Battle of the Third Reich Chapter 75: The end of the Royal Ark

The French 380mm capped armor-piercing projectile, for short, weighs 844 kilograms. Propelled by four propellant packs of 74 kilograms each, the ejection velocity reaches 830 meters per second and the maximum range is 41,700 meters. www.geiliwx.com A large iron mound weighing one thousand six hundred jins flew towards you at a speed of nearly three thousand yards per hour, and it makes people shudder to think about it.

The British don’t have to imagine now, they are about to truly feel this horror. Somerville stood on the tall bridge of the Ark Royal, watching the French cruiser that was swiftly crossing the front of the fleet, and his heart was cold. The Ark Royal might not be able to escape this time.

The h Fleet of the Royal Navy should not have fallen into this kind of Jedi, everything is due to the nature of the mission. It can be said that when the responsibility is counted to the end, it is pitted by London Whitehall and the fat man.

To guarantee a surprise attack. . . . London will never admit the sneak attack. They have ten thousand reasons to prove the justice and legitimacy of their actions. It is the French and the world that are wrong. In order to ensure the success of this raid and prevent the French from being prepared, this air raid must be carried out at the same time as the British seizure of the French fleet in Hong Kong, so the operation was scheduled at night. Because it is sailing at night, to prevent disconnection and falling behind, the formation of the fleet must be reduced, and the distance between the ships must be close to the distance where they can be visually seen and can communicate with each other using lights.

Because no matter how the British conceal it, the essence of this mission is a sneak attack, and the fleet command level has a unified mentality of being a thief. That is, if I can't see others, they will definitely not see me, and it narrows the search scope deliberately. Somerville gathered the fleet together. According to the regulations, the ship that went out for the investigation was not dispatched because he worried that the investigation ship might be hit by a passing merchant ship or patrol boat, exposing the fleet's whereabouts and affecting the completion of this mission.

Another objective reason is that the size of this fleet is too small. In Churchill's plan, this action was tenable. There will be no resistance from the French at all, just run there. Air strikes, and then retreat, simply like a parade. Apart from the French, there is no other naval power in this area, and the French stayed still in the harbor from beginning to end. Therefore, there is no need to incorporate too many **** warships in the fleet, only minimal defense is enough. Churchill is working hard to concentrate naval ships in his homeland, how can he be willing to send them abroad.

So this fleet, which is known as a squadron, actually only has four warships in total. A Royal Ark aircraft carrier, a Kent-class Cornwall heavy cruiser, and two A-class destroyers, not even a logistic supply ship. Such a lineup, even if Somerville has the intention to release investigations, he can't do it, not to mention that he has no such plans at all.

Finally. By the time the British found traces of the French fleet, the French were already close to a visually identifiable distance.

When the French fleet discovered that there was an aircraft carrier in the fleet in front of it, the identity of the opponent was exposed. These in front of me. It is the English dog who is despicable, unfaithful, and thrusts a dagger behind his allies! Since the Battle of Trafalgar, ah no, since the Hundred Years' War, new and old hatreds have surged into my heart at the same time, and nothing can stop the French from venting their anger.

Three French Cheetah-class destroyers advanced at high speed. Directly facing the two British A-class destroyers rushed past. The French Leopard-class destroyer is an improved version of the famous Jaguar-class frigate. All three are new ships that have just entered service. It has a displacement of 2,400 tons and is equipped with five single-loaded guns of 40 times the diameter of 138 mm. It has dual-axis propulsion and a speed of 35 knots. It can be classified as a light cruiser in other countries.

The British A-class destroyers are very shabby, with only a small body of 1,300 tons, equipped with four single-barreled guns, and a maximum speed of 35 knots. However, these two destroyers have been in service for 10 years. The old ship, the latest of which was also in service in April 30th, the hull is old, the main engine is also badly worn, and it has long been unable to run the highest speed.

Under the moonlight, facing the menacing formation of French destroyers, the two British destroyers didn't know what to do. They were beaten by a salvo of French battleships. Although the impact point was far from them, the overwhelming power really scared the British sailors. Both of these destroyers have been participating in **** activities in the North Atlantic. As of that day, they had dropped more than a dozen depth charges, not even one shot, let alone suffered any shelling. Seeing a towering water column forest suddenly erected one kilometer away, some recruits almost **** their crotches in fright. This terrifying power can turn their boats into scrap iron with one shot.

