Add Bookmark | Recommend this book | Back to the book page | My bookshelf | Mobile Reading

Free Web Novel,Novel online - All in oicq.net -> Historic -> Hero of 1911

Text Chapter 959 Redel¡¯s Ambition

Previous page        Return to Catalog        Next page

    "Welcome, my old friend."

    Cunningham is not tall, has a hearty smile, has a typical Irish face, and has an impulsive but very alert and wise personality.  It is this mixed personality that creates the boldness, determination and calmness required of a good naval officer.  He and Bai Yutang are old acquaintances. During the European War that year, the latter acted with the British Navy as an observer of the Chinese Navy and stayed on the destroyer where he served.  In the subsequent exchanges between the two navies, the two met and exchanged greetings many times.

    The British Navy attaches great importance to Bai Yutang because he pioneered the first submarine ambush fleet and won the battle in the Qingdao Naval Battle.  Today's Bai Yutang is no longer the high-spirited overseas Chinese who returned from Europe. His temples are slightly gray, but he still walks and talks with a tough military style.

    According to naval custom, Cunningham first took two people to inspect the Mediterranean Fleet.  The British had been operating in Alexandria for hundreds of years and built a very complete comprehensive naval fortress.  According to the agreement reached in Cairo, the battleships of China's Third Fleet must also come here if they need routine maintenance.  Because it is currently difficult to find a shipyard that can maintain 30,000-ton warships in the entire Indian Ocean.  This problem is very serious. You must know that ships cannot stay in the sea for a long time, especially aircraft carriers and battleships. They need to be maintained every six months. Therefore, after taking over the Chagos Islands, the Navy first required the construction of a ship that can accommodate  Dry dock and maintenance center used by 70,000-ton ships.

    Sun, beach, white robes and the gentle sound of camel bells from time to time, Alexandria is lazy and peaceful.  One year of war nearly paralyzed the Royal Navy's Mediterranean fleet, which once had two aircraft carriers, seven battleships, and twelve cruisers. It was known as the strongest in Europe (the Mediterranean fleet ranked higher than the mainland fleet before World War II).  The remaining three battleships, the flagship battleship Warspite, the two battleships Malaya and the aircraft carrier Illustrious, are currently the only forces capable of deterring the Mediterranean.  In this regard, Cunningham and the British naval officers were helpless.  Otherwise, they would not be proud to ask the Chinese Third Fleet for help.

    The focus of the help was to raid the Mediterranean overlord who was afraid of the British, and an old fox commander, Italian Navy Commander Inigo Campioni.

    After Italy declared war, the army was advancing vigorously in North Africa, but at sea, Campioni was exempt from war.  Even though the Hood was sunk and the strength of the Mediterranean fleet was sharply reduced, this old fox was still dawdling. Mussolini was so angry that he even called the navy a waste.  But the old fox knew very well how big the gap was between the backgrounds of the two navies.  Therefore, six battleships, seven heavy cruisers, two light cruisers, and eight destroyers were hidden in Taranto, using hit-and-run tactics and reluctant to engage in head-on combat.  Cunningham also thought about using destroyers as bait, but the old fox just didn't take the bait. It wasn't until the news of the Chinese Navy's surprise attack on the Japanese Navy on August 23 that he thought of launching an air strike against Taranto.

    Whitehall originally did not want the Chinese navy to interfere in Europe and planned to use two aircraft carriers, the Glory and the Eagle.  But at this time, news came that the Soviet Union was selling large-scale ships to Germany, and the Bismarck and Zeppelin were launched one after another, so Admiral Alexander had to once again transfer warships from the Mediterranean Fleet.  The aircraft carrier Eagle was also transferred back to the mainland, and finally the French Navy battleship Lorraine was taken away.  Cunningham, who had only one aircraft carrier left, felt that there was little chance of winning, so he contacted the Chinese Navy's Third Fleet.

