lcionline Chapter 686 Naval Battle (8)
Chapter 686 Naval Battle (8)
On the sea, the wind and clouds surged, and the fierce battle between the North Sea Fleet and the Fuso Pacific Fleet entered a white-hot stage. The North Sea Fleet's fleet of six Narvik-class large destroyers and twelve Königsberg-class light cruisers, like a steel behemoth, launched a fierce siege on the six Myo-class heavy cruisers in front of the Fuso Fleet under the precise command of the commander.
Wang Junjie, commander of the First Fleet of the North Sea, stood on the bridge of the flagship, holding a telescope and observing the battlefield situation with a keen eye. He knew that although his fleet had an advantage in numbers, he still had to act cautiously in the face of the well-equipped and experienced Fuso heavy cruiser.
"Narvik-class destroyers, use the 'wolf pack' tactic to disperse and advance, using your high speed and firepower advantage to harass and contain the enemy heavy cruisers." The commander gave the order for the first wave of attacks. Six Narvik-class destroyers responded immediately, leaving streaks of white spray on the sea at an astonishing speed, while aiming their guns at the enemy ships and continuously firing dense shells, forcing the Fuso heavy cruisers to disperse their firepower for defense.
Next, the commander turned to the Königsberg-class light cruisers: "Cruiser formation, adopt the 'ring encirclement' tactics, gradually narrow the encirclement, and at the same time use shipborne artillery and torpedoes to carry out precise strikes on the enemy heavy cruisers." As the order was given, the twelve Königsberg-class cruisers quickly adjusted their formation. They formed a solid line of defense around the Fuso heavy cruiser, and their artillery fire intertwined, locking the enemy ship firmly in the firepower network.
Facing the fierce attack of the North Sea Fleet, the commander of the Fuso Pacific Fleet also demonstrated extraordinary tactical qualities. He stood on the bridge of the heavy cruiser "Changfeng" and calmly observed every corner of the battlefield.
"Attention, all ships, keep the formation stable, use our armor and firepower advantages to counterattack!" He ordered loudly. Under the command of the commander, the six Myo-kyo heavy cruisers quickly adjusted their tactics. They used their powerful firepower systems to fiercely counterattack the destroyers and cruisers of the North Sea Fleet. The artillery roared, the flames shot up into the sky, and the entire sea seemed to be on fire.
However, the commander of the North Sea Fleet was well prepared. He knew that the Fuso heavy cruiser had strong firepower but relatively poor maneuverability. So he issued another order: "The destroyer formation, continue to maneuver at high speed to harass and contain the enemy heavy cruiser; the cruiser formation, adjust the angle of firepower and focus on attacking the flanks and tail of the enemy heavy cruiser."
As the order was executed, the North Sea Fleet's offensive became more fierce. The Narvik-class destroyers shuttled across the sea like ghosts, constantly interfering with the shooting of the Fuso heavy cruiser; while the Königsberg-class cruisers used the range and accuracy of their own guns to carry out precise strikes on the flanks and tail of the enemy heavy cruiser. For a time, the Fuso heavy cruiser fell into a passive position.
As the battlefield situation changed rapidly, Yamamoto Kaede knew that if the Fuso fleet wanted to turn the tide of the battle, it must take immediate action to cut off the retreat of the North Sea Fleet's destroyer formation and form a siege.
"Furutaka-class heavy cruisers, full speed ahead, cut into the enemy's rear in a 'V' formation, and block their retreat!" Yamamoto Kaede's voice spread throughout the fleet through the communicator, and every word was full of unquestionable authority. The six Furutaka-class heavy cruisers responded immediately, turning their bows and rushing to the rear of the North Sea Fleet's destroyer formation in a neat formation, aiming their guns at the enemy ships that were trying to break through.
At the same time, six Fubuki-class destroyers followed closely behind. Although they were small in size, they were highly maneuverable and were assigned by Yamamoto Kaede to perform more flexible tactical tasks. "Fubuki-class, disperse your actions, use your high speed and shallow water advantages to harass and pin down enemy destroyers, and cooperate with heavy cruisers to complete the encirclement." Yamamoto Kaede's tactical layout was tight and thoughtful, with each link closely linked to the other, striving to force the North Sea Fleet into a desperate situation.
Facing the sudden change of the Fuso Fleet, Wang Junjie, commander of the North Sea Fleet, stood on the bridge of the flagship and calmly observed the changes in the battlefield situation. He knew that decisive measures must be taken at this time to break the enemy's encirclement, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous.
"Led Zeppelin, prepare to take off immediately!" Wang Junjie issued a command into the communicator, his voice firm and powerful. On the deck of the Led Zeppelin, 30 JU87C dive bombers, under the control of the pilots, quickly completed the final check before takeoff, the engines roared, the propellers spun, they were like birds of prey ready to pounce on their prey.
"Bomber formation, target the enemy's heavy cruiser cluster, perform dive bombing mission, and make sure to inflict heavy damage to it!" Wang Junjie continued to issue orders. He knew that this would be the key to breaking the enemy's encirclement. Under the command of the aircraft carrier captain, the JU87C dive bombers quickly formed a formation, adjusted their flight attitude, and dived towards the Fuso fleet's heavy cruiser cluster.
The bomber formation was like a dark cloud, carrying destructive power, and was about to smile like the god of death over the enemy ships, but they did not expect that the first thing they would encounter was an impenetrable anti-aircraft fire network. On the heavy cruisers of the Fuso fleet, the Type 89 127mm anti-aircraft guns instantly woke up, spewing out hot flames, and the shells streaked through the sky, weaving into a dense barrage, pointing directly at the bomber groups in the sky.
Standing on the bridge, watching this scene, a cold light flashed in his eyes. He quickly assessed the situation and immediately issued an order: "Kaga, Ryujo, immediately release all fighters to intercept enemy bombers!" His voice echoed through the communicator in the fleet, and every word was like the beating of a war drum, inspiring morale.
As the order was issued, the engines on the decks of the Kaga and Ryujo aircraft carriers roared, the propellers spun, and 24 Mitsubishi Zero-type carrier-based fighters took off like arrows from a bow. They soared into the sky with amazing speed and flexibility, aiming directly at the bomber formation of the North Sea Fleet. These Zero-type fighters, with their excellent maneuverability and firepower, were known as the "sky death gods". Their joining undoubtedly tilted the balance of the war again.
The North Sea Fleet was not unprepared. The commander of the Zeppelin aircraft carrier also reacted quickly. He knew the importance of air superiority and ordered: "ME-109T fighter formation, take off immediately and fight the enemy aircraft!" Under the control of the pilots, the 12 ME-109T fighters quickly completed the takeoff preparations. They were like silver lightning, cutting through the sky and heading straight for the fighter formation of the Fuso Fleet.
In the sky, two equally powerful air forces began to meet, and a thrilling air battle was about to take place. The ME-109T fighter, with its sturdy body and powerful firepower, engaged in a fierce dogfight with the Zero fighter. The two sides shuttled and rolled in the clouds, sometimes diving and sometimes climbing. The roar of the fighter planes and the explosion of artillery fire intertwined, forming a shocking picture of the air battle.
Commanders Yamamoto Feng and Wang Junjie, standing on their respective flagships, closely followed the progress of the air battle through radio and radar. They constantly adjusted tactical instructions, trying to seize the initiative on the battlefield. Yamamoto Feng ordered the fighter formation to adopt the "wolf pack tactics", using the maneuverability advantage of the Zero fighter to divide and surround the enemy aircraft; while Wang Junjie ordered the ME-109T fighter formation to maintain a tight formation and use the formation advantage to defend and counterattack.