I Became a Captain of the British Empire

set direction(1)

My head felt dizzy as if I had been hit by a hammer.

did i hear wrong? War with the US?

“Why but? Colonel Lewis?”

A cold voice awakened the spirit. When I turned my head, sharp eyes were looking at me.

“I heard you collapsed once this morning. Are you feeling unwell?”

The Great Wall frowns and asks. Displeasure, concealed by worry, leaked from his wrinkled face. A closer look at his face brought back memories.

Commander of the Atlantic Fleet. Admiral Michael Hodgers.

“I’m sorry. I’m a bit tired… . I guess I didn’t hear you well.”

The admiral snorted, looked at me in amazement, then raised his cup of tea.

I’m going crazy. Being filmed by your superiors from the first day of your reincarnation.

“You don’t know the story… I really don’t know your condition. We’ve been talking for a month already. Did you drink a whole drum of coffee?”

“… sorry.”

“Have a seat, Colonel. Looking at your face, it looks like you’ve been drinking enough. Next time you come, you’d better come without drinking alcohol.”

The admiral, who put a strange accent on his last words, erased his smile and gestured.

I slumped in my seat and looked around. Certainly, no one was surprised. There was a captain who said that he knew that would happen and rather burned his fighting spirit. Have you already gone where you want to go?

But it was too early to be surprised. In the meeting that followed, information that exceeded my expectations continued to come and go.

“The Yankees are formidable, but it’s not all bad news.”

First of all, the continuation of the Anglo-Japanese alliance.

“Thanks to the Japanese Navy holding out in the Far East, they can’t help but care about the Pacific Ocean. Even if South Dakota-class battleships cross over, all Colorado-class battleships remain in the Pacific.”

In this world, Britain is allied with Japan. The real Anglo-Japanese alliance was created to keep the Russian Empire from going south.

That is why, when the Russian Empire collapsed in a revolution, it disintegrated soon after.

However, the United States did not enter World War I here. As a result, Britain began to distrust the United States and renewed the alliance as part of an attempt to check the United States, which had grown in power.

… At least that’s what I’ve seen in the history books here.

To join hands with Japan instead of the US. Yes, maybe diplomatically. However, it is a decision that is difficult for the heart to accept. How the hell is the world going?

“The number of battleships with 16-inch guns is the same. The key is whether our Nelson-class will fight on equal footing with the South Dakota-class.”

The officer who opened his mouth was an officer seated close to Admiral Hodgers’ right. As I looked closely, his name also came into my mind.

“Just look at the numbers, Robin. But they’re battleships with a new design. He’s not a guy like the Colorado class, who only changed his stomach.”

Commander of the light cruiser Centaur and commander of the destroyer flotilla, Commodore Robin Dalglish.

“Unfortunately, gentlemen, as expected, the performance of these battleships is superior to that of Nelson. That’s pretty much it too. I think special measures are needed for this part… .”

Saying that, the admiral raised his elbows on the desk and looked at the two officers sitting to his left.

“How about it, Cunningham? I’m interested in your opinion, Rodney’s captain.”

“I think it’s worth a shot if you have a tactical advantage.”

The officer, who was staring at me as I was about to sit down, answered. Is that guy Cunningham?

“Certainly, our Nelson-class light ammunition can be difficult to hit their battleships.”

“Because their battleships are in the middle defense language.”

Admiral Hozzers nodded and added. I also agreed and looked at Cunningham’s face.

It’s Andrew Cunningham… Are you a captain at this time?

In history, he was the commander of the Mediterranean Fleet during World War II. A master commander who defeated the Italian Navy in the Taranto air raid and Matapan naval battle and took control of the sea.

As if predicting such a future fame, his voice blended with confidence and coolness.

“However, the defense is above par, and I think the main gun’s firepower problem can be compensated by shortening the engagement distance. Isn’t it necessary to shorten the engagement distance even for our R-class battleships?”

Cunningham rose to the rank of 1st Lord Admiralty in 1943. In Korea, it can be said that he is the Chief of Naval Staff.

