I Became a Captain of the British Empire

Naval battle off Newfoundland (1)

March 29, 1930.

The British Task Force, given the unit name ‘H’, arrived in the Newfoundland Islands. It had been three weeks since a tragic naval battle in the North Atlantic had ended.

On the occasion of the new moon, a fleet appeared in the increasingly vigilant Port of St. John’s and entered the Channel. The lead ship, being towed by a Canadian barge, left a huge shadow on the sea.

Battlecruiser, Hood.

A living symbol of Britain revealed itself.

“You are shabby.”

Said Admiral Dudley Pound from the sailing bridge of Captain Hood.

Of course, I wasn’t talking about the port. Although the port he entered was small, it was close to the center of the city in its own way.

Of course, it wasn’t a word referring to the mobile fleet that followed.

The admiral was looking at a ship with two stacks moored at the corner of the harbor.

Battlecruiser Repulse.

Although it is a ship of the same class, its majesty is one layer inferior to that of the giant ship Hood. Nevertheless, Admiral Pound was relieved that Repulse was unharmed.

With this, at least one squadron can be completed.

“Am I the only one out of so many ships that arrived alive… .”

He sighed quietly. It must have been a large fleet consisting of dozens of ships. However, only one battlecruiser and four destroyers reached Newfoundland.

“It must have been really splendid.”

He said that in a mixed voice and at the same time made a decision while holding on to the railing of the hood.

I will definitely change this country. With this battlecruiser, Hood.

He lowered his gaze and looked at the player quietly cutting through the water. Hood was once described by the Jane Navy Yearbook as ‘the most beautiful warship in the world’. The length of over 260m and the beautiful hull seemed to be sufficient for such an evaluation.

If this ship had been renovated even a little sooner… No, it was not a war situation that could be changed with just one battlecruiser. However, the regret that this huge ship could not add strength at the most important moment remained.

Just like the admiral himself.

“Admiral, the landing will begin soon. Shall we set up the meeting right away?”

A familiar voice came from behind him. Admiral Pound turned around and shook his head.

“No, French. The meeting will be held in this hood.”

The admiral’s clever eyes shone.

“Summon the captains. We will proceed as quickly as possible.”

The air is heavy. A cool breeze brushes the back of your neck.

It’s hard to breathe.

“Then, let’s start the meeting.”

From the top seat at the end of the narrow conference room, Admiral Pound immediately opened his mouth. Dozens of officers were crowded, including the Canadian Navy who had recently had a meeting with me.

Even if it is a living ship, the space on the ship is still narrow compared to the facilities on the ground. Especially when there are so many people together.

“I’ll take the report first.”

The admiral, who held his hands together and placed them on the desk, looked around the meeting room like water and stopped looking in front of me.

“Admiral Lewis?”

“yes.”

I held my breath.

What are you talking about?

I straightened my body and looked at him.

Admiral Dudley Pound.

A person in charge of the British 1st Navy Police during World War II. In Korea, it is like the Chief of Naval Staff. A giant who will later play an important role in the allied fleet is standing in front of me. Not just as a captain, but as a real commander.

“They didn’t return to the main fleet and went straight to Newfoundland. Was it because of fuel problems?”

The admiral asked with his eyes narrowed.

“Yes, the escort destroyers, including this ship, were forced to enter this port due to a lack of fuel .”

“That was a good decision. Was there anything unusual while stationed there?”

It was not an unexpectedly condescending atmosphere. He calmly continued to answer.

“None. The ship remained on standby for refueling and crew rest, while the US Navy’s patrol interdiction was assisted by the Canadian Navy. No movements of the capital ships have been reported.”

Admiral Pound, who rested his chin on his clasped hands and nodded, asked me like a dart.

“Didn’t you execute the solo operation?”

The air was strange. The admiral covered his mouth and tilted his head while looking sideways at me. The officers glanced at me with different eyes. In particular, Hood’s captain, Wilfred F. French, who was sitting across from him, was giving him a particularly concerned look.

It was still difficult to tell whether it was jealousy or suspicion. First of all, the reputation of the owner of this body was not very good.

First of all, he had a reason to explain, so he cautiously opened his mouth.

“No orders were issued from headquarters. Moreover, the morale of our allies was waning, so we thought they needed time to recover.”

“Did you prioritize the preservation of the capital ship? However, the US Navy has not been able to commit capital ships since the last decisive battle. Wasn’t the East Coast of the U.S. virtually empty until now?”

It was still a questionable voice. Admiral Pound pressed for an answer with narrow eyes. I looked at him in a polite manner.

You must answer correctly and leave no excuses.

“First of all, I have something to say about that.”

I straightened up and opened my mouth. The admiral gestured to continue. The explanation continued.