    The Chinese Navy¡¯s Third Fleet (externally known as the Indian Ocean Fleet) is currently the largest fleet in the Indian Ocean, with fifty-one warships of various types.  Controls the navies of Saudi Arabia and Iran.  The main force includes the three aircraft carriers Lanzhou (Liaoning class), Tibet and Xikang (Sichuan class), the battleships Anhai and Dinghai, the heavy cruiser Foch, the heavy cruiser Duplex, the heavy cruiser Tourville, the Yalu River  light cruiser, the light cruiser Songhuajiang, the light cruiser Glorious, the light cruiser Marseillaise, the light cruiser Montcalm, the light cruiser Bertin and seventeen other destroyers, eight frigates and other ships.  Among them, in addition to the French battleship Dunkirk, the battleship Strasbourg, and the heavy cruiser Algeria, which were refitted in China before the war, there were a total of fourteen warships leased from France.  Half of the personnel were replaced by Chinese officers and soldiers, and after more than four months of training and running-in, they already have very strong combat capabilities.

    certainly.  According to the naval lease agreement between China and France, French warships cannot cross the Suez Canal to participate in the war.  However, Cunningham doesn't value French warships either. What he needs is a total of 282 fighters on three aircraft carriers.  Compared with the Mediterranean Fleet's aircraft carrier Illustrious, which has only 33 aircraft, the lineup of 96 Lightning fighters, 84 Osprey torpedo aircraft and 98 Yasha dive bombers can be called luxurious.

    "This is a reconnaissance photo of the Port of Taranto." After reviewing the troops and arriving at the conference room, the three officers, who had very different personalities but were very direct, quickly got into the details of the operation.  Cunningham placed a stack of enlarged photos on the table, took two magnifying glasses and handed them to the twoPeople introduced one by one: "There are 6 battleships in total, namely the Veneto, the Littorio, the Cavour, the Caesar, the Andrea Doria and the Duilio.  . 7 heavy cruisers, Zara, Fiume, Grazia, Taranto, Trieste, Borgano and Griach, two light cruisers Cray  Oni, Barbiano, and 8 destroyers"

    "How many anti-aircraft artillery are there? Wait, what is this?" Zhu Binhou, a former ace pilot, did not care about the name and model of the ship. For the aircraft, the stationary ship was just a target.  He was more concerned about Taranto's air defense capabilities. When he saw the groups of small white dots arranged in an orderly manner with equal spacing on the photo, he subconsciously became alert.

    After Cunningham saw it clearly, he said to Major Williamson, who was in charge of the plan: "William, you introduce it."

    Williamson is an excellent pilot and the flight captain of the Glory.  After the plan was proposed, he became fully responsible for the formulation, exercises and required equipment of the entire raid.  After hearing the order, he immediately introduced Taranto's defense: "These are air defense balloons, tied above the pier with steel cables. The height is about 500 meters, and the spacing is less than 270 meters. They are very dense! They are even on the sea. They can be used during the day  You can see clearly, but it is almost impossible to see the steel cables under the moonlight at night. If you are not careful, you will hit the steel cables and cut off the wings! There are two circular air defense belts at the dock and the city. There are about 300 anti-aircraft guns, and there are tight defenses around the anchorage.  Mine protection net So the main attack this time will be carried out by torpedo aircraft, and the dive bombers only need to drop bombs at an altitude of five hundred meters to interfere with the air defense."