Such a legendary figure lives and breathes before my eyes. For some reason, my heart is pounding. Enough to forget that he looked at me disapprovingly.

sh*t. There’s such a master in front of me, so what’s the point of looking sideways like that?

“It certainly makes sense, Cunningham.”

As if satisfied with his words, the admiral nodded and looked around at the crowd.

“Good. Vinnie, what is your opinion as Nelson’s captain?”

Another officer sitting next to Cunningham responded to the admiral’s words.

Thomas Hugh Binney, the current captain of the Nelson.

“I totally agree with Colonel Cunningham. However, for light ammunition, I think we should also keep in mind the possibility of using heavy ammunition prepared for the Invincible class.”

“You mean the new bullets? hmm… But I’m not ready yet. Even if there is inventory, it will be allocated to Invincible first.”

As Hozzers shook his head and spoke, uncomfortable moans came from all over.

Everyone seems to be talking about something… I honestly don’t know. Whether it was light or heavy bullets, I hadn’t studied that much about the technical characteristics of battleships. Thanks to the body owner’s memory, I can get a sense of what the story is about, but my head is still dizzy.

“Then our power is too low. How about lending a hand to the Mediterranean Fleet?”

“That’s impossible, crap. As long as the Italian and French empires are in good health, it is difficult to commit them.”

Hutton, the Fleet Gunnery Officer, waved Admiral Hodgers’ hand. Seeing him clearly younger than the other captains, the memories unfolded like a panorama.

Apparently, he was the captain of the battleship ‘Warspite’ in the early days of World War II.

When I was in the original world, I heard the name in passing.

… But wait, the French Empire? did i hear it wrong

reminisce Damn, my head hurts. Let’s stop. If I try to retrieve the memories left in my body, I might collapse in the middle of the conference room.

“Talbert?”

I touched the guy sitting next to me with my elbow. He turns his head with a puzzled face.

“You just said the French Empire, right?”

“… Where are you really sick?”

Did you hear it wrong too? thank god.

I felt somewhat relieved.

“What is a republic if not an empire? It’s already been six years since we changed, this friend.”

f*ck.

why are you doing this to me

I have no idea what the world is like.

Empire? je eh country? Is France an empire? oh my god. What happened in the interwar period?

I will turn around. I’ll have to re-learn history. Even as I sighed, time passed by.

“It seems that the response has been sorted out at this level.”

After about 3 hours, the meeting is finally coming to an end. The admiral checked his watch and continued.

“The departure will start at 6:00 tomorrow. Each captain must prepare for battle immediately and take good care of his men. It could be the biggest fleet showdown since Jutland.”

A savage determination lingered in the conference room. A tense attitude was visible everywhere.

However, an all-out war has not yet been confirmed. The purpose of the departure was only a demonstration of force in the Atlantic Ocean. Do you think that if this side comes out with sincerity, they will resign on their own?

however…

“I’m sorry, Admiral.”

I quietly raised my hand. The admiral blinked at the unexpected voice and looked this way.

“How do we deal with their aircraft carriers?”

I think I’m missing one thing?

All eyes are on me. Is it anger at being interrupted from work? I guess I went out for nothing. Sorry.

“aircraft carrier?”

The admiral tilted his head and blinked. It wasn’t an interrogative question, so I answered clearly.

“Yes, I mean the US Navy aircraft carrier.”

“Oh, so you mean the plane?”

“Yes, to deal with air raids by powerful air groups.”

But the reaction that followed was completely unexpected.

“Air raid!”

Laughter erupted everywhere, with the words that came out like a blank laugh as a catalyst.

“air raid? With those flies?”

“You fell asleep during the last meeting, so you’re sitting with your back drummed.”

“Are all battlecruiser captains naturally like that? It’s like making a pointless joke.”

what? No, why are you laughing again this time? Even this is not a laughing matter at all. As if laughing at such embarrassment, the officers only giggled at each one with their mouths raised.

“Interesting opinion, Colonel. First of all, I can see that you were definitely dozing during the last meeting.”

Admiral Hozzers, who answered with a serious attitude, coughed and shook his head.

“Didn’t you say that during an air raid, the fleet was dispersed and each maneuvered to avoid bombardment? You collapsed in the morning, did you have amnesia?”

