I Became a Captain of the British Empire

Singapore (1)

January 30, 1931. Indian Ocean. Mobile Z Fleet Flagship Repulse.

While I was looking out the window helplessly, the chief of staff approached me and said.

“Admiral. About 30 minutes later, we make contact with Task Force B.”

“good. It passes as it is.”

“Yes, Admiral. Were there any further orders?”

“doesn’t exist. This is not our jurisdiction.”

Calm waters of the Indian Ocean.

The southern sea wriggling leisurely in the sunlight even in the cold midwinter.

Like a dragon that has fallen into hibernation, white breath flows over the boat.

A castle of steel that proudly advances on the blue water surface.

Throwing my arms over the railing of the bridge, I watched the chimney smoke rising from the far horizon.

It must be the appearance of Task Force B, which controls the Indian Ocean.

“Admiral Morton looks flustered too.”

The chief of staff sneaks up and hints.

Looking at the high mast over the horizon, I lowered my binoculars.

“Did you not know that so many fleets would pass by?”

“no. I think there is too little support.”

is this less?

I was dumbfounded and turned my head away. However, as if he was sincere, he only raised his eyebrows.

“Two battlecruisers and one aircraft carrier?”

“Isn’t the entire power of the Oriental Fleet only two battleships?”

Two old-fashioned Iron Duke-class ships are all they have. It is said that even this was handed over after arguing that it had no power to stop the US heavy cruiser.

Even though it is the rear front, it is difficult for the British Empire to allocate even a force to stop the enemy cruisers.

In addition to that, the chief of staff informed us of an even more regrettable fact.

“There is not even a single aircraft carrier.”

“You have Argus.”

“Jurisdiction changed to West Africa.”

“Aigo true. Well, it’s more urgent there.”

The rest of the force consisted of a few obsolete light cruisers and destroyers. At this rate, it is barely enough to form a mobile unit.

The reason why there is so little support is because the Indian Ocean is always treated as a rear front.

The sea is too far for the US Navy to project its forces in earnest. France and Italy are already gone. Japan is an ally.

However, the yard cannot be left empty at all, as US cruisers that have launched long-distance commercial destruction are often conspicuous.

“Anyway, they say they are more tired when they are in the port than when they are out at sea.”

“It’s a very strange sea area.”

And, pressure was also needed against the disquieting movements that covered India. I suddenly felt uneasy and asked the chief of staff.

“Is Colombo Port okay?”

“What’s the point of them coming all the way to Sri Lanka?”

“Well, that’s right.”

From what I heard, the news was that the independence movement in mainland India was heating up.

The British Empire, which had already conscripted from them in the name of independence during the Great War. However, they do not listen to their promises and shamelessly demand participation in the war. There’s no way Satan won’t fly. Even the status of the empire is being exposed by the war with the United States.

As a result, there was no choice but to dispatch a battleship to prove that the British Empire was still alive. The flagship dispatched with the special order is the Iron Duke-class battleship ‘Emperor of India’.

… what? Are you insane? You want to fight, what is it?

Who asked to send a ship with that name? If this is the case, it seems too deceitful to show force. Anyway, there is such a thing as diplomatic courtesy… … .

I don’t know who the hell the order came from, but the Indians weren’t so stupid that they didn’t know what it meant.

The local media was burned like the White House during the US-British War, and the empire had to suffer from countless criticisms.

Nevertheless, the war situation in the Atlantic and Mediterranean was urgent, so there was no change in the deployment of battleships.

“Isn’t that ship name still taking a while?”

“yes? What do you mean?”

“The ‘Emperor of India’.”

The chief of staff blinked calmly at my question asking for consent.

He tilts his head and asks again.

“Isn’t it fitting that you are dispatched to India because you are the Indian emperor?”

what? Am I the only one who thinks it’s weird?

… I don’t know. It’s just that everyone is different. I decided not to pay attention to this anymore because I felt like I was going to lose my mind.

“Nothing. I just wondered if I was provoking more than necessary.”

“It is, but… Well, isn’t that what diplomats do on their own?”

The chief of staff answered lightly like that. Well, the problem with India is not my concern. I just need to focus on the Far East.

It is said that Sri Lanka is quite quiet, so you will be able to take a break and get supplies. In any case, a landing is necessary even for a day.

Fanning my face with my hand, I asked the adjutant next to me.

“Adjutant, what is the temperature of the bridge right now?”

“It must be at least 30 degrees. Together, it will be worse.”

“It’s hot. We must land soon.”

Because it is a tropical region, the temperature is unusual even in the middle of winter.

Repulse’s ventilation system was not intended for operation in this weather.

It goes without saying that morale will go down as well. It is necessary to let them land and rest even for a day.

No matter how urgent the work is, it’s a joke if everyone collapses after arriving.

Looking around, the sailors were all sweating and frowning.

It’s been a week already. It’s about to turn around from me.

“Admiral, I am the Emperor of India.”

As I sighed deeply and wiped the sweat from my forehead, the adjutant hinted slightly.

When I raised my head, the Iron Duke class approached me before I knew it.

Triangular masts and extended turrets caught my eye. Distance about 10km.

“It’s a light signal.”

“Respond.”

Fleet greeting each other with searchlights. Each other’s assignments are urgent, so they pass by at full speed.