“Repulse is the only capital ship that guarded the Newfoundland Islands. If you recklessly go out to the far sea and are intercepted by the US Navy, the island will immediately be exposed to landings in a defenseless state.”

Saying that, I looked at a corner of the conference room. They were Canadian army officers sitting side by side.

“For the sake of the Canadians who were still steadfastly defending their territory, the capital ships of the British Empire needed to remain steadfast.”

They met eyes and nodded. I thought they would definitely take my side. My Repulse has been the only capital ship holding this port for the past two weeks.

“Also, since last year’s battle, the morale of our fleet’s crew has been quite low. At this time, proper rest and reorganization provide time to turn the humiliation of defeat into fighting spirit.”

In fact, the morale of our predecessors was now reaching its peak. Because while we were getting enough rest, the media praised us. It was a natural step since he had the best record in the last year’s battle.

“For that reason, the officer thought it necessary to refrain from unnecessary sorties. Even if the US Navy’s fleet is temporarily empty, there are limits to what a single ship can build. That’s why I waited for you to join the admiral’s task force.”

After that explanation, I waited for a response. As expected, it was silent.

I kind of expected it. In fact, the long-winded story above was all excuses.

The truth was that I was afraid.

Anyway, how can I, who has just been appointed as a captain, plan a strategy and launch a sortie by myself? Furthermore, the only ship guarding this port is our Repulse.

It was only in the last year’s battle that they showed some autonomy in some of the larger operations. In fact, the background was different from the situation in which he was thrown alone.

For this reason, the home fleet was called as quickly as possible and the existing fleet strategy was adopted. I haven’t had the guts to take that kind of adventure yet. I felt that now was the time to bow down.

In the ice-like silence, I quietly wriggled my lips.

What should I say?

I don’t know anything. My body was just tired. It was time to quietly bow my head.

“I like it. Great judgment.”

Unexpected words were heard. I opened my eyes and raised my head. The officers surrounding me were looking at me with their respective expressions.

Some are nodding their heads, while others are still shining doubtful eyes.

Fortunately, Admiral Pound was one of those who nodded.

did you believe this? really? No, I thought it was a reasonable reason and said it, but…

No matter what I thought, the admiral looked back at the audience with a satisfied smile and continued.

“I have something to announce next here.”

The meeting room, where admiration and disbelief crossed, soon focused attention on the senior seats. Seeing everyone’s eyes gathered, Admiral Pound spoke in a solemn voice.

“Colonel Samuel D. Lewis.”

I straightened myself up again. As soon as it hardened like a living corpse, a different story was heard.

“Congratulations. You are the squad leader from now on.”

Really, a different story.

The entrance to Boston Harbor was crowded with many ships. The whistle of a boat echoed in the morning harbor, and seagulls passed incessantly over the deck. The port was so full that I wondered if there had ever been so many ships gathered in one place before.

The important fact is that most of these are requisitioned civilian ships.

Of course, as it was wartime, there were rare warships with long guns, but most of them were cargo ships. However, what the ships were carrying was not goods for trade.

Soldiers in military gear lined up on the deck.

“Major.”

The 2nd Cavalry Division, the main force of the landing force, is on the pier of the canal where the Grand Fleet departs… No, George S. Patton, who was in charge of what would now be called the 2nd Armored Division, watched it with his arms crossed.

Even though he was going to go to the sea soon, he was dressed in riding clothes and with a whip in his hand. It was a long procession with no end in sight.

“It will probably be the largest amphibious war in US history. It’s just a pity that the navy’s power is unstable.”

Omar Bradley, who was in charge of the follow-up landing division, said in a worried voice as he looked at Patton, who was in charge of the vanguard. Seeing the Navy’s reaction at the last meeting, he couldn’t hide his embarrassment.

Especially after hearing that the Royal Navy had dispatched a task force.

“Don’t worry. Didn’t we defeat the Royal Navy in less than a week before the war started? They’re not going to act like idiots either.”

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Patton, who looked at everyone with an honest face, said so. Bradley, contemplating whether to respond, soon shut up.

Worrying too much is also a disease.

He shook his head. It seemed funny to be immersed in worry while watching this large-scale fleet, which is difficult to find in human history.

Operation Friday, a plan to land as many as 10 divisions. The navy first engages in naval battles to destroy the enemy fleet, and the landing fleet covers the 1,000km route at once, completing the landing in four days.

For this purpose, most merchant ships in the eastern part were requisitioned into the military. All available Atlantic Fleet capital ships also converged in Norfolk Harbor just below.

There are 7 battleships and 1 aircraft carrier. Of course, four of these were battleships with obsolete 12-inch guns.

Therefore, the real main force was assigned to Task Force 16. A fleet consisting of the New Mexico-class battleships Mississippi and Idaho, the New York-class battleship Texas, and the aircraft carrier Lexington had already sailed from Norfolk Harbor.

