I Became a Captain of the British Empire

Berlin

“As you all know, in the Battle of Panama, the loss of our southern naval control was tangible.”

Hoover said, looking at the admiral seated in the center of the table to his left.

“Right, Admiral Frett?”

“I have no face.”

The admiral only lowered his head. While he was silent, Marshal Pershing, who was sitting near the high table, continued with a disapproving look.

“If you called out two battlecruisers and couldn’t stop them, is the Navy incapable of stopping the Royal Navy’s offensive?”

“We are also doing our best. However, they can deploy most available capital ships. On the other hand, we have to project half of it toward the Pacific Ocean.”

Frets clenching their teeth with a resentful face. Strictly speaking, the main Atlantic fleet is now less than half the size. Although there were many battleships, many were outdated, and there were no aircraft carriers or battlecruisers. It was the reality of the Pacific Fleet that it was only large but gradually losing its speed.

The enemy in front of him only raised his voice, whether he knew or not.

“Haven’t you already brought a number of capital ships into the Atlantic? Unless the navy seizes control of the sea through a fleet showdown, the army cannot advance further.”

In front of him with his arms crossed and a snort, Fret just lowered his head.

‘It’s not easy, so it’s a problem. God damn it, it’s the Royal Navy!’

I had a lot to say, but throwing up here is just an excuse. Admiral Frett replied with a glare at Admiral Taylor sitting next to him.

“First of all, everyone is well aware that no meaningful criminal record will come out even if we drag on a war longer than this.”

After summarizing his opinions, Hoover tapped the papers on his desk and spoke. He clutched his pounding head and let out a sigh.

“Since Panama has collapsed, it is a foregone fact that the South will be noisy. damn it! I was expecting it to be a little quieter now!”

“Still, the loss of the canal is not serious. If the emergency repair is done, it will be usable after a week… .”

“It doesn’t matter, Admiral. The fact that the canal was attacked and collapsed is what counts.”

It was Hoover who dismissed it that way. It was actually true.

What people pay attention to is the noticeable result.

“Huh, what else will that son of a b*tch say… No, that’s okay.”

Hoover muttered annoyedly, then shook his head and shut his mouth. It wasn’t something to talk about here. He sighed deeply and continued the meeting with tired eyes and furrowed brows.

“Admiral Frett, public opinion is heating up like a fiery pit thanks to the shattering of your naval rants.”

Strictly speaking, he was never confident. I just made the necessary demands for the plan. However, he knew very well that it would be meaningless to say such a thing here.

“It seems like just yesterday that you said that the mainland will not be attacked, but what will you do to me if you already give up this result?”

“I have no face. I just want to let you know that the Navy is doing its best.”

be the best

A cough erupted from among the left.

“The Army is ready for an amphibious operation at any time. As long as the navy gives us control of the seas.”

Admiral Frett turned his head slightly and met the eyes of the general sitting across from him.

Douglas MacArthur.

I do not like the arrogant and disrespectful appearance.

It wasn’t always like that, of course, but at least it wasn’t a very good impression now. The voice that followed drove a wedge into that assessment.

“But let alone open sea routes, you can’t even defend the southern coast? In this case, the Navy can only be seen as dereliction of duty.”

Trembling, the admiral trembled and clenched his fists in both hands. I understood being reprimanded as a result of the battle.

But I couldn’t stand those words.

“You speak harshly, General.”

On behalf of the Navy, the admiral opened his mouth fiercely.

“Our Navy is still fighting to the death at the forefront of the British front. Isn’t the army in a hurry to stabilize the field, let alone engage with the British army?”

“Because the war itself drags on… !”

Before the rebuttal was over, the admiral turned his head and spoke to Hoover.

“Sir, it is true that the Navy has shown a disappointing performance. However, these are only short-term results.”

bullet-like gaze.

It was Hoover, who flinched in front of him. The admiral gathered his strength, took a deep breath, and continued his story.

“next year… No, by the end of this year, our navy will have two new battleships and two battlecruisers. By the middle of next year, two battleships, two battlecruisers, and two aircraft carriers will be added.”

Although construction was delayed due to the effects of the Great Depression, the US was clearly ahead of the UK in the number of capital ships that were ordered. Fret believed that it was the key to victory.

Whether it’s a front battle or a rear battle… .

“It will take a little more time to bring everyone into full force, but even this much will probably bring a clear control over the sea next year, or the year after that at the latest… .”

However, the admiral could not speak further. Because Hoover raised a hand to stop him.

“stop. I’ve heard the admiral’s opinion.”

Hoover cut off his words in a cold voice, then nodded his head with his hands clasped together.

“However, it is difficult to fit that schedule. You see, we must end the war before Christmas now!”

Frett’s face hardened. It was absurd.

Are you still pushing the plan? Didn’t even get control of the sea?

I don’t know if I’d rather risk all the opposition and abandon the Pacific Ocean. Otherwise, it is an operation that has already lost its reality.