    Anti-aircraft balloons first appeared in the middle of the European War. After the war between China and Japan, domestic coastal cities and seaports such as Shanghai and Qingdao also had a large number of such facilities to prevent sneak attacks by aircraft at night.  Especially for dive bombers, once they enter the dive channel, they have a very small range of maneuver before dropping their bombs.  Moreover, the balloon is not fixed. It will swing back and forth with the direction of the wind. If you do not control it properly during the dive, the probability of the aircraft crashing and killing people is extremely high!  "We need to maintain surprise, so the fleet cannot attack from the front from Taranto. It needs to maneuver towards Gibraltar first, and then turn back to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The attack will be divided into three waves. After the first wave of aircraft sets off, it will start from Poli  Castro Bay enters the interior. After about 40 minutes of flight, it will circle from the Basento River to the west of Taranto and launch an attack from here. At the same time, the decoy aircraft will fly over the bay and drop flares. General, No.  A wave of attack aircraft must first avoid most balloons at an altitude of 2,600 feet. After approaching the coast, they quickly descend to 700 feet and slow down to 95 miles. They cut into the bay at low altitude. Night flares cannot help us distinguish the steel cables. We must rely on our eyesight.  Look at the boat searching for the mooring balloon and avoid the dangerous steel cable. So you have to fly very low! Very low! Then you need to launch the torpedo within 450 yards from the target to avoid the torpedo being entangled in the mine protection net. Of course,  We have prepared magnetic torpedoes. As long as the launch distance is controlled, we believe we will achieve satisfactory results. The second and third waves will cross Calabria, fly over the peninsula and attack along the coastline!" Major Williamson bit two low-altitude torpedoes.  characters, and continued to demonstrate the required flying movements.  Because according to calculations, after the torpedo aircraft descended rapidly, it had to be lowered to at least 650 feet before it could clearly see the fishing boats mooring the balloons on the sea surface.  Night flights are implemented at this altitude, and if there is a slight deviation, it will hit the sea, so they are very worried about the ability of Chinese pilots.

    "450 feet for a single aircraft, 600 feet for a large formation, we can do it." Zhu Binhou did the calculations and raised his head with confidence.

    "General, this is no joke!" Major Williamson didn't believe it.  When it comes to a single-aircraft assault, he believes in 300 feet, but he is very doubtful about a large formation's altitude of 650 feet (about 200 meters).  Moreover, the Osprey is a monoplane torpedo aircraft. Compared with biplanes such as the Swordfish, the monoplane is faster. The disadvantage is that it is not as stable as a biplane at low altitudes.  Zhu Binhou did not say anything, because 200 meters was too modest.  The average night formation raid altitude of his pilots is below 150 meters.  So avoid saying: "The bombing distance is no problem, we have our own magnetic torpedoes. There are three waves in total, and I need ten experienced navigators."

    When operating in Asia, the Chinese Navy can use pre-war exchanges and reconnaissance aircraft of various countries to understand the terrain, but this is not possible for the time being in Europe and the Mediterranean.  So if you want to raid Taranto, you first need an experienced navigator.  Cunningham was a little surprised by the aviation level of the Third Fleet, and subconsciously looked at Bai Yutang.  The latter smiled slightly: "General, since we are here, we are already prepared."

    "Okay then." Cunningham thought to himself that even if China failed and used them as cover, the Glory's twenty-two Swordfish should be able to complete the mission, so he nodded: "There is no problem with the navigator, but  I hope to leave tomorrow evening.¡±

    "So fast?" Bai Yutang and Zhu Binhou were both stunned.  Although the specific time has not been determined before, with the United States declaring war soon, it stands to reason that this matter should be determined first. Could it be that something has changed on the Italian side?  Of course Cunningham has his own ideas.??.  Because Roosevelt had secretly told Churchill that he would not declare war on the Soviet Union before gaining an advantage over Germany, in order to avoid forcing the Soviet Union into a true alliance with Germany.  But doing so will undoubtedly make Beijing dissatisfied. He is worried that Yang Qiu will be angry and cancel cooperation, so he hopes to complete the action before November 5th.  It was difficult to say these words clearly because the matter was still absolutely confidential, so I made an excuse: "There was intelligence yesterday that Italy is worried that the United States will declare war and will transfer the fleet to Trieste in the near future, so we must take action before that. You two  ,Is there a problem?"

    Zhu Binhou didn't care. He and the three aircraft carriers had made all preparations at the beginning of the month. They also carried out several targeted actual combat trainings and shipped a large number of airborne magnetic torpedoes from China, so he looked at Bai Yutang.  Although the latter felt it was too urgent, he didn't think much about it and just frowned: "Three aircraft carriers, two light cruisers and six destroyers can pass through the canal tomorrow night. But when such a large formation passes through the canal, it will definitely be discovered.  of."