Their mission is to locate and destroy the British task force, with four battleships equipped with 12-inch guns following behind to provide fire support.

On the surface, it outnumbered the Royal Navy with three battlecruisers and two battleships. But they just need to hold on to the British main fleet. In the meantime, if the firepower squadron comes to support, the power ratio is 7:5. Since more than half of the opponents are battlecruisers with thin armor, it is a fair estimate to fight.

There is also the problem of speed, but if the other side runs away, there is nothing bad about it. Just pour the landing force into Newfoundland. In the end, the opponent has no choice but to respond to a head-to-head match.

The Atlantic Fleet judged so.

“Has the fleet already sailed? Too bad. It would be nice to be able to see battleships fighting from the side.”

“You say that? Then, if a shell hits and the commander-in-chief falls into the water, who will take responsibility?”

“A general must be in the forefront.”

Bradley tried to sigh. This man has always been like this. He was so reckless that he might have been a Prussian heavy cavalryman, and he was a great man worth taking the risk to see the battlefield.

However, what Patton was talking about was not a maneuver fleet, but a firepower squadron composed of 12-inch gun battleships. The squadron, consisting of two Wyoming-class battleships and two Florida-class battleships, supported the Marines with powerful firepower during the Halifax landings. As this is the first amphibious assault for the Army, adequate firepower support is more urgent than ever.

Fortunately, the navy cooperated smoothly and the operation was smoothly prepared. The whole thing was the military’s determination to occupy Canada within a month. Bradley said, remembering the face of the enemy running all over the place.

“It is the result of requisitioning transport ships for the Caribbean invasion. The enemy has put some effort into it, so we need to finish it quickly.”

“I know, Bradley. It’s an important operation. However, if you put this button on properly, you will be able to solve all future operations perfectly. Shouldn’t we take the next step?”

Saying that, the giant man grinned. Bradley couldn’t bear to wear a toe with his confident expression.

“Yes, it should be.”

The first landing party leaving the shore rang a long boat horn. It was the moment when a man of unrelenting advance was about to step into the sea.

limp-

The sound of clinking glasses echoed through the room. He raised the glass and drank the contents in one gulp.

A cold aura that seems to have risen from the deep sea passes through the throat. I feel strange.

“Congratulations on your promotion, Admiral.”

“Call me Captain. Because it’s a temporary job. As soon as I return to my home country, I will return to my original place.”

In the quiet captain’s room in the middle of the night, I waved my hand at Andrew, the vice-captain who was sitting across from me. Perhaps he accepted it as a sign of humility, he just smiled and shook his glass.

“Even so, a promotion is a promotion, isn’t it? In this way, people also recognized the captain’s ability. Ah, Admiral. Excuse me.”

“Stop that, really.”

Andrew joked, but I was really embarrassed.

It feels like I am ranked up and admired with a proxy account.

Honestly, my operation was also successful thanks to the knowledge I brought from the future. Even this, if it wasn’t for the experience the body owner had accumulated, he would have failed without knowing what to do. I was just lucky anyway.

I thought so.

“I’m glad though.”

In the middle of a hearty laugh, he suddenly lowered his eyes. I tilted my head at the sudden change of atmosphere. It seemed like he was about to tell an important story.

Then he opened his mouth in a slightly gloomy voice.

“Actually, there were times when I didn’t trust the captain.”

Oh, that’s it. Well, I haven’t gotten an answer yet.

But I waved my hand.

“Well, now that you’ve come back, it’s an old story.”

“I think it is something that needs to be addressed.”

I tried to get over it moderately, but the vice-captain stood firm with a resolute eye.

I couldn’t help but listen to him.

“At that time, my thoughts were short. sorry. I would like to apologize even now.”

After saying that in a serious tone, the vice-captain bowed his head. I sighed quietly as I watched him remain motionless like a plaster statue.

After all, this is the karma that should be returned to the owner of this body. I don’t think I usually have a good personality. I wonder if there is even one on my side. It is self-employed and it is a matter of course to think so.

Rather, the advice of the vice-captain could be evaluated as brave.

“Lieutenant Commander.”

So I had no intention of punishing him in the slightest.

“Your words at that time felt too much. But I think there are reasons for such concern. It is true that I made mistakes in the past, and this is certain.”

Even if I take my anger out on him here, I will only lose a subordinate who will be my reliable ally. People are the most important asset to me now.

“That’s why, I hope that you will continue to assist me well. Got it?”

I just felt that fact keenly at the meeting.

In front of the vice-captain who quietly lowered his head, I poured out an empty glass and handed it to him. While hesitating, he brought up another topic.

It’s not a long story.

“Anyway, the meeting just now was really embarrassing. Who would have known that he would make such a declaration there?”