The captain of the Antelope finally reacted. He found that the flagship hadn’t issued any command lights since the French fired. As the commander of the destroyer formation leader, he had to bite the bullet and follow the naval cadet. The learned standards should act on the plan.

He has already seen that the destroyer has lost the conditions for launching a torpedo attack on the French battleship. The opponent's large destroyer has already focused on him. There is almost no chance of winning two against three. The only thing that can be done at present is to try to protect itself. Distract the opponent’s destroyer formation to relieve some pressure on the aircraft carrier.

The Antelope made what he thought was the most correct choice. It sent a signal to follow the leader to the Zeus, who was trailing on the side, and then quickly turned and fired a few sporadic shots at the French destroyer formation. The two destroyers fled at high speed to the northeast. The French destroyer received the order to destroy the British destroyer. Seeing that the other party wanted to run, of course they couldn't let it go. The three large destroyers immediately turned to the course of the British destroyer and chased the past.

Seeing that the two destroyers escorted did not say hello, and suddenly turned to escape, which really surprised the Cornwall re-patrol, which was accelerating from the rear.

Under what circumstances, when did the Royal Navy begin to abandon the main ship and fled without fighting? Even if the opponent is a battleship. It is the tradition of the British Royal Navy to charge the opponent bravely. The Cornwall cursed two cowards while sending light signals to the flagship. Report this unexpected situation. But after looking back, the flagship was no longer on the original route. The Royal Ark had already turned the bow and evacuated at high speed in the opposite direction. The entire ship turned off the lights, and it looked dark and did not reply to Convo. The meaning of the number.

At that moment. The captain of the Cornwall collapsed, and he found himself abandoned. It can even be said to have been betrayed. Although in the case of the British Royal Navy, there are many such cases of sacrificing a warship to protect friendly ships and the withdrawal of large forces. When studying at the military academy, the Royal Navy officers generally expressed their understanding and support for this sacrifice. There are even those who are eagerly sought after for the success of tactical masters and use soldiers like gods and the like.

However, when I really became the victim of the escape in exchange for the friendly ship, the feeling was not the same at all, but a frustration and chill. As a **** wing ship, it is its duty to protect the flagship. If Somerville orders the Convair to stop the French warships and buy time for the flagship to retreat, then the Cornwall will surely step forward and defend the Royal Navy of the British Empire. Of honor. But what counts now. The Cornwall was ordered to support the destroyer, and then she turned around and fled without saying hello. This is clearly using the Cornwall as a bait.

However, the captain of the Cornwall had no time to vent his dissatisfaction. The three French light cruisers that were turning to the right flank to intercept the British aircraft carrier turned around, and quickly adjusted the course accordingly. The Cornwall was just right. Stopped on their route, three La Galisonière-class light cruisers lined up in a column. Changing course, trying to seize the T-head of the Cornwall. That being the case. Then it would have to fight to death. The Royal Navy Cornwall adjusted the bow and charged towards the French light cruiser.

Compared with the Royal Navy Cornwall, which is full of tragic and determined battles, the aircraft carrier Royal Ark has already stood at the gate of hell.

Somerville knows that once the Royal Ark is caught in close combat with a large enemy ship, it will be a dead end. The Glory is the most vivid example. It was beaten into a sieve by two German war patrols. The Royal Ark might Will also become a member of this stupid battle, Somerville's heart is full of unwillingness.

Somerville is not ready to die. He thinks that the French fleet might be attracted by the escort. If the Royal Ark retreats with all its strength, with the carrier’s speed of 32 knots and the cover of night, it should be able to The French escaped from this dangerous sea before completely surrounding themselves. As long as you survive the hurdle in front of you and escape the sight of the French, then you can only rely on luck to find a lone warship again in the dark night.

Once it escapes from this sea area, the Royal Ark can seek protection and help from the Mediterranean fleet. At that time, she will turn her head and find the French to settle the account.

But before Somerville's abacus had time to start, the cruel reality was already before his eyes. The battleships of the French fleet did not turn to attack the destroyers and heavy cruisers. Only one large heavy cruiser left the formation and turned in the direction of the Cornwall. However, the Richelieu remained firmly at high speed, reluctantly toward the Royal. The Ark came after him.

