Bismarck

Less than thirty seconds later, there was a violent flash of light and a deafening roar from the rear of the destroyer fleet...

After the explosion, all that remained on the sea surface was a huge whirlpool and the last voice of the captain of the Vampire, which seemed to still echo on the communication channel of the British destroyer's radio:

"My ship has been hit by 380mm main guns! Don't worry about me! They are only yards away from us. We can hold on for another minute...Come on, everyone! Go full speed ahead and attack with all your might! Long live the King! Long live the British Empire..."

But... the last voice of the captain left in this world did not have any effect...

I was touched, but it was of no use.

Even if the British really did what the captain said, and charged for just one more minute...

But what’s the use of rushing after a minute?

Even on the radar screen, the largest echo of the German fleet, representing the Zeppelin aircraft carrier, had begun to turn in their direction at the cost of a 30-40% reduction in power output - even if this turn had to accommodate the center of gravity of the Zeppelin aircraft carrier, it would take at least two or three minutes! The Bismarck and Tirpitz also seemed to have begun to show some changes in their tracks and speeds...

but…

The Fifth Destroyer Fleet was so wounded that it was hard to say whether they could hold out for the last minute. Even mentally, they had already failed...

Or to put it more directly, it was the moment when they thought they had accomplished their mission, but in fact they had lost the battle. The strong psychological gap made the Royal Navy soldiers who claimed to be eager to fight lose their fighting spirit...

And in the next second, another tribal-class destroyer, the Tatar, which had already been seriously injured, was hit by another round of 150mm artillery fire... Just like the end of a certain dynasty that this tribe had fought against with small forces thirty years ago, the 1900-ton destroyer really didn't have much reserve buoyancy to support its body. After seeing that it was unable to drain the water, the captain had already issued an order to leave the ship, and then watched from the lifeboat as it was illuminated by the raging flames burning on its body and sank helplessly into the abyss at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. By the way, it also let the other two destroyers see their final end...

Through the vast rain and fog, the people on the Zeppelin could still see the faint flickering flames coming from the front - that was the destroyer setting itself on fire in the sea.

Although the scene in the distance could not be seen, the intensity of the ongoing battle could still be seen from the earth-shaking gunfire of the two large warships in front and behind, which continued one after another without any pause.

But, it will be over soon.

After the destroyers faithfully carried out the orders to retreat, the sound of artillery fire gradually became sparse, and the red gun barrels emitted hissing white smoke under the washing of rain.

The remaining two damaged destroyers didn't care about that anymore. Seeing that the distance was about the same, they randomly dropped ten torpedoes in the general direction of the Atlantic Fleet, then turned around and ran away...

Of course, Bismarck was always keeping an eye on these last two destroyers.

But... Bismarck quickly calculated the result of this round of shooting: Who will these ten torpedoes hit? I'm afraid only God knows...

After turning the rudder, the seventy or eighty torpedoes that the British had installed on the left side and in front of the strait would also be destroyed because of their range, right?

While firing the loaded 380 guided shells at the last two fish that escaped the net, Bismarck looked at the Grape and Zeppelin that had already turned around, and happily reported the battle situation to Lütjens: "Captain, we are safe now."

"Well, next is the Strait of Gibraltar!"

Although he still looked solemn about the Gibraltar Fortress, Lütjens still smiled after winning a small victory.

Very good, very good.

"Next is the Gibraltar Fortress. Get ready to activate Thunderbolt!"

Chapter 391: Make trouble, make trouble! Just make trouble!

Although I was happily chatting with the captain, this was not inconsistent with the guided shells...

The multi-threaded Bismarck said that this little bit of performance can still be separated - he was not wrong. Generally speaking, men's brains are single-threaded, while women's are multi-threaded.

At a distance of 15000 meters, the dispersion of 380 is less than meters. If it is guided... we can only hope that the destroyer can run faster than the shells.

A 120-meter-long destroyer still seems a little big at this distance.

The two damaged destroyers that finally escaped were ultimately unable to escape the precise attack of the guided shells and were sent to the bottom of the sea by Bismarck's 380mm main guns.

At the same time, when the destroyer had not yet completely sunk, dozens of loud noises suddenly erupted in the rain and sea fog. Those were the desperate wails of the torpedoes fired by the British destroyers but failed because of the insufficient range...

The Atlantic Fleet, after turning, was no longer within the reach of torpedoes.

However, because the turn took a few minutes, the British destroyers and cruisers at the entrance of the Strait had already re-immersed themselves in the dark night at the entrance of Gibraltar... They dared not come out again in a short time, as coming out would only result in a one-sided massacre.

Originally, destroyers could only rely on poor visibility to launch sneak attacks on battleships. However, when all the barriers were just transparent glass, ghostly actions exposed to the light became meaningless.

For a while, the sea surface outside the entrance to Gibraltar was filled with increasingly frequent thunder, increasingly violent storms and waves, and increasingly dense sea fog that was so dense that you could barely see your fingers. It was like a slowly opening black hole, waiting for the Atlantic Fleet to enter...

