I Became a Captain of the British Empire

coming storm

“You’re sending an aircraft carrier?”

Hearing my words, the commander of the base squadron asked back as if wondering. It was a bewildered voice. All the other officers were looking at me with similar eyes. He responded with a confident attitude.

“Yes, I will ask you to send three aircraft carriers. Courageous, Furious, Glorious.”

Courageous-class aircraft carrier.

It is currently the most powerful aircraft carrier that Britain can mobilize. The number of aircraft mounted on each is 36 based on the Furious. Courageous and Glorious can carry up to 48 units.

The total number of aircraft mounted on the three ships is more than 120. Considering that the opponent’s Lexington-class aircraft carriers are less than 100 aircraft carriers no matter how much they scrape together, it is like taking an advantage in the number of aircraft. Of course, if you bring both carriers from there, it will reverse again, but Saratoga will have to dock and repair at least 1-2 months. I’ve seen such a big explosion happen.

And this is a total of three ships. Even if they are spotted first, dispersal maneuvers can increase their survivability. Once there are a lot of numbers, that’s good.

“Thank you for your words, Captain. We are grateful that you invited us to a flagship class aircraft carrier. however… Wouldn’t it be dangerous to have only an aircraft carrier and only one battlecruiser?”

While everyone was staring, the destroyer squadron commander spoke cautiously. I saw a few people nodding their heads. Everyone seemed to be feeling a bit uncomfortable.

Definitely will. Aircraft carriers of this era also lack a lot. It’s affected by the weather, so I can’t use it at night. The anxiety of not being able to properly fly the carrier aircraft and allowing the other party to land remains uneasiness. I also agree with them.

“Of course, it’s not just aircraft carriers coming. This is just a matter of special request to the home country.”

That’s why more is needed.

“If it’s our navy, we won’t be able to send a large fleet again in the current situation. So it will be fast carriers, fast battleships and battlecruisers that come to support.”

When I said that, everyone’s faces brightened. You will understand the meaning of what I am saying.

“You mean you’re going to send a powerful mobile force?”

“It is still difficult to give a definite answer as I have not been contacted by my home country, but it is said that there is a high possibility that they will be dispatched like this.”

I did reveal that it was just my opinion, but the officers were relieved nonetheless.

Hey, I can’t help but feel reassured when I hear this.

If it is a capital ship that organizes a task force, it is as follows.

Courageous-class, Queen Elizabeth-class, Hood, Repulse, and Tiger.

In fact, they are the best in our Navy except for the outdated R-class and the Rodney under repair. Only the elites of the Royal Navy are selected and dispatched.

What naval officer would not be delighted to hear that only the finest ships of the Royal Navy were sent in again for reinforcements?

It was fortunate that Nelson and Baham were the only first-class forces sunk in the last decisive battle.

We still have the strength to fight.

“I would be very happy if it worked out as it is, but wouldn’t there be an interception by the US Navy on the way? Are you planning to fight again?”

Even in the midst of that, there was an officer who harbored anxiety.

As expected, the shock of defeat in the decisive battle seems to be great. But at least in this part, you don’t have to worry.

“it’s okay. A small, fast-moving mobile force would be difficult for even US forces to track. Besides, isn’t that why we’re asking for aircraft carrier reinforcements?”

“Oh, I see. Certainly, with multiple carriers, we can spot the enemy fleet before it arrives.”

The destroyer squadron commander nodded as if he understood only then. Everyone in the Navy knew that it was difficult to find a small mobile fleet in the open sea.

“There, they are already in a state of fatigue from one decisive battle. If you come out to the ocean with your wounds, it will be our chance to take revenge.”

Actually, there’s not much chance of that. No matter how much the US Navy is, after a decisive battle, the wounded fleet will not be forced to face the enemy’s task force again.

In the first place, there is no navy in this world with such a mental head. I don’t know if it’s a Far Eastern navy in real history.

Anyway, my conclusion was that with this amount of reinforcements, I could defend the island without any problems for the time being.

“I have a question, but if the US Navy were to come to Newfoundland, how would you respond?”

A Canadian Army officer raised his hand again.

This is a rather vague question.

“Wouldn’t it be different depending on the circumstances under which the plan is being planned?”