    "Please rest assured, I will not bet on the safety of the United Kingdom." Cunningham was very confident.  When it comes to playing hide and seek in the Mediterranean, few people can compare to him¡ª¡ª

    Just as the thirteen warships of the Third Fleet passed through the Suez Canal at night, a German Navy JU52 transport plane also slowly landed at the Rome airport.  "My dear old friend, I'm so happy that you can come to Italy." Seeing Redel walking out of the cabin, Italian Navy Commander Campioni, with a smile on his face, strode forward and gave him a warm hug.

    Reidel was also very happy to see him as soon as he got off the plane. He held his hand and joked: "Marshal Campioni. Thank you for coming to greet me in person, but aren't you worried that I will abduct your fleet?"

    "That's great, they can go beat up the British." Of course Campione, an old fox, knew that Redl was envious of him, and he deliberately insulted his German colleagues who were on the full defensive in the Atlantic.  Redel was in a good mood and ignored the sarcasm and got into the car with a smile.  After the car door closed, the conversation between the two naturally turned to the United States, and Campioni also took the opportunity to explore the truth about the "Nantucket Incident."

    "Of course not!" In the past few days, the Nantucket incident and the news that the United States is about to declare war.  It has made Germany very angry.  Faced with the powerful propaganda offensive of the Alliance, even Hitler doubted whether the Navy had secretly concealed it from him.  If there were no submarines on the other side of the Atlantic at that time and all submarines had smooth communication, he might even have the idea of ??dismantling the navy.  Now I heard Campione ask this.  Red suddenly became angry again: "This is an American conspiracy! Just like the Maine. Damn it, they actually used this method to deceive the world!"

    Campioni is an evergreen member of the Italian Navy, and of course he is also an old fox. His eyes flashed: "Damn Americans. This is a mockery of us!" He cursed, but felt very uneasy in his heart.  After passing a Cuban cigar to Redel, he said worriedly: "Marshal Redel. I heard that the two North Carolina-class battleships of the U.S. Navy are about to be delivered. They are also building four South Carolina and six Iowa-class battleships.  , and a naval plan to build a hundred warships has just been approved"

    "This is what I'm most worried about." Reidel understood what he meant and was worried.  No matter what the truth of the "Nantucket Incident" is, it can no longer stop the United States from entering the war.  Besides, how can there be an answer to such a thing?  The Spanish government spent thirty years investigating the Maine incident, but it all ended in vain. So the most important thing now is not the investigation, but to block the United States' access to Europe as soon as possible!

    So the purpose of his visit this time is to persuade the Italian Navy to cooperate with Germany in implementing the Great Mediterranean Plan.

    Germany is very aware of the strength of the United States. If the eighteen battleships and five aircraft carriers of the U.S. Navy (counting only before the war) rush into the Mediterranean and bombard them indiscriminately, Italy will not be able to hold on for even half a year.  What's more, in the face of the endless air war over England, Hitler also lost confidence. A few days ago, he secretly ordered the indefinite suspension of the Sea Lion project.  The army of millions has nothing to do except recently stationed in Romania to protect the important Pristina oil fields.  Hitler also asked to study attacking the Soviet Union, but after Stalin sold warships and signed the "Soviet-German Five-Year Peace Treaty", promising to export at least four million tons of crude oil, iron ore, copper ore and other large resources at low prices every year, his interest gradually gradually  reduce.  Of course, this was mainly the result of the Army's struggle. Even the most confident Guderian said that it was a very stupid thing to fight the Chinese armored forces sweeping across Central Asia for a Soviet Union that was basically unable to obtain maximum benefits.