Since the French battleships fired a salvo in front, they have not fired another shot. They seem to find that the effect of long-range artillery at night is not good, and it also severely obstructs the line of sight, and is not prepared to continue to waste ammunition on it.

The Richelieu remained unhurriedly and dissatisfied with the rear position of the Royal Ark, the distance between the two sides was obviously slowly getting closer. The Royal Ark has not dared to change its course. That would only narrow the distance between the two sides. The only thing this huge fleet of aircraft carriers can do now is to rush forward with full horsepower.

The deck of the aircraft carrier was in turmoil. The sailors tried their best to throw all the flammable items they could find into the sea. The fire hoses were all connected and the management team was ready to go. The two twin 114mm dual-purpose naval guns on the starboard rear side slowly turned to the side and rear, and the barrels were raised and aimed at the approaching French battleship.

The battleship Richelieu slowly approached, the distance between the two sides was close to five kilometers, and the British could vaguely recognize the turret and bridge of the French battleship. The British sailor stared with bated breath and looked at the enemy ship behind him with fear.

The French didn't mean to open fire at all, still silently, like a black huge rock slowly pressing towards the Royal Ark. Under tremendous pressure, Somerville finally couldn't help it, and the performance of the French was in his eyes. It's exactly like a lion playing with a poor lamb, completely naked humiliation, the French are showing off their strength unscrupulously.

Somerville finally gave up the hope of escape. The Royal Ark has been in service for five years and has not been docked for major repairs. The machinery has been worn out and the bottom of the ship has not been cleaned for a long time. It must be full of barnacles, and the boat can't run at the top speed of 32 knots. Now the bilge boiler has been pressurized to a dangerous power, but the ship's speed is still swaying around 29 knots, and the opponent's speed has exceeded 30 knots, so my plan has been completely defeated.

That being the case. Then there is only resistance. The Royal Navy will never bow to the French, and let the French know that the Royal Ark is by no means a lamb without resistance, and it is definitely not a prey that can be manipulated. The distance was close to four kilometers. The oblate turrets of the two double 114mm dual-purpose dual-purpose guns on the starboard side of the Royal Ark first roared. Four 41-kg semi-armor-piercing shells were facing Richey. The number left was smashed. In naval battles, this distance is no longer a question of not being hit, but not being hit accurately.

The four shells that had been ranged and aimed for a long time were all hit. Two shells that hit the ship's side were immediately flew by the heavy armored shells, not even a single spark was fired, and the other two shots hit the deck and bow. The British watched the bow and the bottom of the bridge of the French battleship burst into two bright **** of fire. Under the shining of the fireball, you can clearly see the blue-gray coating of the French battleship bridge and the shards flying up from the bow of the ship. The British sailors on the deck and the bridge could not help but cheer and shout for the gunner. Cheers.

But the French battleship still didn't respond. The two shells didn't seem to cause her any harm at all, and she still approached slowly in silence. That terrible sense of oppression slowly enveloped the entire deck of the aircraft carrier, and the cheers of the British sailors gradually disappeared. Soon it became silent.

The British shells actually hurt the French. A dignified battleship was shot in the face with four water guns by the British. Although it was insignificant, it hurt self-esteem. Admiral Laporte jumped into thunder in the bridge and sprayed the saliva on Captain Mazan's face.

"Why the fault has not been eliminated! This is dereliction of duty! It is a crime! The engineer should be dragged out and shot immediately! Shot! I knew this trendy thing like an automatic loader is unreliable! If it were placed before, we would have put it there. A **** British barge was broken to pieces. Order commander a, if you can’t put the shells into the barrel within three minutes, I will put them into the barrel and shoot them out." Lapold waved fiercely. Arm, Ma Zan was so scared that he shrank his neck quickly.

"We can attack with the b turret first!" Mazan suggested.

"What I want to see is a volley, a volley of all main guns! Otherwise, why should we wait until now, I have to watch the British barge torn apart in front of me!" the commander of the French High Seas Fleet roared .

"Sir! A turret report, the fault has been eliminated, you can shoot immediately." The deputy captain stood by the phone on the ship and reported with the receiver.

