Bismarck

"The captain called me, you just have fun by yourself first." I said to Tizi, then hurried inside.

"The British probably already know the speed of the Bismarck. If they come, they will only use high-speed warships to chase us. The British don't have many high-speed warships now." Lindemann said, "The danger of us going out into the Atlantic should not be very great."

"Do the British know the design speed or the actual speed? That's the question," the captain said. "The Bismarck's actual speed is our trump card."

"The actual speed is measured at sea, and only a few people on the bridge know it. I have asked them to keep it secret. If the British want to know, it is the design speed, because it is not difficult to check." Lindemann thought for a while and said, "But the design speed of 32 knots is already beyond the reach of their battleships."

"So, they have no choice but to send out the battlecruisers," the captain affirmed.

"Reputation and counterattack?" asked Lindemann.

The captain nodded.

Reputation and counterattack? I know these two ships. These two ships are equipped with large-caliber guns and powerful power, and can reach a speed of up to 31 knots, but relatively speaking, the armor is relatively weak. They are a type of warship developed by the British to attack enemy cruisers. The specific design ideas are similar to mine. Large-caliber naval guns can fire beyond the range of enemy cruisers, and achieve a hanging tactic when the enemy cannot reach them. The higher speed allows them to evade the attack of the enemy battleships, that is, to run fast.

Well, it's really not much different from me. Those who can beat them can't catch up, and those who can catch up can't beat them.

However, both Renown and Counterattack seem to be equipped with 15-inch main guns, just like me. If both of them face me together, I will still be at a disadvantage in terms of firepower.

"Also, the Royal Navy's two aircraft carriers will definitely be deployed at that time, HMS Glory and HMS Ark Royal," the captain added.

"We have undergone a large-scale upgrade of our air defense firepower. Currently, their only carrier-based aircraft are Swordfish, so I think there is nothing to worry about," said Lindman.

"Yes, that's right." The captain nodded. "We will attack with the fleet first, and then make a feint to the northwest to attract the enemy's firepower."

"Right here." The captain pointed to a place. "Skagerak Strait."

"But this is just our own deduction. The specific situation depends on the actions of the British." The captain put down his pen and looked at the nautical chart again.

"What if the British hadn't sent Renown and Repulse to search for us, and had gone to Narvik?" I asked.

"Then we will return at full speed to provide assistance. There are also the battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau there. Hopefully they can hold out for a while." The captain sighed, "Narvik must not be lost."

Can they hold out for a while? I looked at the captain and thought, the firepower of the Shag sisters is not on the same level as that of the Renown sisters, one has 380mm and the other has only 280mm... I guess it's unlikely.

"We will try to divide the British fleet into several parts this time. In other words, even if the Counterattack and Reputation don't get to us, other battleships will come, and then our goal will be accomplished. At a certain time, we will break away at high speed and head to Narvik to reunite with the Scharnhorst and Gneisenau!"

ps: I will update again in the evening! Please recommend and vote for me!

Chapter 76: The War Begins (Part 2)

After an evening of discussion, the combat mission and objectives of the BSM formation (single ship) were roughly determined.

"In order of mission priority, the primary goal is to contain all of Britain's high-speed battleships. The battlecruisers HMS Reputation and HMS Counterattack and the aircraft carriers HMS Glory and HMS Ark Royal are expected to be deployed. The secondary goal is to attack Britain's transport lines to reinforce Norway, disrupt Atlantic shipping, and finally attack and annihilate the British fleet without causing any harm to itself!" The captain glanced at us and said, "Any questions?"

"No!" Lindmann and I said in unison.

"Captain, I have another question." I thought about it and said.

"Speak." The captain looked at me and said.

"Has the command responded with any information about the composition of our formation?"

This is what I am concerned about. With only one ship, I can perform the feint mission better. If the headquarters sends me another companion ship...

"It's a two-ship attack, and the companion ship is Atlantis." said the captain.

"Ah? It's really a two-ship formation..." I immediately looked miserable. Should I take care of it or should I take care of it?

And what the hell is Atlantis? There is such a battleship?