    Faced with this embarrassment, the General Staff once again mentioned the reduction of the Army.  Of course Hitler was unwilling. Although finances began to be transferred to the navy and air force, the army was his treasure.  So after Roosevelt spoke, he suddenly calmed down a lot when faced with Franco's rejection again.  In order to cut off the United States' access to Europe and drive away the "North American upstarts".?In order to prevent the Army from being abandoned, Hitler decided to implement the Greater Mediterranean Plan and asked the Army to formulate plans to attack Spain, Gibraltar and North Africa.

    As the proposer of the Greater Mediterranean Plan, the three most critical links in Redel¡¯s plan are Gibraltar, Malta and the Suez Canal!  As we all know, these three places are the most important passages of the Mediterranean, and any one of them can determine the ownership of the Mediterranean.  Of course Gibraltar cannot be shared with Italy, so this place must be conquered by Germany itself. The Suez Canal is guarded by two famous British and Chinese naval admirals, Cunningham and Zhu Houbin, as well as nearly a hundred warships, relying on the shrinking Italian Navy.  Definitely not. The only one that can fight and has hope of success is Malta!

    Seizing Malta also means that the German air force can radiate throughout North Africa from here, protect the safety of the transport fleet, provide help for the army to enter North Africa, and cut off the land passage of the United States into Europe.

    "Malta?!" Campioni exhaled white smoke, his eyes a little straight.

    "The head of state has agreed to hand over Malta to you and your country for management. We are only temporarily stationing troops." Redel threw out the bait: "We will dispatch airborne troops to catch the enemy by surprise. But the airborne troops lack heavy weapons, so the head of state hopes that your troops will be stationed temporarily."  TNB mobilized its air force and navy to distract Cunningham and provide covering fire."

    Italy has been coveting Malta for more than a day or two. The problem is that Britain has a fortress here, and it is basically impossible to attack from the sea, so it can only watch and drool.  But the airborne troops Now is the time when Britain is at its weakest. Even if the United States declares war, the troops will not be mobilized until the end of the year at the earliest.  India is no longer able to provide soldiers for the British. There are only more than 4,000 troops stationed in Malta, and Germany has very rich experience in airborne combat, so it may not be impossible to give it a try!

    "How many warships are needed?"

    "Just dispatch two Veneto-class battleships and five heavy cruisers to contain the firepower of the fortress."

    "Seven ships" When he heard that seven main ships were going to be dispatched, especially two Veneto-class battleships, the corners of Campione's mouth twitched.  Redel couldn't stand this kind of stinginess, but now that he was begging the other party, he had to offer a sweetener again: "The head of state promised that he will immediately provide 100,000 tons of heavy oil for your fleet to use. The premise is that it must be dispatched as soon as possible to divert it away.  British attention.

    Campione¡¯s conservativeness was largely due to insufficient crude oil reserves before the war.  The Libyan oil fields developed in cooperation with Germany are still in their infancy. The monthly oil production is less than 50,000 tons, and it cannot be transported back. Therefore, it cannot be relied on until North Africa is completed.  Therefore, one hundred thousand tons of heavy oil is indeed a huge wealth for him and the Italian Navy.  Of course, he also knew that the person who really contributed the most was Stalin rather than Hitler.  That damn guy, in order to avoid a war on both sides, was sending 200,000 tons of oil to Germany for nothing every month.  It seems that Mussonili needs to be persuaded to deepen relations with Stalin.

    After a few words of the Shattering Curse, Campioni began to calculate the gains and losses: "Marshal Redl, I need to think about it."

    "Okay." Redel felt unhappy, but he couldn't force him.

    Ten minutes later, the convoy arrived at the naval headquarters in Rome.  Before entering the door, a staff officer hurriedly ran towards me: "Marshal, the latest information. The Chinese fleet passed the Suez Canal three hours ago"

    "What do they want to do?" Redel frowned, his expression suddenly tense

    (To be continued)
Didn't finish reading? Add this book to your favoritesI'm a member and bookmarked this chapterCopy the address of this book and recommend it to your friends for pointsChapter error? Click here to report