Chapter 596 Combined Fleet

Irish Sea, Morecomb Bay. When the Royal Navy was defeated and the entire British Empire was under the blockade of the German Navy, the only sea they could still control was probably the Irish Sea. This sea area, between the island of Great Britain and the island of Ireland, is almost equivalent to the inland sea of ​​the British.

Morecomb Bay is just a little-known remote place. But it is precisely because of this that it has become the final gathering place of the Royal Navy's sea power. Even Scapa Flow has become unsafe. Submarines and carrier-based aircraft of the German Navy would visit from time to time to launch attacks on Royal Navy ships. And the Royal Navy was powerless to do anything about it.

In order to ensure the defense of Morecombe Bay, the Royal Navy installed a lot of anti-aircraft weapons around the naval port. At the same time, there is also an anti-submarine net. A large number of destroyers are also densely packed in the bay, ensuring that once German submarines sneak into it, they will be spotted immediately.

Now, the remaining capital ships of the Royal Navy only include the battleships 'Revenge', 'Resolution', 'Queen Elizabeth', 'War Spite', 'Warrior', 'Giant', 'Dreadnought' 'Battleship' and 'Tiger' battlecruiser. 7 battleships and 1 battlecruiser, although it is still a very powerful sea force. But compared with the heyday of the Royal Navy of the British Empire, it is already very different. With such power, even the basic security of the British Empire cannot be guaranteed.

However, besides these battleships belonging to the Royal Navy, there are also warships from the Kingdom of France and Italy in Morecomb Bay at this moment. Among them, the capital ships of the French Navy include three "Normandy-class" battleships, three "Brittany-class" battleships and four "Guba-class" battleships. The capital ships of the Kingdom of Italy are two battleships of the Duilio class, three battleships of the Earl of Cavour class and the battleship of the Dante. The capital ships of the kingdoms of France and Italy all came to prepare to fight with the Royal Navy. As members of the Allied Powers, the fate of these three countries is undoubtedly tied together. If they lose the war, their fate can be imagined. Therefore, they hope to win the naval battle and reverse the situation.

Churchill, the British Admiralty of the Navy, rushed to Morecomb from London. Looking at the warships moored in the military port, Churchill was greatly moved.

"It would be great if the flags flying on those warships were all St. George's flags!" Churchill said with emotion.

But it is a pity that the Royal Navy only accounts for one-third of the 24 capital ships in the military port. The other two-thirds are warships from France and Italy.

"Your Excellency, as long as we can defeat the Germans in the next decisive battle, the Royal Navy will soon be able to return to its heyday, even stronger." Admiral John Jellicoe said.

In British shipyards, there are still a large number of cutting-edge warships under construction. However, subject to the fact that the British Empire was completely under the blockade of the German Navy, the construction progress of these warships became slower and slower. Because building warships requires a lot of steel and other resources. After the complete severance of overseas trade lines, Britain no longer has enough resources to build these warships.

Churchill nodded: "Yes, although the Royal Navy has suffered heavy losses. However, we have not been defeated. Once we defeat the Germans, it will be time for the British Empire to rise again!"

Although, there are many difficulties. However, Churchill never gave up hope.

"Are Lieutenant General Martin ready?" Churchill asked.

"Your Excellency, the fleet led by Vice Admiral Martin has completed preparations. As long as the order is issued, they can set off immediately." Admiral John Jellicoe reported.

Lieutenant General Martin is the commander of the fleet of twelve battleships purchased by the United Kingdom from the United States, and he is also the hope of the Royal Navy in future naval battles. If it weren't for these twelve battleships, the British would not have the confidence to fight a decisive battle with the German Navy.

"Very good, this time we have regrouped thirty-six battleships. We can definitely defeat the Germans! As long as the Germans are defeated, then the British Empire will regain victory in this war." Churchill said.

"I am sure of that, sir!" said Admiral John Jellicoe.

"By the way, General. Will General Cavison be punished for his defeat at Le Havre?" Admiral John Jellicoe asked.

The fleet led by Vice Admiral Cavison lost 21 pre-dreadnoughts and 13 armored cruisers at Le Havre. This is undoubtedly a heavy blow to the Royal Navy. Of course, those former dreadnoughts and armored cruisers are outdated. However, the loss of personnel made the Royal Navy overwhelmed.

"It is true that someone in the cabinet proposed to send out General Cavison. However, I suppressed it. After all, our final naval decisive battle with the Germans is about to begin. Punish the important generals of the navy at this time. It's very suitable. It will have a negative impact on the morale of the troops. What's more, if we lose, then everything will be meaningless." Churchill said.

Indeed, for the present UK. If you lose, even if Lieutenant General Caveson is hanged, it will be meaningless, and it will not prevent the defeat of Britain. If the battle is won, the losses of those former dreadnoughts and armored cruisers will also become insignificant.

Admiral John Jellicoe nodded and said no more.

"Report, General Lame and General Paul are here." A staff officer reported to Churchill and Admiral John Jellicoe.

"Let them come!" said Churchill.

Admiral Lame was the commander of the French fleet, and Admiral Paul was the commander of the Italian fleet. The two of them, as representatives of the kingdoms of France and Italy, will command their own fleets and participate in this decisive battle against the German navy.

"Your Excellency Sir, Your Excellency Commander." After Admiral Lame and Admiral Paul arrived, a warm exchange of greetings began immediately.

After that, the topic turned to the main topic.

"Your Excellency, our fleet has been here for several days. When can we have a decisive battle with the Germans?" Admiral Lame asked.

The situation in France is now very difficult. The French government is eager to have a decisive battle with the German navy as soon as possible. After the winner is determined as soon as possible, it can also make an earlier decision on what to do next.

"Your Excellency, Admiral, the United Fleet is also ready. Our plan can be implemented," Churchill said.