“Oh, sorry.”

As I hurriedly lowered my head, ridicule poured out from around me. Everyone just takes it as a joke. But there is still something to be pointed out.

“I’m sorry to tell you now, but I think we need to discuss the idea a little more.”

“What are you talking about?”

“A response to air raids. I don’t think it’s possible to deploy an effective anti-aircraft fire against aircraft with a distributed deployment.”

In an instant, his gaze changed. Smiling faces drew attention.

“Is this a response to those who find it difficult to fly even when the wind blows hard? Do you see airstrikes as such an important issue to deal with?”

“Yes, although it’s hard to believe, isn’t there already a case where an aircraft has sunk a battleship?”

Little by little unpleasant moans came out. As if his voice was annoying, the admiral also changed his expression and continued.

“I think you were impressed with the experiment five years ago, but it is true that an airplane has the firepower to sink a stationary ship. But that’s about a target ship that doesn’t even maneuver combat. It is different in practice.”

“But the effectiveness of our anti-aircraft saturation has not been verified, has it?”

The admirals shook their heads and gave a puzzled look. That would be a difficult claim for them to accept. But I also have an idea.

If it was an experiment from five years ago, it was definitely an air raid experiment on a retired battleship in 1925. In an experiment conducted by the US Army Air Corps, they proved that an aircraft could sink a battleship. And the enemy we will be dealing with is the United States! I still don’t understand…

In any case, if the party that showed such a result is the opponent, shouldn’t it also take measures against aircraft? I’m not a huge fan of aircraft carriers, but it’s a fact. The role of aircraft in naval warfare cannot be ignored.

To put that question to shame, those sitting at the table gave a look of ridicule or contempt.

“I don’t know when you suddenly became a fan of airplanes, but don’t worry.”

The person who spoke was an officer sitting across from him. Looking carefully, the name suddenly came to mind with a slight headache.

Admiral Lancelot Ernest Holland.

I’ve heard of it. Admiral who later boarded Hood during the famous Bismarck chase.

Currently, he is the squadron commander of the 2nd cruiser squadron and captain of the heavy cruiser Hawkins.

He, who will continue to be in charge of a key position based on the geohammer, spoke with eye contact as if refuting my claim.

“Isn’t there a decent aircraft carrier called Furious in our fleet? If it’s her aircraft, I think it can fully perform the auxiliary duties of a battleship.”

okay. Certainly the Royal Navy is not without aircraft carriers. But they don’t know.

“Of course, auxiliary work is not a problem. But their aircraft carriers are different. It’s much bigger, and it has a lot of aircraft on board. Wouldn’t it be a great threat if their aircraft were to strike outside the range of our battleship’s main guns?”

The true value of an aircraft carrier lies in its super-horizontal strike capability that far exceeds the range of existing naval guns. The striking power of creating a situation where I can hit and the enemy cannot hit. That will be the key to future naval battles.

“If you suffer even a little damage from air strikes and are forced to maneuver, that much will be applied as a disadvantage in artillery battles. Don’t the admirals here know the importance of formation and reconnaissance better than anyone else?”

“Are you saying that aircraft carriers perform both reconnaissance and air strikes at the same time? Interesting.”

It was Admiral Hozzers’ question. I answered confidently.

“If it is an American aircraft carrier, that is, the Lexington class, it will be possible. So I don’t think he’s an easy opponent.”

Momentarily, the ridicule turned to contempt. Those who had been sending eye smiles started shaking their heads or kicking their tongues.

“Well, I don’t think an aircraft carrier would be such a threat, but… Got it. If you talk like that, let’s discuss countermeasures later.”

As if putting a brake on the cold reaction, Admiral Hozzers cleared his throat. It was no longer the point of wanting to object. He quietly bowed his head. It was time to retreat.

The room is busy with footsteps leaving the conference room. They were waiting quietly in the back to avoid the officers who had rushed to the door as if they were pouring.

“Colonel Samuel Lewis.”

As I turned my head to the heavy voice, Admiral Hozzers was beckoning.

“Look at me for a second.”

As expected.