In terms of the combat effectiveness of the capital ship, it has surpassed the French Navy! Before the final battle comes, this fleet must also be used!
"Is it difficult if this fleet is going to enter the Atlantic Ocean?" Ruprecht asked.
"It's not difficult. Although the British fortress blocked the Strait of Gibraltar, the opposite is French Morocco. The French are very cooperative with our actions. They have allowed us to use the airport and airship field in Morocco. After our air force passed, With ready-made ammunition, fuel and maintenance facilities, it is unrealistic to capture the Gibraltar fortress, but it is possible to force it through at night." Earl Spey said.
"Forced passage? Didn't the British deploy mines there?" Ruprecht said with some surprise.
"Basically not. The British may think that it was unnecessary before, but now they have no energy. Even if there are a few mines, it doesn't matter. The French are willing to provide minesweepers, and the minesweepers and destroyers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire are enough. 58 kilometers, the fleet can pass at full speed in one and a half hours." Earl Spey's words revealed a sense of relief.
Although the Strait of Gibraltar is indeed very dangerous, it lacks enough weapons to pose a threat to capital ships. The 12-inch and 13.5-inch main guns used by dreadnoughts cannot be allocated to this seemingly unthreatening place. There are only former dreadnoughts here. 12" and 9.2" guns used. It is impossible for this level of firepower to pose a threat to capital ships sailing at high speed. submarine? The British fleet did not deploy a few ships in the Mediterranean itself, and if the fleet passed quickly at night and blackouts were implemented, the efficiency of submarine ambush would be very low. So the Earl's optimism is justified.
"If Your Highness needs it, the fleet can enter the Atlantic Ocean smoothly. With the help of the Spaniards and French, our supplies will not be a problem. We can independently carry out the task of breaking diplomatic relations in the Atlantic Ocean, and we can also take advantage of the weather to enter the North Sea area and the main force. The confluence of the fleet depends entirely on your will." said the count.
"Very well, whether the Mediterranean Fleet will independently perform the task of breaking diplomatic relations or enter the North Sea to meet up, we will talk about it later, but for now, we must at least let them enter the Atlantic Ocean. I can help you with the port and maintenance on the French side, and bring the fleet complete. Out of the Mediterranean Sea, and the remaining task is to wait for the order. Someone from the Air Force will contact you." Ruprecht said.
If nothing else, Earl Spey will return to the Mediterranean Fleet as commander. In order for this precious fleet to come out of the Mediterranean Sea smoothly, Ruprecht needs to equip the fleet with additional air defense forces. After the fleet entered the Atlantic Ocean, it was stationed at Belle Ile in France. After consultation with the French government, the German Marine Corps will take over the island, and the Luftwaffe will also enter to defend the fleet against possible British bombers.
"Your Highness, are you going to wait for the earl's fleet to arrive before launching a general attack? If it can be successfully deployed, our capital ship's combat effectiveness will surpass that of the British fleet. This will be very good, but it may be difficult to join. "Said Admiral Scheer, sitting first on the left.
"The Mediterranean Fleet of the Allied Powers has two paths to return to the mainland. The first path is to cross the English Channel directly under the cover of the Air Force. This path is the closest, but it is full of dangers. We have to face the British shore artillery and bombers , Of course, the most terrifying are mines and submarines. We have no good solution for the latter," said the crown prince.
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