“Oh, sorry. I don’t know if it’s rude, but it looks like you’re plotting something. If you don’t mind, may I ask your thoughts?”

At the words of one officer, the officers of the Canadian Forces all stood up and focused their attention.

It’s embarrassing. I just came here, but do you have a plan…

Well, it also means that their worries and expectations are high. Right now, millions of US troops invaded from the south, so you must be worried. Now it is also necessary to alleviate their anxiety.

I cleared my throat and answered.

“First, if the target is coastal bombardment, our target will be the enemy’s main fleet. In this case, it will be a revenge battle in the North Sea last time.”

Of course, it is unlikely that the US Navy, which has already lost half of its power, will fight again in less than a week. Therefore, the realistically predictable plan is the latter.

“If the enemy attempts an amphibious assault, our target will be the convoy. The enemy main fleet is a secondary target. Depending on the situation, instead of a decisive battle, we may focus on stopping the convoy.”

The expressions of the officers who listened intently changed in various ways.

Those who nod their heads, those who raise the corners of their mouths, and those who tilt their heads as if they are anxious about something. Everyone seems to think differently. It’s not like there’s a consensus over there.

So, first of all, I have to convey my thoughts and prepare for the next operation.

“For the defense of Newfoundland, not a single American soldier must be landed on this island.”

“But Captain, if the enemy’s battleship escorts the convoy, isn’t it inevitable that there will be a showdown?”

“I have a different opinion on that. I think we can sink the enemy transport fleet without a fierce fleet battle.”

“What do you mean? The enemy fleet must have escorts?”

The officers who brought up the question asked with a puzzled face. But it wasn’t a fight that I couldn’t believe.

The Royal Navy must have brought something. I feel curious about it.

I answered their expectations with a smile.

“Isn’t that the aircraft carrier you called for?”

Eastern US Fort Drum. War Department conference room.

It was once just a wide-spread border point.

This place, which will be remembered as a rural village on the eastern border, was just one place that was as numerous as grains of sand in the vast United States.

But at least now, it wasn’t so lighthearted.

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Pershing sat down in a conference room that would have once governed the place. Dozens of officers followed him to their seats. Key officers commanding millions of American troops were gathered here.

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Pershing, who sat in the top seat at the end of the wide and long conference room, looked at every aspect of this conference room, which he would use for a long time to come. The room with famous paintings from the Revolutionary War on the wall was spacious and simple, but that’s why I liked it even more.

All you need to go to war is a map, a table, and a man.

“Let’s start the meeting, gentlemen.”

At the voice of the Supreme Commander of the US Army, all the generals turned their heads in unison. Pershing, who had been looking at their faces with a silent face, eventually gestured to an officer as if to speak.

“First, the report of the 1st Corps of the Ottawa Front.”

U.S. Army Chief of Staff, George Marshall.

The badge attached to his epaulet was the rank of major general, but he actually held the position of lieutenant colonel. He is only 37 years old. It is an elite with overwhelming abilities.

It wasn’t just about him, though.

More than half of the generals sitting in this room were promoted to wartime promotions. So, in Pershing’s eyes, they were pretty young officers.

“The 15th Infantry Division under the command of the 1st Corps encountered fierce resistance from the Canadian defense line while crossing the river, and suffered a lot of damage from artillery fire… We estimate that the advance on Ottawa will take another three days.”

“I was not prepared. Doha told me to proceed quickly. If the opponent has built a defensive line, it’s half failed.”

Moans came from everywhere. It was the U.S. Army that rapidly expanded in large scale.

Of course, there is bound to be a lack of preparation. More than 80% of the soldiers fighting on the front lines are those who were hastily conscripted ahead of the war. It has been a long time since they waged a large-scale all-out war with the great powers, and everything seemed unfamiliar to them.

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Pershing sighed quietly and looked at Marshall. I couldn’t even blame them. The only way to train them was through sacrifice. In order to make up for this even a little bit, he appointed any young officer to an important position.

If you care about seniority, you won’t even have enough commanders on the front line right now.

“As everyone has heard, the operation to occupy Ottawa has been delayed by four days.”

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Pershing opened his mouth with an uncomfortable face. The staff members’ expressions hardened little by little.

“Thanks to that, the occupation of Montreal is said to take a little longer. At this rate, we might be able to occupy Canada within a month, let alone two days.”