Seeing my doubts, the captain added, "Atlantis is an attack ship, it was just launched."

I'm about to cry! How fast is an "armed merchant ship"?! Give me a destroyer as a companion ship! Although a destroyer can't run far...

"That speed is so slow, Captain." I said dejectedly.

"Don't worry about the Bismarck." The captain smiled and touched my head. "It won't act with you. It will just be used as a supply ship for you. When it attacks British merchant ships in the North Sea, you can contact it through a specific radio channel when necessary."

"As long as I'm not with them." I felt relieved after hearing the captain's explanation.

"Bismarck, work hard. I believe in your ability."

"Don't worry, Captain. I will do my best in this sea area!"

I saluted.

According to the plan, all the warships will go to the mouth of the Weser River in early April to complete the assembly there, and the army troops will also board the ships there. All preparations will be completed around mid-April. The radio communications in the air suddenly increased these days, and the buzzing made me upset. I had no choice but to disconnect the connection between the secret room and the ship. Planes flew over from time to time in the sky. I knew that the German combat aircraft had also begun to gather at the northern airport. Everything was a sign before the war.

Early Sunday morning, all crew members gathered in combat deployment and began to move ammunition. As early as the night before, the crew members knew their responsibilities, and when the operation began, everyone was in order.

Something bad happened last time when loading ammunition (a recruit had his leg broken), so this time I focused particularly on safety. As for personnel organization, the captain tried his best not to let the recruits participate in the transportation, and assigned them to firefighting and guard positions.

Boxes of 105mm shells were taken out of the ammunition well, carried down the gangway by four or five crew members, and neatly stacked in the security area of ​​the dock.

By noon, a team of military trucks loaded with cargo entered the port, led by Anderson.

"Mr. Andrewson, our shells have been transported to the dock." I walked towards him and walked to the bridge. "We are waiting for you."

"Hahaha, I think we came early enough." Anderson said with a smile.

"Who is this?" He looked at the little Loli sitting in the captain's chair and asked puzzledly.

"This is my sister, Tirpitz," I said with a smile.

"Miss Bismarck's sister's name is the same as the name of another Bismarck-class battleship. What a coincidence." Anderson was stunned for a moment and laughed.

"Haha, yeah, I think it's a coincidence too." I laughed.

"Captain, here comes Mr. Andrewson," I said.

"Hello, Andresen."

"Hello, Captain."

After shaking hands, they exchanged a few words and then stood to the side together to look at the homework below.

"Are the ammunition carried in double digits this time?" the captain asked as he watched the truck unloading things.

"How can I not listen to what the captain said?" Andrewson said with a smile, "Double loads of ammunition, loaded overnight, enough for you to use during this voyage. I'll give you one for free."

"Well, thank you very much. I will recommend this proximity fuze to the Navy this time. Don't worry."

"Thank you, Captain. It's a pleasure to work with you."

This Andrewson is really a fox. He has reached some kind of agreement with the captain in the blink of an eye. It seems that the captain asked for two base anti-aircraft shells? But it’s good that way. The chance of encountering an aircraft carrier this time will be very high.

If swordfish comes ~ hehehe!

The ammunition loading and unloading took more than a day. The crew unloaded dozens of tons of shells by hand and transported new shells to the ship. The people who were directly involved in the handling were exhausted and lay down on the bed. In view of the heavy physical labor of the crew and the imminent war, the captain ordered a two-day holiday to rest.

Tirpitz and I leaned against the railing at the bow.

"Hello, Miss Bismarck, hello, Miss Tirpitz." Every soldier who passed by greeted me and my sister. It wasn't because of my high military rank, but because we were the only two female creatures on the ship. The aura was too dazzling. The shy recruits always bowed their heads and walked away quickly after greeting us, and then secretly looked back at us after walking a certain distance. They thought they were very careful, but I knew everything. As for the old sergeants who often joked with me, they were much more open. Some came up to chat with me, and some touched Tirpitz's head. However, my relationship with the captain was basically an open secret, and they would not do anything embarrassing.

It's quite pleasant to get along with each other...