“… I thought I heard it wrong too. I don’t think Admiral Pound would make such a decision.”

After the position of former commander was decided, the reaction in the conference room was truly spectacle.

I’m not kidding, it was a really big commotion.

The officers scrambled to ask me to reverse the decision and shot me.

Even I think it’s worth it. A squadron commander is not simply commanding a few warships of the same class. Rather than combat, it is a place where your usual ship management, supply, and maintenance skills are tested.

As the basics of the military are logistics, it can be seen as having a heavy duty. In fact, the British Navy’s flagship squadron commander is a vice admiral, or at least a major general.

It was too much of a burden for me, not even a brigadier general, to sit in that position. In other words, there is not enough time. In front of a major general or a lieutenant general, it’s no different.

“I thought I was really going to die. Frenchy looked at me like he was going to kill me.”

“That is really terrible.”

In particular, Hood’s captain, ‘Wolfred F. French’, reacted the most intensely. He must be an elite who will soon go to Naval College and become a squadron commander. It must be heartbreaking to think that a youngster who has just been given the command of a battlecruiser is treated two ranks above him. Even if I were in that position, I would.

“Still, didn’t the Tiger’s captain treat you well?”

“Yes, I will have to repay him someday. I owe a lot to you.”

It was fortunate that Tiger’s captain, Arthur ED Bedford, who worked with me, defended me.

He, who was about to be promoted to major general, highly praised my commanding ability and judgment, probably thanks to my record in the previous year’s battle. Thanks to that, I was at least spared from being beaten like a punching bag by the captains.

I couldn’t help but stare at the stinging glare.

“Anyway, I don’t know what Admiral Pound is thinking.”

“So, did the strategy come out?”

“Yes, I’ll do a big bout soon.”

He took a drink and closed his eyes tightly. I’m slowly getting sick to my stomach. He put down his glass and sighed. The vice-captain replied calmly.

“It’s another sortie.”

“Because I still have power. You have to struggle while you can.”

As long as there is hope left, don’t give up. I can’t come this far and lose another chance. If you surrender, I’m in trouble.

“I hope for good results.”

“Isn’t it something you and I have to do our best, Lieutenant Commander?”

I said with a grin, but in fact, my preparations had been over for a long time.

The fleet didn’t just play for the next two weeks.

I collected information more carefully than anyone else.

I held onto it all day without missing even the slightest bit of information. A war is won before it is fought.

“Well, don’t worry. The admiral seems to have a good idea.”

The Royal Navy is an elite group. So, I’m not so stupid that I can’t come to my senses even after being hit once.

So I just need to provide a ‘slightly different’ perspective. The rest is made by geniuses.

therefore…

“This time, even these guys should be prepared to take a shot. Big too.”

It was rather this way to look forward to tomorrow.

On April 5, 1930, at sea about 500 km east of Boston.

The only operational aircraft carrier in the US Navy, Lexington’s ship was busy preparing for takeoff.

The large squadron, including the survivors of the sister ship Saratoga and the ground reserve aircraft, was packed to the limit.

The total number is 80. For a biplane with non-folding wings, it can be seen that they are tightly packed without any gaps.

Because of that, the deck controller had to pay more attention to their takeoff and landing.

“Report from Arkansas! Enemy scout aircraft, spotted at bearing 080!”

“Did you find this one? That’s fast.”

After hearing the report from the bridge, Brigadier General Marshall looked up at the slightly cloudy sky and continued.

“I need to speed up the combat patrol aircraft cycle. Double the number of reconnaissance planes, and don’t rush to prepare new fighter squadrons. You never know when they might come.”

“Yes, Admiral! We will complete the preparations immediately!”

The fighters took off, and the squadron, out of fuel, landed on the deck. Seeing the airmen in action, Marshall suddenly raised his head and looked up at the sky. There are definitely more clouds than yesterday. There was no sign of rain, but there were other concerns.

“The raid might be hiding through the clouds.”

The admiral could not erase the uneasy feeling. However, before he could give the order to increase the altitude of the fighters, an urgent report was heard.

“Enemy squadron found!

“What about the numbers?”

“30 raids! Defense 070!”

This is the place where the reconnaissance plane was seen. Is the enemy aircraft carrier on that side?

Marshall clenched his fists. It was he who was responsible for the fleet’s air defense in this operation.

“Entire fleet, prepare for air defense battle!”

As soon as the instructions were given, dozens of warships moved. Both battleships and aircraft carriers were busy forming a circular formation, and the 5-inch anti-aircraft guns on both sides aimed at the sky. Then, a barrage of graphite covered the sky.

Marshall looked at the formation of fighters flying away with the roar of propellers, with a hard face. The operation has now reached an irreversible stage. he took a long breath.

It was the beginning of the naval battle off Newfoundland.