“Sir, it is still in the early stages of the war. Isn’t the situation good for a large-scale operation that is being conducted for the first time?”

The general, who was seated close to the seat of honor, opened his mouth. It was General Douglas MacArthur of the US Army.

“The advance in Toronto and elsewhere is going smoothly. Patton’s armored corps is advancing at over 40 kilometers per day. At least, I think the southern part can be occupied within three days.”

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Pershing frowned. As commander of the 7th Army Group, MacArthur had long attracted his attention with his self-assured demeanor. Although he was a big supporter of the Red War plan, Pershing was not averse to belligerence.

“How do you intend to proceed with the occupation of the city? If the resistance is this strong, you must be prepared for fierce street fighting. It’s never easy.”

“It’s simple. If we encircle the city and send in troops, we will be able to win without difficulty.”

MacArthur shrugged lightly. It was Pershing that sighed. It wasn’t that easy to see, he thought…

Of course, MacArthur’s position of having to quickly lead the main force and occupy Canada was understandable. He was responsible for capturing it quickly, even at the cost of some sacrifice.

So, Pershing made a slightly uncomfortable expression and changed the topic.

“Anyway, because the schedule was behind schedule, our army had no choice but to advance the invasion of Newfoundland.”

Having said that, he turned his gaze to the left and looked at a general sitting right next to him.

“I would like to hear the opinion of the Chief of Naval Staff. How is the preparation of the Atlantic Fleet?”

Among the dull military uniforms, the general in the only navy blue uniform opened his mouth as if he had been waiting.

“First of all, I would like to know when the date of the attack the Army thinks is.”

Commander of the US Fleet, William V. Frett. It is the representative of the Navy, which is located at the top of the US Naval Command in both oceans. In charge of all forces in the US Navy, he calmly asked Pershing, who was in a higher rank than himself.

“As quickly as possible. It should start in April at the latest.”

“Then I have no choice but to answer that it is a bit impossible.”

The admiral held his breath and continued.

“Our main fleet suffered great damage in the battle with the Royal Navy in the past.”

“Excuse me Admiral, wasn’t that battle won? I heard that our navy has no battleships sunk?”

It was MacArthur’s question. Admiral Frett nodded his head kindly.

“There are no battleships sunk. However, a number of capital ships, including Montana, North Carolina, New Mexico, and Idaho, suffered catastrophic damage. And the Royal Navy still has a lot of capital ships. Until repairs to our capital ships have been completed, I cannot say with certainty that we have taken control of the Royal Navy.”

“Did the Royal Navy fail to finish off even after fighting a decisive battle with that force?”

“That is a great disrespect, General MacArthur.”

In an instant, the admiral cut off his words in a chilly voice.

“The Royal Navy is a seasoned group. Even if we take a single blow, they are skilled enough to change the situation in an instant if we see a momentary gap. I am proud of the fact that our Atlantic Fleet has achieved a temporary victory against such a Royal Navy.”

MacArthur was silent. Even after he averted his gaze, the admiral’s sharp eyes widened. An icy silence lingered between the desks. The generals of both armies looked at each other with awkward eyes.

Then Pershing, who looked back and forth between the two, cleared his throat and drew attention.

“I understand what the Navy is saying. For MacArthur’s words, the head office will apologize on behalf of you. But we can’t slow down either. The White House is already asking for rapid progress on the operation, so we need to completely occupy Canada as soon as possible.”

At the old veteran’s voice, the admiral reluctantly turned his head and answered.

“All right. If so, please give me 2 months, no at least 1 month. In the meantime, we will gather as many flagships as possible to form a fleet.”

“Good.”

Finishing the story quickly, Pershing placed both hands on the desk. It was a signal to end the meeting. The generals tilted their heads, and the enemy looked at them and said.

“The beginning is relatively good, but the war is just beginning. I hope that each of us will work harder and achieve victory.”

Arms saluting cut the air in command.

“Admiral Taylor.”

On his way out of the meeting room, Atlantic Fleet Commander Thomas Taylor turned his head. A familiar face stood behind him.

“Admiral Marshall.”

“I have something to say.”