Looking at the five-turret super dreadnought, I muttered quietly.

“I hope you can have a peaceful rest for a while.”

Alas, yes.

There was also a time when I thought that landing was the end.

* * *

The next morning, Colombo Port.

In the excitement of landing, we left the front door last. Leaving behind Torbay, the senior captain, I walked to the car sent by HQ.

“I thought I could drop off in Singapore.”

The adjutant who was following me looked around the extension with anxious eyes and said.

It seems that the turbulent atmosphere of India is very concerned.

“From what I can see, the crew members are likely to leave first. Let’s catch our breath for a moment. Didn’t you run without stopping until here?”

“Well, wait a minute, I just got refueled and ran all day.”

Fleet that has barely seen the land for weeks to come here.

Average speed almost exceeded 20 knots. My legs were cramping with longing for the hard dirt floor.

Can a person live just by working?

With such dissatisfaction in my heart, I exchanged salutes with the port commander in front of me.

“Commander of Colombo Port, Admiral Edward.”

“Nice to meet you, Admiral.”

simple greetings. After that, go into the headquarters and continue the conversation.

“How is the situation in the Indian Ocean?”

“It is generally peaceful. Sometimes the Yankee cruiser comes in and out, but nothing like Emden.”

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Putting down the teacup, Admiral Edward said so with a docile face.

The headquarters building is a Victorian building with a feel of the 19th century.

Watching the Indian butler set down the teacup, I was reminded again that this is the Far East.

Certainly, it is remarkably peaceful compared to the mainland or the Mediterranean. As well as the unique tropical climate and atmosphere of India. Thanks to this, distribution is proceeding without a hitch.

“Is it the same on the Singapore side?”

“They never cross the Bay of Bengal. The same goes for the US Asian Fleet. At least they don’t even venture into the waters where the Japanese navy roams.”

It seems that the US Navy’s active area is limited to the western Indian Ocean. If you want to, you might be able to link up with the Asian fleet beyond that… … .

“Are you saying you don’t want to provoke me?”

“They are also afraid of me. That the combined fleet will roll up its sleeves and come to a decisive battle.”

The world’s Pacific Fleet is terrified! God, I see all the American pecking. It is a very different feeling for me, who has only seen the invincible US carrier task force in the original history.

“I understand for now. Regarding the situation in the Far East other than that… … .”

It was the moment to continue the story. Suddenly, an adjutant who appeared to be Indian approached Admiral Edward’s side.

The two of them quietly exchanged whispers.

Soon, his expression hardens.

The admiral glances over here. He looks hesitant and opens his mouth.

“Admiral, I’m sorry, but can we interrupt the meeting for a moment?”

“yes?”

what is this again No, it’s not a particularly important meeting, it’s just an exchange of opinions… … .

“I understand for now. Are you in a hurry?”

“I think the admiral should come out for a while.”

Admiral Edward said so calmly.

I couldn’t help but let out a panicked voice.

“What do you mean?”

“This is a message from the Navy Headquarters.”

yes? Where are you?

In front of me blankly blinking, he continued talking slowly.

“I guess… I think you should go to Singapore right now. An admiral of the Japanese Navy is here.”

What is to come has come.

much sooner than expected.

* * *

dinner. Singapore.

As soon as I got off the plane, a black Benz was waiting.

Ambassador Eden entered the conference room a step ahead.

After exchanging brief greetings with the local commander, I walked straight to the conference room.

“Congratulations on becoming commander of the Eastern Fleet, Admiral.”

“Ah, thank you.”

“There will be a lot of work ahead. First of all, you’ll have to appease that yellow monkey that has just attacked you.”

Now I am the commander of the Eastern Fleet. Not happy at all

Listening to the words of Colonel Thompson, who is in charge of the Singapore base, I hurriedly moved.

“Who the hell is he?”

“I am the commander of the Southern Fleet. It seems to have just been created. It seems that they made it in a hurry after seeing us coming.”

“It’s a mess.”

I don’t know what the hell you’ve already asked for a meeting for, but it probably won’t be a simple thing.

A feeling of uneasiness began to creep in.

“As the Admiral knows, the situation there is quite confusing.”

“Confused?”

“Yes, haven’t you heard what Admiral Edward said?”

“They say it’s peaceful.”

“under! That’s because it’s backwards. Every day here is walking on a knife’s edge.”

The colonel shook his head as if he was dumbfounded. He let out a dry cough and continued talking.

“It is here that the outcome of a war can be overturned by even an ordinary word. It’s not just exchanging fire, it’s actually the front line.”

“Is it that serious?”

“You will know when you go in. Good luck.”

He had arrived in front of the meeting room before he knew it. Leaving behind the saluting colonel, I quietly opened the door.

Tension already covers the whole body.

As I looked around the room, Ambassador Eden turned to me with a serious expression. Subsequently, soldiers in white uniforms sitting across from him stand up one after another.

“hello. Admiral of the Royal Navy, Samuel D. Lewis.”

“Nice to meet you, Admiral Lewis.”

Admiral Noh, who had a gentle impression, shook hands.

“I am Mitsumasa Yonai, commander of the Southern Fleet of the Japanese Navy.”

… Surprisingly, it was a face I knew.