The admiral couldn’t understand why he was still holding on to it.

“Your Excellency, I apologize for saying this, but… Now it’s time to discuss reexamination of the plan… .”

“No, that’s enough. All I can do is prolong the time with a truce. Don’t ask for more.”

Seeing Hoover shake his head resolutely, the admiral was seized with a futile, and even more curious feeling.

What is the short term war for?

There were some vague guesses. But he couldn’t speak any more. It was because the gaze of the enemy looking at the other side was so conspicuous.

“Your Excellency, if you propose a truce, how long would you like it to be?”

It was MacArthur’s question. Hoover raised a corner of his mouth, as if he had been waiting.

“They will be demanding the return of Canada and war reparations as their demand for an end to the war. But I have no intention of granting any request.”

It was natural. To that, all the generals in the seat nodded in agreement.

“Maybe half a year, half a year, you can pull it out enough. In the meantime, the army can prepare for an offensive by aligning supply routes after local stabilization.”

Half a year, a precarious period until Christmas. However, if you eat Canada by then, you will achieve the desired result.

Hoover reflected inwardly.

There is still hope.

So, he turned his attention back to the military servants who would play the most important role.

“And the Navy… .”

In a voice without mercy, he gave sharp instructions.

“Be sure to bring your right to sea. No matter what the cost!”

Admiral Frett lowered his head quietly. It was a day when the eyes of his subordinates felt particularly heavy.

“Will England accept this offer?”

A questionable voice suddenly rang out. When Hoover looked up, there was the face of a seasoned marshal.

“We have to make it that way.”

From here on, it is the realm of politicians. Hoover smiled at the corner of his mouth as he recalled the weapon he had prepared.

* * *

next day. Germany, Berlin.

When I got off the airport, countless crowds filled my eyes. Indeed, it looks like the capital of an empire. Originally, Berlin was a decentralized German system and was small compared to the capital, but now it is one of the most prosperous cities after the great expansion of the 20’s.

As evidence of this, airships were floating in the sky, and the streets were crowded with carriages, cars, and people. Police officers in helmets controlling them and soldiers marching were also forming a line in every alley.

“You really only see soldiers here.”

“It’s because civil servants also wear military uniforms.”

It is a place where one really knows the military uniform fetish. Of course, the army itself is quite strong. World War I… No, even after the Great War, it was necessary to maintain an army above a certain size to prevent the expansion of the Soviet.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that every single citizen remains as a national grenadier at an extreme level… . On the contrary, it should be said that they are poor friends who cannot disarmament even if they want to.

After getting off at Tempelhof Airport, Kirk and I moved to the waiting vehicle for the government office. In the car running on the boulevard, I could see the entire capital of the empire with a 20th century feel.

“There is the Brandenburg Gate.”

A huge landmark that has remained until modern times. Countless crowds passing by both ends. Having the honor of passing by the road in the middle of the gate, we took in the sights of central Berlin.

A classic look that reminds you of the 20th century. From gentlemen’s clothes worn by Europeans of old, to wagons that look more like cars.

And airships are still floating in the sky at this time. Maybe it’s because the Hindenburg explosion hasn’t happened yet. Anyway, as I know the future, I have no choice but to look at it with a very uncomfortable eye. I’m not sure what’s going on here… .

“Admiral Lewis. This way.”

When I get off in front of the government office, the military officer who was waiting in advance salutes me and welcomes me.

“Nice to meet you. This is Captain Oliver Williams, Third Class Presiding Officer.”

“Colonel Samuel D. Lewis, second-class resident attaché.”

When I said hello, Kirk looked at me as if surprised.

“Brigadier? Colonel, what do you mean?”

“I decided to stay as a colonel for a while. I heard that you have a bit of notice in many ways, such as your age.”

I decided to get my salary anyway. And when you come back from work, there will be a special gift. Leaving the flustered Kirk alone, he followed the captain and moved on.

“Originally, the mission of the embassy is very important. But for the Colonel, there’s nothing to worry about.”

The captain laughed and said as he passed the embassy hallway decorated in splendor.

To think that the presiding military officer said this much, it must be a face madam.

“Colonel Samuel D. Lewis, as of today, I report that you have been appointed Second Class Attaché to the Reich Embassy.”

“Nice to meet you. It’s Major General Charlie M. Robinson, First Class Presiding Officer.”

The warden, who was sitting in the chair, turned round and round toward me as I entered the room, and then continued talking.

“The ambassador is busy, so he is leaving first. First, prepare yourself.”

A small intestine that rises from its seat. I wondered back at the sudden voice.

“Are you ready?”

“Of course I have to meet the Prime Minister. Did you think it was over like this?”

What are you talking about? Give it back, my expectations.

Damn it, I don’t think it’s a place to sit still.

The warden smiled and continued.

“You better prepare well. It’s a precious place that few people like you have.”