Tu Mei Chapter 61 Troubled Encounter
.The 7th Order of the Supreme Command of Germany in 1919:
In view of the complex relations between the war between the countries in the South American war, this order was specially issued as a guideline for the action of the three armies. First, the Empire declared war on Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia and Uruguay on April 6. Any imperial soldier can attack the targets of the five countries within the scope of international law; Second, the Empire has not declared war on the United States, and the United States has not declared war on our country, so the imperial soldiers should not actively attack US targets, especially non-military targets, but can warn the other side and expel them from the war zone. If the United States takes the lead in attacking, counterattack measures can be taken and the actual situation will be reported as soon as possible; Third, if the US targets are mixed with the targets of the five countries, attack actions should be taken prudently and try to avoid direct damage to the US targets. If it is indeed unavoidable, the front-line commander judges as the first basis.
On May 20, 1919, the Portuguese Azores.
After obtaining the approval of the port authorities, a large fleet of ships flying the German flag slowly sailed into the Hero Port on Tracey Island. What is eye-catching is not only the seven huge 10,000-ton ocean freighters in the fleet, but also the three slender German escort ships, which are also eye-catching. Those familiar with the German Navy can easily identify their models. One is the Guardian-class escort cruiser with a displacement of 7,600 tons, and the two smaller ones are obviously lower-class destroyers. The one in front is the classic ship type of the German destroyer - the standard-class destroyer with a displacement of 1,080 tons. It is also the first-class destroyer with the largest number of active service in the German Navy. From 1911 to 1916, a total of 42 were built, which are lightning-striking destroyers, that is, the ship
The four 533mm torpedo tubes on it are the main weapons, supplemented by three 105mm rapid-fire guns, which played an indelible role in the naval battle between Germany and Britain. After the technology is modified, it is mainly used for anti-submarine. It is one of the ship types that the German Navy will prepare to replace in the next five years. The one behind it is simpler and smoother and equipped with dual-mounted naval guns is the latest first-class destroyer of the German Navy - the bayonet. The ship's displacement is 2,100 tons, which is nearly 1 times larger than the standard class. Due to the use of a new oil-fuel boiler, the speed and endurance have also been greatly improved. It is equipped with 6 120mm naval guns, 2 torpedo tubes, a set of DD sonar system and two sets of deep-water bomb launchers. It is said that the single ship's ability to confront is far stronger than any class destroyer in the world at present.
Judging from the direction of the fleet, they came from Europe and were likely to be Germany. As for where they went, when the war in South America was in full swing, no one thought they would transport the ships of supplies to Africa. In addition, this is a maritime relay station between Europe, the United States and Africa, so it is not difficult for people to guess where they are going.
In May, the Azores are enjoying the warm sea breeze. Gibraltar, the gate opposite the Mediterranean Sea, has a typical Mediterranean climate. The summer is hot and dry, and it is only in May. The temperature here has quietly risen to more than 20 degrees. Although it is not too hot, it also makes the sailors on the boat look forward to soaking in the cool sea water for a while.
After approaching the dock, 10 ships in the fleet immediately announced a ban on outsiders not to board the ship. The sailors with live ammunition were guarding the gangway of each ship, and the crew who purchased fresh vegetables, meat and fresh water were accompanied by sailors. It can be seen that this was a fleet with very strict military control, which made people have some imagination about the cargo on the ship.
On the bridge of the fleet's only bayonet-class destroyer, an officer in a blue and black uniform was staring blankly at the harbor.
"Major Andrey, do you have any worries?"
Another officer in the same ground dress walked out from inside, lit a cigarette for himself while walking, and then politely handed the silver cigarette box to the guy with a contemplative look.
"Oh, Captain. Thank you!"
The person who was called Major Andre hesitated for a moment, took out a cigarette from the cigarette box, took out a lighter and lit the cigarette himself. Although the visitor was in the same outfit, there was one more star on his shoulder than he did.
"You're welcome, you're not thinking about home!"
Although he was a senior, the young captain did not feel even a bit arrogant. He leaned peacefully on the railing next to Major Andre, and his dark blue eyes patrolled back and forth on the busy dock.
"No, of course not! It's not the first time voyage!" Judging from age, the lieutenant colonel is at most in his early 30s, while the captain next to him is nearly 40 years old.
"But you are newlywed after all, maybe the war is too bad!"
The major seemed very determined, "As long as the country calls it, it's no big deal if you miss the wedding!"
"It's great to think so. The soldiers should put their mission first!" The captain smoked two muffled puffs, "Then are you worried about our itinerary this time? Don't worry, the Chilean Navy has controlled the situation, and our task force is also traveling in the South American waters. There will be no Brazilian or Argentine ships coming out to attack us!"
"Captain, to be honest, we are about to enter the hinterland of the Atlantic Ocean. It is really hard to say what will happen before! It's nothing to encounter Brazil or Argentine warships. At worst, you can fight them with a bloody battle! But what if we meet the American fleet..." Speaking of this, Major Andre did not continue to talk, but smoked in a cowardly manner.
"I have also considered this damn question. Although the Command has just issued Order No. 7, there is still a lot of room for us to make decisions on the spot! For example, if a US warship escorts an Argentine merchant ship, or if the situation is reversed, we have to make a choice. At worst, we can go our own way and no one will mess with each other!"
"What if it is a submarine of unknown nationality?" Major Andre asked suddenly.
"This..." The captain was silent for a while, "It's better not to encounter this situation, otherwise it will be really troublesome!"
The major comforted himself half and half: "I hope this is just me worrying! I don't seem to have heard of how many submarines there are in Brazil and Argentina!"
At this time, the captain happened to see several sailors at the ship inspecting the deep-water bomb thrower near the rear of the port side, so he shouted: "Young guys, check it carefully for me, maybe you can use it soon!"