"What are you waiting for! Turn on the searchlights! Fire! Fire! A volley of main guns! Kill the British!" Lapold commanded loudly. He picked up his binoculars and ran to the lookout hole of the battle bridge excitedly. Before, looking towards the British aircraft carrier.

The Richelieu was close to 1,500 meters, and the two quadruple main guns were pointed flatly at the hull of the Royal Ark. Suddenly, the large searchlight beside the Richelieu's bridge shot out a dazzling beam of light, and the nearby Ark Royal shone brightly. An exclamation sounded on the deck of the British aircraft carrier. The British sailors were dazzled by the sudden bright light. Many people subconsciously turned their backs or hid in the shadows.

In the next moment, the eight cannons of the French battleship fired a salvo at the Ark Royal. Eight heavy rounds almost penetrated into the hull of the aircraft carrier at a horizontal firing angle, directly exploding the second half of the aircraft carrier.

Two shells directly penetrated into the semi-arc stern, one of them smashed through the auxiliary engine room obliquely, smashed the right-shaft gear set and then bounced into the rudder compartment, and then exploded at the bottom of the steering engine compartment. It directly destroyed the steering mechanism and the propeller shaft above it, and also opened an eight-meter-wide opening in the bottom of the ship.

The other one passed through the back corridor and surrounding wall directly through the deck and into the right-wheel engine room. Then it created a death storm there with a violent explosion and shrapnel, and the dense steaming pipe burst instantly. Hot boiling water and steam filled the cabin, and all the personnel in the cabin were killed on the spot.

The two shells put the last knot on the noose of the Royal Ark, and the ship is already in disaster.

The remaining six rounds swept across the entire hangar. One of them exploded the main flue gas channel hidden in the hull, causing the temperature of the boiler room in the lower tank to rise rapidly. The other two rounds swept the hangar. The stored spare aircraft and the ground crew on duty were shredded.

The deadliest shot hit an aviation gasoline depot. After that huge warhead easily smashed through two layers of 20 mm thick armor plates, it exploded in the oil tank, and the flames were like flames. The storm swept across the entire bottom deck, the shock wave blew open every closed waterproof hatch, and the tongue of fire was ejected from every opening of the hull. At the same time as the flames, there were debris blown out by the gas explosion and the whole body was on fire. Crew.

The ship of the Royal Ark quickly descended, and the fire from the hatches and windows of the lower hull illuminated the hull. The ship looked like a strange orange glow in the night. Big lantern.

The Richelieu slowed down and began to parallel the Royal Ark. The secondary artillery group at the rear could finally come in handy. The French sailors enthusiastically manipulated the secondary artillery to knock off the sides of the British aircraft carrier. Twin turrets.

Along with a series of violent explosions inside the ship, the huge hull of the Royal Ark let out a dull wailing. It can be seen with the naked eye that the ship is leaning to the rear, and the tail window is already close to the water~IndoMTL.com~The British sailors have given up resistance. They gathered on the hot deck of the aircraft carrier and stood blankly, frightened. Looking at the French warships close at hand. The upper hangar had begun to emit thick smoke, and the pungent smoke enveloped the bow deck of the aircraft carrier, and everyone began to avoid the stern.

Due to the fierce flames on the lower lifeboat deck, these people could no longer use lifeboats or lifelines to escape. A few people directly hugged their lifebuoys or wore life jackets and jumped off the more than ten-meter-high deck. Under the light of the fire, only the human body was seen The life-saving supplies slowly lifted out of the water, but no one was seen swimming again.

"The main gun continues to reload, the secondary guns and the machine gunners are on guard, and the damage management personnel and the Marines are on the deck, and the captain, try to stay close." Looking at the horrible situation of the Royal Ark, Admiral Lapold slightly Nodded, then gave an order to Mazan.

"But, Commander, that ship may explode at any time." Mazan reminded.

"How many hoses do we have, try our best to water the boat, throw the rope over, put down the lifeboat, Mr. Captain, the battle is over, we are the glorious French navy, not pirates." Laporte Waved his hand, and then stood in front of the porthole with his hands back. Colonel Ma Zan vaguely heard that the Admiral seemed to be humming a song gently. (To be continued)