Although, this is nothing to Bismarck, Tirpitz and Zeppelin...

Although many crew members were seasick, after all, such bad sea conditions were rare, but they were able to win a small victory in the face of a powerful enemy, which boosted everyone's morale. Even Professor Wolfe and his team of radio experts, who had been dizzy before, seemed to have regained some energy.

Look, Professor Wolff was drinking a cup of oatmeal porridge with some German pickles to restore his strength, while praising the previous naval battle to Zebeling.

"What a fierce naval battle! It's really an eye-opener! I've always been in the laboratory before, but today I finally saw what a battlefield looks like!"

Just now he was outside the Zeppelin bridge, listening to the rumbling sound of naval guns coming from the front and back. Although he could not see the majestic sight of the warships in front and behind firing, he could still see the balls of light bursting out from time to time, which made him feel extremely excited.

Well, after all, he is a scientist, not a real soldier, and the destroyer he bullied before was not a big enemy, but just an appetizer, so he can't see the cruelty of war at all... In his mind, there is only the concept that the British were defeated.

As for Zeppelin and Bangtai, who have seen so many sacrifices for one general, what are they thinking...

"Hehehehe..."

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"Captain, there are no enemies within twenty miles!"

After the last destroyer ran out of range and confirmed that the surrounding waters were temporarily safe, Bismarck began to report to Lütjens.

"However, it seems that Samoville mentioned in the broadcast to the British fleet just now that Tovey's main fleet has passed Cape St. Vincent and will arrive here in four hours at the latest," she reminded.

Although it is unclear whether this news is true or false, it may be true, or it may be that Somerville deliberately deceived them through public radio.

"Yes, I heard it just now." Lütjens nodded solemnly, "This news should be credible. Four hours is indeed the correct time."

"We are not afraid of their battleships and cruisers, but we cannot handle the Zeppelins. Moreover, Tovey will definitely place the aircraft carrier in a relatively safe area offshore. Perhaps they will organize a joint sea and air strike at dawn!"

"That means we don't have much time," Bismarck asked.

"Yes."

"We have already wasted more than ten minutes. There are still more than forty kilometers between the entrance of the strait and the Gibraltar Fortress, plus the time for the battle..." Lütjens thought for a moment and quickly issued a response order: "It's already half past ten... So, while we put down all the things in Thunder, you can also take the opportunity to measure the approximate hydrological conditions of the Strait of Gibraltar. We will start to enter the strait at ten forty-five! We expect to engage the Gibraltar Fortress at eleven o'clock! In addition, no matter what the result of the assault is, it will be limited to twelve o'clock - if you are still not sure of breaking through the fortress by then, evacuate immediately!"

"Save yourself first."

"I understand!" Bismarck nodded solemnly.

After all, a battle like forcing a breakthrough in the Gibraltar fortress...if it weren't for high-level political factors, no one would be willing to fight it.

Even if there are battleships with ship girls, a head-on fight with a fortress is no different from committing suicide.

Not to mention, Tovey had already followed with the main force of the Home Fleet, and if they were not careful, they would be attacked from both sides! Even if Lütjens could lead Bismarck and Tirpitz to repel Tovey, Zeppelin, who had almost no ability to protect himself in close combat, would be in great danger.

Under the attack from both sides, even if Tovey was defeated, there would be no way to break through the fortress... Those politicians and bigwigs in Berlin, Germany, were probably just waiting for this defeat...

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After raging for four hours, the storm seemed to be a little tired. In this short fifteen-minute gap, several pre-reinforced and modified small boats were hung with tow cables on the side racks of the hull, and the hanging racks began to turn towards the side...

And a pile of colorfully painted shells that had been sealed in the ammunition depot were taken out from the deepest part of the ammunition depot, placed on the shell lifting machine, and stuffed into the gun barrel in accordance with the order.

Although the sailors did not know what these were for and were discussing it, the only thing they knew was that these were secret weapons that the three captains were keeping a close eye on.

"The wind speed in the strait is estimated to be about 2.5 meters per second. The ocean current is generally parallel to the coastline of the strait. The flow speed at the entrance is about knots, and the wave height is four meters. There is a triangular wave area in front of the entrance. Although the boat we towed has been modified to a certain extent, it still poses a certain threat... In addition, it seems that there are minefields underwater. I have marked the location where they retreated into the strait. It seems that they left two waterways? We may have to be particularly vigilant at that time..."

The three ship girls observed the hydrological conditions at the entrance of the strait for a period of time, including dropping a small piece of wood and observing its flow rate in the wind and waves, and came up with a rough estimate of the hydrological report. Now, Bismarck was reporting to Lutjans.

"Hmm..." Lutjens also looked grim. According to pre-war intelligence, Britain had at least two battleships, and before the cruisers, there were four Leander-class light cruisers. In addition to these, there might also be heavy cruiser-level combat power, right?

After all, what Britain lacks the least is cruisers...

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"Anyway, we've already reached this point." Lütjens shook his head and looked at his watch. It was already 10:45 in the evening.

There is no turning back no matter what.