"How is it? Are you feeling any weak?" I turned around, leaned on the railing, and felt the sea breeze in my face.

"Well, no, maybe my sister's energy and mine have been matched." Tirpitz said, "It feels good, but I can't leave my sister's ship too far away."

"Yeah, after all, it's not your body that's providing the energy, so there's still a little difference." I said, "I originally wanted to take you out to play, but now I can only enjoy the scenery."

"The battle is about to begin. As a warship, this is something we must master. Remember to learn more when the time comes." I said to her, "How do I calculate the trajectory and lock the target on the opposite side, how to avoid torpedoes, you must learn all of this."

"If you're not serious, I won't let you sleep with me!"

"Yes, Tirpitz will!" Tizi nodded vigorously. "Don't worry, sister."

On March 25th, I set sail in the dark and headed at full speed towards the destination, the mouth of the Weser River.

The prelude to the Weisse exercise has begun.

ps: I found that I have no passion for writing after the Chinese New Year... I don't want to move after 2,000 words, please help me!!! Please don't be careless about the recommendation votes for the sake of two updates!

By the way, in order to better describe the battle, some chapters may adopt a third-person perspective.

Chapter 77: The War Begins (Part 3)

In early April, the originally empty estuary of the Weser River suddenly became lively. Every day, all kinds of ships gathered from all directions to this small place, and the port was almost filled up. Curious people often stood on the shore to watch those majestic warships blowing their whistles into the port, especially the boys, who always felt excited when they saw this. These days, they have been looking down at the warships from the bridge. On this day, they saw a huge ship that they had never seen before.

Hott was staring at the horizon in a trance. Because Hott's brother was a glorious German naval officer, he also had some knowledge of naval affairs. He was always a military expert among the children. His playmates liked to ask him if they didn't understand something. Boys were naturally interested in big ships and cannons. They would not let go of the warships at the mouth of the Weser River these days. They went there every day and pulled Hott on board to let him recognize each ship. He could always accurately identify the identity of the warships. Hott had always had a dream, which was to join the German navy. He vowed to drive a warship in the Atlantic to teach the British a lesson, but he was too young and this dream was a bit far-fetched. So looking at these warships galloping across the ocean, he felt depressed again.

He really didn't want to come. If he didn't come, he wouldn't be able to see his favorite battleship. He was very conflicted.

"Hey, Hot, what kind of ship is that? Why is it bigger than the 'battleship' from last time?" A little friend patted Hot who was in a daze and said in surprise.

"Ah, where is it?" Hott was stunned, and looked in the direction of his friend's hand. He swore that he had never seen such a huge warship! The Gneisenau battlecruiser that he saw a few days ago had already caused a sensation, but Gneisenau was nothing compared to this ship!

The huge warship was painted with strange camouflage patterns of varying shades, and it slowly sailed in from the open sea, leaving a clear track. They didn't notice it from a distance, but only when it approached did they realize how huge it was. It was more than 200 meters long and slowly sailed across the iron bridge where they were. When it blew the whistle, Holt even felt the vibration of the bridge.

"What kind of ship is this?" he thought curiously.

The unknown warship was well-armed. The dense gun muzzles on both sides of the ship were enough to give people a sense of intimidation, not to mention the four twin-mounted turrets facing forward or backward, which simply fascinated the boys. The black muzzle attracted Hoth's eyes like a whirlpool, and he quickly recognized that it was a larger gun barrel than the Scharnhorst.

"Oh my God, could it be?!" He suddenly remembered that his brother seemed to have said that he served on a flagship, and that flagship had a very obvious feature...

Before he knew it, the stern of the warship had passed beneath him. He quickly ran to the other end and took a closer look. The huge swastika flag on the deck came into view.

"It's her indeed." he murmured.

"What kind of ship is it?" asked the friend.

He looked at the cheering and excited crowd along the shore, and the corners of his mouth could not help but rise, with a sense of pride gushing out in his tone, "This is our flagship, the battleship Bismarck!"

Hott's eyes turned and he noticed a beautiful figure on the bridge, standing out on a warship filled with men.