It was a serious expression. Admiral Taylor, who was swaying in the hallway, looked back and forth between the adjutant and the marshal, then gestured to the adjutant.

“Would you mind stepping aside for a moment?”

It was a tiring day, but Taylor couldn’t pass by. Eventually, the two moved to a secluded room and continued their conversation.

“What do you want to say?”

“About aircraft carrier operations.”

Taylor winced. He nodded and retold the story.

“In this operation, we will focus on reconnaissance and air defense missions.”

“Why?”

“The only aircraft carrier that can be mobilized is the Lexington.”

“I’m sorry. Is it difficult to repair?”

“It will take two months.”

I sighed quietly. Looking at the fleet commander with a hard face, Marshall continued his words.

“In addition, the loss of aircraft in the last battle has exceeded the number of aircraft in our reserve. At this rate, it will be difficult to attack the enemy fleet.”

“So you’re saying you’re going to give up your criminal record to the battleship squadron?”

“Admiral.”

Marshall took a step in front of him. It was a voice as cold as ice. In front of the flustered Taylor, he said resolutely.

“In the last battle, we lost half of our aircraft due to lack of fuel due to excessive sorties.”

The day a shell fell on Saratoga’s deck.

It was both the best and worst day for the US Navy Air Force that day. Marshall remembered clearly. The face of the pilot who sank with the plane that crashed without being rescued.

He couldn’t do anything in front of his men dying.

“It is acceptable to die fighting. But this death… I can’t stand it.”

Like a flame dying after combustion, Marshall bowed his head. Looking at his subordinate with a miserable expression, Taylor only blinked. Soon he glared at Marshall.

“Okay.”

An unbelievable voice came out. Marshall looked at Admiral Taylor with his eyes wide open. The fleet commander was ignoring him.

“I know your story well. don’t apologize I’m sorry. It was my mistake.”

“Oh no! It was just a story asking for convenience in the next operation… .”

“In this operation, the carrier wing’s mission will be limited to air supremacy and reconnaissance. You don’t even have to take on the anti-ship mission.”

Marshall didn’t know what to do. He was a man whose mind was relieved by his courteous attitude. But soon I got greedy.

“Then can I ask you one more thing?”

“Something, Admiral?”

Marshall hesitated.

“Battlecruisers currently under construction, if commissioned, help them become part of our Carrier Task Force.”

“A battlecruiser?”

an unpleasant voice. In front of him, Admiral Taylor tilted his head,

Is this a bit far-fetched? No, it’s something that needs to be said.

Marshall is determined.

“A carrier without an escort is powerless. Even just one battlecruiser is fine. Give me a capital ship to escort.”

“The battleship squadron’s backlash would be tough.”

“Please, Admiral.”

As if pondering for a moment, Admiral Taylor tapped the floor with his toe.

once twice three times…

What are you thinking?

For an eternity, Marshall struggled with nervousness.

“Okay. Let’s talk.”

When the answer finally came, Marshall barely kept his expression down. However, I couldn’t do anything about the corners of my mouth going up. Taylor smiled and turned away. Behind the returning admiral, Marshall saluted quietly.

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Port of Polymers, UK.

quiet morning. An elderly gentleman was watching the foggy sea in an empty harbor. In the cold place where not even a single seagull could be seen, he stood as if frozen.

“Are you going?”

The old gentleman said quietly. A naval general appeared behind him like a shadow and stood with his hands behind his back.

“This is a hastily organized fleet. I don’t know if I’ll make it on time.”

“You have too many worries, Field.”

The old man looked at him.

“Put your mind at ease. Would the Supreme Commander use it only when he was nervous? Excessive worry only brings a handshake.”

“I will keep this in mind, Admiral Beatty.”

“Don’t do that. He is now a retired old man.”

Beatty smiled bitterly and shook his head. He was an old man seeing his junior after a long time. He spoke in a relaxed voice to the general who would succeed him.

“You are a capable soldier. You will do just fine.”

“I hope the fleet is more capable than me.”

The general pointed to the sea. A huge shadow passed through the fog. immersed in a monstrous shadow. Beatty laughed quietly.

“It will.”

On 26 March, a Royal Navy task force set sail from Polymers. It consisted of two battleships, two battlecruisers, and three aircraft carriers.

A week later, the fleet arrived in Newfoundland.