Rebirth of the Spanish Empire.

Chapter 47 Confrontation on the Sea
  The Russian Black Sea Fleet as far away as the Sevastopol Fortress has received orders from St. Petersburg.

Ivanovich looked at the urgent telegram in his hand. At this time, he felt a little lucky, but more of a sense of shame accumulated in his heart.

Fortunately, the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Empire did not need to be destroyed. What is shameful is that these hateful British guys blocked the door of their home, but they did not have the ability to fight back.

After all, the Russian Empire is a world power, and its comprehensive national strength ranks among the top five in the world.

Now it is actually blocked by the British Royal Navy's Mediterranean Fleet, which is really shameful.

But the strength of the British Royal Navy's Mediterranean Fleet alone has made Ivanovich, the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, feel desperate.

No matter how unwilling he was at this time, Ivanovich had to do this in order to preserve the Black Sea Fleet and for the lives of the naval officers.

This time their mission was not to fight the British Royal Navy. Instead, confront them on the Black Sea and prevent these British from approaching the ports of the Russian Empire.

"Order all warships to set out to stop the British Royal Navy and not allow them to continue approaching the port."

…………

The mighty Russian Black Sea Fleet, under the command of Ivanovich, headed by the flagship Moskva, began to sail towards the combined fleet in the Black Sea.

At this time, the three most conspicuous Novgorod-class ships in the fleet. The Novgorod, known as the "round battleship", was affectionately called "one of the worst warships in history" by later generations of military fans.

In the original history, the most powerful Peter the Great-class ironclads have not yet officially entered service in the Russian Navy.

The largest Moscow in the Russian Navy is now only 4000 tons, and the Novgorod class is only a pitiful 2500 tons.

Correspondingly, there was a combined fleet composed of Spain and Britain.

Not to mention the three 10,000-ton ironclads of the Kingdom of Spain, the British Royal Navy also dispatched the "Black Prince", "Giant" and even a devastation-class "Thunder" in this operation.

Any ship sent by the combined fleet is a giant ironclad ship of more than 13000 tons. The displacement of the Thunder has reached tons, which is really shocking.

Although there is a huge difference in naval strength between the two sides, this cannot make the commander of the combined fleet, Wolfgang, take it lightly.

Because this is a real battlefield, any careless behavior of the commander may cause serious casualties to the fleet.

Although at this time, the Russian Empire's navy still does not have the strength to challenge the British Royal Navy, it is inevitable that they will not make some crazy moves.

"In battle, the T-shaped tactic is always to take the lead. The person who occupies the T-shaped position will be in a favorable position."

Wolfgang said seriously to Ledesma on the side.

Wolfgang felt the slightly fishy sea breeze and felt the power of the huge warship under his feet.

When three 10,000-ton ironclad ships from the Kingdom of Spain joined the combined fleet. It can be said that the strength of the entire combined fleet at this time is not weaker than the navy of any country except Britain and France.

"When we occupy a favorable position, our main artillery shells can take the lead in attacking the enemy, and the enemy ships in the T-shaped vertical position will become our living targets."

Feeling the strong gaze of Ledesma on the side, Wolfgang had to impart a few more words of experience. He had a good sense of this young man.

"Let me ask you a question, how do you think you can get a favorable position before the navies of the two countries connect?"

Wolfgang started asking questions directly.

Wolfgang is an upright and serious soldier, although he still feels awkward about being a teacher. But because of his rich experience, he knew what he should say at this time.

"I think this is not only a test of the commander's ability, but also the speed of the battleship.
  These are also important means to seize advantageous positions in naval battles. "

T-shaped tactics have been popular as early as the sailing battleship period. After a long period of fermentation and perfection, Ledesma believed that the Spanish Kingdom did not need to consult the British in this regard.

At this time, the Kingdom of Spain's navy was still confident that it was still a major European power.

Regarding how to use the same T-shaped lineup, the Royal Spanish Navy is not necessarily worse than the British Royal Navy.

"That's right. It can be seen that your basic skills must have been very solid before. But regarding naval combat, you still lack actual combat experience. I will teach you here personally."

Wolfgang stood on the sun-drenched deck, clenched his fists slightly, and said to Ledesma with a smile on his face.

In normal times, Wolfgang, who has always been serious about words, would never behave like this.

But when people get older, when faced with such smart and studious young people, they will always feel uneasy and fond of them. Although Ledesma is almost thirty years old. But in front of Wolfgang, he was definitely a young man, so he didn't feel any discomfort.

"Your Majesty, Lieutenant General, you are very grateful. The Royal Spanish Navy has not experienced real naval performance for too long now. Only by learning from you humbly can I take a step closer."

Looking at Wolfgang, who was obviously in a good mood, Ledesma couldn't help but flatter him. He was now fully prepared to learn more naval battle experience from this veteran.

"Hahahahaha, you still know how to speak!"

Ledesma once again succeeded in amusing Wolfgang, and he couldn't help laughing heartily. The sea breeze blowing under the sun seemed to feel a little more comfortable.

But the happy moment did not last long. After a while, a messenger came to the two of them:
  "Reporting to your Excellency, Commander, the Russian Black Sea Fleet has been spotted ahead, and their battleships are all in line. What should we do next?"

The messenger reported the contents with a relaxed look. The Russian Black Sea Fleet did not even panic a single messenger.

Ledesma nodded secretly. The risk this time was about the same as he expected.

The Black Sea Fleet, which had only been rebuilt five years after the last Crimean War, was nothing to worry about for the combined fleet composed of the two countries.

"Ignore them, we are driving normally, no one has ever stipulated that the Black Sea is Russian territorial waters.

Our combined fleet is just sailing normally on the high seas. "

Wolfgang gave the order directly.

Because in this era of the 19th century, the division of sea areas between various countries was extremely vague. It can even be said that there is none, so Wolfgang's words are actually not unreasonable.

"As ordered."

The messenger once again stamped his feet and stood at attention, and began to quickly convey Wolfgang's order below.

Before the Combined Fleet discovered the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Ivanovich and the others had already found the location of the Combined Fleet.

Because there are too many warships in the combined fleet, such a large fleet group cannot conceal its whereabouts.

Moreover, the purpose of the combined fleet's trip is very clear, which is to come to the Black Sea to deter the Russians.

Therefore, it is impossible for Britain and Spain to carry out so-called naval deterrence operations secretly.

"Confronted with Prime Minister Disraeli's orders for deterrence, we need to be cautious in our trip.

It cannot really cause a misfire, but it must also make these barbaric Russians feel threatened.

The best way is to get within the striking range of both parties and keep the other party in a state of high tension at any time.

Our powerful combined fleet will definitely make them feel timid. "

Wolfgang preached to Ledesma again.

"understood."

Ledesma looked at Wolfgang in front of him who was wearing the British Navy Lieutenant General, and couldn't help but feel respect in his heart.

Because this is a teaching that has nothing to do with nationality and is purely based on love for young people. Although it is very likely that what he said was useless nonsense.

The combined fleet slowly advanced towards the Russian Black Sea Fleet at a speed of about 10 knots per hour.

At this time, the soldiers on both sides are also taking turns to take a rest, otherwise they will be within shooting range later, and everyone on both sides needs to remain vigilant.

To meet this constant state of tension. The most important way is to prepare in advance and recharge your batteries.

At this time, the sun was slowly setting from the west, and the sea was shining with golden light and black steam that covered the sky.

The unique historical picture of the nineteenth century is gradually unfolding.

…………

(End of this chapter)