"It's time for us to take action!" Looking at the secretary ship that had been standing beside him and accompanying him until now, Lütjens couldn't help but smile.

"Don't worry, Captain. It's okay as long as Zeppelin and I are here." Bismarck also nodded with a smile.

"What about Tirpitz?" Lütjens was stunned, then laughed.

"As for her, just follow us." Bismarck said as a matter of course.

"In fact, I've always wanted to say that your sister is very qualified."

"Of course, she is my sister." Bismarck said proudly.

"Tell Tirpitz later to be careful of the mines on the water, predict a possible route in advance, and then tell us."

After relaxing the atmosphere, Lütjens turned the topic back to business.

"Gibraltar must have minefields, and they must be within the range of the fortress guns... The fortress guns cover the minefields, and the minefields limit the maneuvering range of the enemy fleet. Such a setting must be a must for fortress straits. In 1916, Britain and France formed a joint fleet to attack Turkey. The battleships were not much weaker than Jutland, but the Turks used shore guns and minefields to directly overthrow Churchill, who was then the Secretary of the Navy."

"Haha, Churchill also had such a thing?" Bismarck couldn't help laughing when he heard that Churchill had stepped down because of such a thing. However, if even Turkey can do this...

Well, now the defenders are the British.

Although the British sun is declining, it is at least better than the local chicken.

"We will form a formation with Tizi and go ahead, and the Zeppelin will follow behind. You will be responsible for attacking, Tizi will be responsible for minesweeping and covering, and the Zeppelin will follow behind to release interference!" The captain turned around and carefully explained the battle arrangements and essentials to the secretary ship: "...The British have been operating in Gibraltar for many years, and the minefield is not fun, and we have to cover the Zeppelin, so this mission is not easy at all...It mainly depends on the tacit understanding between the three of you!"

"If I didn't know that your search range can ignore interference and smoke screens, and that you can control your own bodies, and most importantly - the tacit understanding between the three of you! If it weren't for these, I would never come to Gibraltar."

"The Gibraltar Fortress is not easy to deal with, especially under the restrictions of the minefield. Tirpitz and you both have the ability to sweep mines, but it is not easy to suppress the fortress while ensuring your own mobility and safety, and to clear a path at the same time!" Lütjens said to his secretary ship seriously and repeatedly: "So this time it depends on the cooperation of the three of you... Tirpitz is in a relatively forward position, she has to sweep mines, if she can't hold on, you must remember to call her to join you and follow the scheduled disengagement maneuver - you can't collide with each other, and you can't block her maneuvering space. It's not fun to be hit by a mine. Do you understand?!"

"Okay! I understand! I will do my best to protect everyone's safety!" Knowing the seriousness of the situation, Bismarck nodded seriously!

And in WIFI...

"Tizi, did you hear what the commander said?"

After calling out to the lazy little Tirpitz, Bismarck also spoke seriously to his sister. "…Remember to tell Lindemann about this as well. Remember, this is not a joke."

Well, although Tirpitz still looked lazy, she knew that, after all, this time she was serious...

"Okay, okay, I get it. I will fight well..." Knowing how serious the situation was, Tirpitz finally put away his usual lazy look, pursed his lips, and nodded.

"How can I believe you when you look like this..." Bismarck sighed, "Can you repeat it to me again?"

"Sister, I know..." said Ti Zi.

"Tell me something?" Bismarck insisted.

"Okay, okay, you just want me to explore the way ahead and keep the fortress mobile at the same time. I know it! You always treat me like a child... Qi"

"Hey, you little girl." Bismarck smiled. "Why, are you unhappy?"

"No." Tizi replied sullenly, "Okay, I'll tell Lindman, don't worry..."

After saying that, she cut off the communication and turned to explain the task to Lindeman.

This damn girl!

Bismarck also spat secretly, and then went to find Zeppelin. After all, the timing of electronic interference also needs to be coordinated.

only…

Ti Zi first reported Lütjens' order to Lindemann with a puffy face without missing a word.

"Oh, I see. This preparation is necessary." Lindman nodded and started drawing on the nautical chart.

Seeing that Lindemann ignored him, Tirpitz suddenly threw his head onto the chart table and took over the table!

She turned around and said indignantly, "Lindeman, I'm very angry now! You have to come and comfort me!"

"Oh? You get angry too? Tell me, why are you angry?"

Seeing Tirpitz's head lying on the chart, Lindemann smiled slightly.

"Really? You all treat me like a child! Sister is always worried about me! I'm already grown up!"

"Lindemann, tell me, have I grown up?"

As he spoke, Tirpitz suddenly sat up and straightened his chest.

It was Bismarck who taught her this action, saying that it was a sign of growing up.

Lindemann suddenly laughed.

How can such a childish Tirpitz be said to have grown up?

"You are a child anyway," Lindemann said with a smile.

"It's just that the body has grown up, but the mind is still immature."

He reached out and flicked Grape's hair, and found it very interesting that the hair would never fall off.

Looking at the smiling Lindemann, Tizi felt a little upset...

"Why? My sister is only one or two years older than me, why do you all say she is mature? This is not fair!"