Chapter 241 Retreat

"General, what shall we do now?" asked one of the officers.

The other officers looked at David Betty with worry in their eyes. The previous self-confidence seems to have disappeared now.

Before implementing the plan this time, almost everyone was full of confidence, thinking that they would definitely win. After all, for this operation they mustered nine battlecruisers and eight battleships. But now, the extraordinary performance of the German Navy's breaking fleet has shocked them greatly.

Under the siege of the four "King George V class" battleships of the German Navy, three ships have been sunk in such a short period of time, and the remaining one is also struggling. Whether we can persist until the arrival of reinforcements depends on God's will. The Germans are so fierce, can they really beat the Germans? Besides, even if the Germans are defeated, their own losses are not small! Therefore, even if it is a victory, it will be a tragic victory at most, not a big victory.

Lieutenant General David Beatty couldn't help being silent for a few seconds. He certainly knew what the officers meant. He also did not expect that the loss this time would be so large, and the four "King George V-class" battleships were almost lost. Such a loss cannot even be accounted to the Ministry of the Navy.

However, at this point in the battle, is there any possibility of retreating? If you retreat, it will only make the previous losses in vain. So, no matter what, Lieutenant General David Betty can only bite the bullet and continue, no matter how high the price is, he must solve the German Navy's broken fleet. In this way, the previous losses will not be in vain, and there will be an explanation for the cabinet and the Ministry of the Navy.

"Command the fleet to advance at full speed. This time, we must kill all the German battlecruisers." Lieutenant General David Beatty ordered. If you can't win again this time, the consequences will be very serious. If it is not done well, even he will be implicated.

"Yes, General." The officer immediately conveyed Lieutenant General David Betty's order to each fleet.

The remaining nine battlecruisers and four battleships of the British Navy are all ready for battle.

On the battlefield, the siege of the battleship "King George V" by six battlecruisers of the German Navy continued. Six battlecruisers, 27 343mm main guns and 27 305mm main guns, are so powerful that the besieged battleship "King George V" is in a very dangerous situation.

"Hurry up, we don't have much time, we must get rid of the last British battleship!" Lieutenant General Spee said through gritted teeth.

"May God bless us and kill the British." Lieutenant General Hipper also murmured.

"boom!"

A 305mm artillery shell hit the battleship "King George V", and a large hole was blown on the deck of the stern of the ship. The shrapnel swept across the entire rear deck, killing many sailors of the British Navy.

A minute later, another 343mm shell hit the battleship 'King George V'. This shell successfully hit the side of the battleship 'King George V' and blew a hole near the waterline. Although the sailors of the British Navy tried their best to control the loss, they still failed to plug this loophole, and had to close the nearby watertight compartment. In this case, although the sinking of the battleship was avoided, the battleship was slightly tilted due to excessive water intake.

In the next five minutes, the battleship 'King George V' was hit by several shells again. These shells left large and small scars on the hull of the "King George V" battleship. However, perhaps due to better luck, although it suffered heavy losses, it was not in danger of sinking.

At this time, the reinforcements of the British Navy finally arrived on the battlefield. Nine battlecruisers bombarded the German Navy's breaking fleet from a long distance. Although, at such a long distance, it was difficult to get a hit, but it successfully interfered with the firing of the battleship "King George V" by the German Navy's breaking fleet.

In order to avoid being surrounded by the British fleet, Lieutenant General Spee and Lieutenant General Hipper had to order the fleet to turn and let go of the battleship "King George V" after discussing with Lieutenant General Hipper.

Although, it is a pity that the battleship 'King George V' could not be sunk. But they have successfully damaged the battleship. It takes at least several months in the shipyard to restore combat effectiveness. It is already very good to be able to achieve the result of sinking three ships and severely damaging one in this battle.

Everyone on the battleship 'King George V' fell into ecstasy. Watching the six battlecruisers of the German Navy go away, the uneasiness in their hearts finally disappeared.

"General, the Germans are retreating, and our reinforcements are here." The adjutant said to Major General Carroll excitedly.

Major General Carol didn't speak, he knew that although he could escape this time. However, such a large loss of the Royal Navy always has to find someone to be responsible. If he fails, he will become the scapegoat.

"General, General Betty called, let us withdraw from the battle and return to the mainland for repairs. The next battle will be handed over to them. They will sink the German warships and avenge those comrades who died." A communications officer said .

Rear Admiral Carroll nodded: "Order the fleet to turn and target Portsmouth Naval Port."

The battleship 'King George V' hobbled away from the battlefield with its broken hull. However, the battle did not end there. Instead, it develops in a more intense direction.

The German Navy's break-off fleet has reassembled, and the nine battlecruisers of the British fleet have also formed a battle line. The duel between the two sides is about to start again.

To the north, four "Iron Duke" battleships are heading south quickly, and they are not far from the battlefield. However, the seaplane flying over their heads found them. And immediately reported to the fleet.

"Damn it, I knew the British wouldn't just send these few battlecruisers. Sure enough, there are four more powerful battleships." Lieutenant General Hipper cursed.

"Then shall we fight or retreat?" Lieutenant General Spee asked.

Lieutenant General Hipper thought for a while, and then said: "Retreat first, join General Scheer, and then have a decisive battle with them."

Vice Admiral Spee nodded, and then ordered the fleet to retreat.