After saying this, even the captain himself felt that this was a bad omen.
After spending 6 hours replenishing fresh food and repairing the ship, the fleet, code-named g512, rescheduled.
Brazil, Puerto Pelosta.
"The reliable information of the Americans? Humph! Before the war broke out, the Americans had been swearing to guarantee that the Germans would not participate in the war because their intelligence showed that the Germans showed that there was no sign of preparing for war. But what happened? On the first day of the war, the Germans and the land fleet threw shells on our heads and pulled the damn Japan and Britain in!" In a slightly dark room, a man with a fierce face and a white military uniform was very irritable, and the poor man standing in front of him did not dare to say a word.
"Reliable intelligence...Reliable intelligence...By the way, what are the American intelligence saying?"
The man who came to report the situation was a gentleman with glasses between young and middle-aged men. He quickly replied: "Report to the general, the Americans said that a large fleet of important military supplies had just replenished freshwater and food in the Azores yesterday. It is expected to travel along the Gibraltar to Rio de Janeiro to South America, and then transfer to Chile. If nothing unexpected happens, they should appear more than a hundred nautical miles away from us next Friday or Saturday!"
"No surprise... more than a hundred miles..." The Brazilian general with a fierce look on his face scratched the back of his head, "That is to say everything is still uncertain!"
The man in glasses said nervously: "I'm afraid this is the case!"
A thick big hand slapped heavily on the table, and the poor table almost shattered in trembling.
"Bad! What other reliable information is there? Americans are so fucking idiotic!"
The man in glasses dared not speak anymore.
After a while, the Brazilian general's politeness finally subsided, "What do the Americans want us to do?"
"Report to the general, the Americans meant that we would send submarines to attack the German fleet. It would be very cost-effective to exchange a torpedo for a 10,000-ton ship..."
"Submarine? Damn Americans, they are really trying to attack our two baby submarines again! When I bought submarines from them, why didn't I see them so active!"
The general stood up angrily and walked to the window. After pushing open the window, the warm sunlight made the room a lot brighter. Through this window, you can see the beautiful harbor, and next to a small inconspicuous pier not far away, two dark submarines were quietly anchoring there. The general was thinking that if the Brazilian Navy could have more of this weapon, if the submarines sold by the Americans to Brazil were better, the Chilean Navy would probably not be as arrogant as they are now. The two "Holland DV" types
Although the submarine is equipped with three torpedo tubes and two cannons, it was designed by John Holland in 1897. Although the submarine itself has aged less than ten years, its performance has long been unable to keep up with the times. The US Navy's best "Submersible" class submarine can already be compared with German submarines. However, this submarine was listed as an "absolutely prohibited export type" by the US government. Therefore, until the outbreak of the South American War, the Brazilian Navy could only use this old submarine to compete with powerful enemies.
After thinking for a long time, the general turned around, "Tell the Americans that the Chilean Navy blocked our military port and it was almost impossible for our surface ships to leave the port! Even if we send all two submarines, it would be difficult for them to find the enemy's traces in the vast sea alone! But if they can send ships to pick up targets for us, we can consider using these two submarines to give the Germans a little color!"
"I understand, general!"
June 2, 1919, southwestern Atlantic Ocean.
"Front...are...150 nautical miles ahead...the fleet...turns...the south-west...10 degrees..."
After the flag language was sent from the flagship "Hausen", seven ships with a load of 10,000 tons of cargo and three escort ships collectively turned left 20 degrees and embarked on a new route. Since they were already very close to the South American war zone, the "Hausen" quickly dropped the seaplane it carried. After hovering over the fleet for a few times, the Henkel Four monoplane flew forward in front of the fleet.
At the same time, more than 20 nautical miles southwest of the fleet, two ships with star-striped flags were swimming in the sea with bad intentions. Behind them, two submarines towed with cables seemed listless. Most of the sailors in white uniforms were lazy and basking in the sun on the front and rear decks of the submarines. Two 50mm-caliber American artillery were also covered with waterproof canvas.
If neither fleet finds each other, then such a morning will be harmonious and stable.
At 10:19 a.m., a telegram was sent from the reconnaissance plane, and two cruisers and two submarines were found on the right front of the fleet. The cruiser was hung with the American flag, and the submarine was unknown. Just two minutes later, a US biplane appeared over the German G512 fleet, and the officers and sailors of the entire fleet immediately became alert.
Major Andre walked out of the command room, stood on the bridge and observed the white plane with his telescope. At first, the distance was still a bit far, and he could only vaguely identify that it was a biplane with a biplane, which looked like a flying fish DV type. When the other party approached, he found that the plane was very different from the German seaplane, and the five-pointed star under the wing was obvious.
"Sure enough, I met it!"
Andrey said to himself, but he didn't have time to think about these things more. The flagship "Hausen" quickly sent a signal: the cargo ship maintained its current speed and course, and the escort ship was moving forward at full speed. The "Frechel" suddenly stepped forward, the "Hermann" swept the tail, and the "Hausen" cruiser was on the right side of the fleet.
The "Frechel" is the bayonet-class destroyer where Andre is located. Captain Lieutenant Colonel Walter Eller participated in the raid of Pascal Fro. He had served as captain on an old destroyer for five years and was an intermediate naval officer with extremely rich experience.
Soon, the officers and soldiers on the ship took their place. The Fleicher quickly accelerated to 29 knots, and then advanced three to four miles ahead of the fleet, and turned on the sonar system to start anti-submarine warning of nearby waters.
After that, the fleet commander, Colonel Friedrichwik, the captain of the cruiser "Hausen", ordered the breaking of radio silence and sent a telegram to the German Special Command in Santiago, asking whether there were Chilean or German ships in Brazil.
Chapter completed!