"What a beautiful girl." A boy exclaimed.

Was that the Bismarck, the secretary on the Bismarck, that his brother was talking about? Hott couldn't help but wonder.

Oh, it’s so difficult to pronounce!

······

"Why don't you stand outside and look at the scenery? The scenery of the Weser River is very nice." Lindemann joked to the Bismarck while directing the helmsman. As soon as they entered the estuary, the order to line up in sections was given. The handsome sailors put on white gloves and stood neatly along the side of the warship, accepting the baptism of eyes from all directions. These eyes came from the public and from the brother fleet, all of which made the crew of the Bismarck proud.

"Forget it. When I went out just now, everyone immediately looked at me." Bismarck laughed at himself. "How could I have the nerve to steal the attention of the crew members?"

"Probably the Bismarck is the only ship with female crew members. This alone should make other ships envious, right, Hans?" Lindemann smiled and patted a sailor beside him, who nodded with a blush.

"Alas." Bismarck didn't know what to say.

Since the port needed to be given to auxiliary ships to load the army and other supplies, the Bismarck could only anchor in the middle of the river, along with the Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Blücher. The scene of these four star warships berthing together stole the limelight from all the ships. Both sides of that section of the river were crowded every day, and the police couldn't stop them even if they wanted to. The Nazi propaganda machine also started to take advantage of this opportunity to spread propaganda, of course, exaggerating as much as possible. When Bismarck heard the media portraying itself as an unsinkable battleship, he couldn't help laughing.

At the same time, compared to the excitement of the Germans, in the British intelligence center, intelligence personnel have already been busy. A steady stream of information is gathered to this place through special channels. The photos taken by spies at the mouth of the Weser River are all over their walls. There are personnel transfers, weapons and equipment, especially photos of battleships, which are extremely detailed... If Bismarck comes to see it now, he will find that this place has become her photo studio, with photos taken from all kinds of weird angles.

"Scharnhorst, Gneisenau, Blücher, Bismarck, hahaha." A middle-aged man picked up the photo of the four battleships and looked at it for a long time before he sneered. Then he gently threw the photo on the table. "The main forces of the German navy battleships are all here. I'm really looking forward to what you are going to do."

"Chief, we have reported the situation to the Minister of Naval Affairs." An officer came over and reported.

"How did he say?"

"The Navy will take over this matter, and they have already started closed-door consultations."

"That's good." The man nodded. "Let the navy do it. This way, we won't be responsible."

"John, what is your recent conclusion? Where will the Germans' target be?" He glanced at his subordinates and asked.

"Well... According to the information we have received from various sources, their target is very likely us."

"Oh, really? Tell me about it."

"Our moles in Berlin and Wilhelmshaven have sent back the information they have obtained from their respective places. Many of them are from the crews of these warships. According to them, the captains have asked them to keep it strictly confidential without exception..."

"Why would you announce it to the crew if it's kept strictly confidential?" The man sneered and interrupted his subordinate. "Do you think this makes sense?"

"This..." The subordinate had nothing to say.

"It's not that simple, John."

Ps: I will continue to update twice in the evening! Please recommend~ The Chinese New Year is coming soon, so I wish you all a happy new year!

I would like to recommend a novel called "Fantasy Cute Ship Girls". It is very nice and I feel it is much better than what I wrote. It really is love for Ship Girls.

Chapter 78: Discovered Whereabouts

1940年4月2日下午，希特勒在同德国空军司令戈林、德国海军司令雷德尔和登陆作战总指挥法尔肯霍斯特举行了长时间的会议后，发布了一道正式指令，命令“威瑟河演习”于1940年4月9日晨5时15分开始······

The night at the Weser Estuary was particularly quiet on this day. The originally noisy voices disappeared, the passing ships also stopped, and the crew spoke in low voices, as if they were afraid of disturbing something. Only columns of smoke rose from the exhaust ports of the warships, which were not very obvious under the cover of night.

"Captain, the boiler has been preheated and there is sufficient steam to start the main engine." The Bismarck's chief engineer called the bridge from the engine room.