Chapter 972
On the afternoon of February 5, 1944, the main fleet of the Third Reich Navy entered the Mediterranean Sea through the Strait of Gibraltar.
The Imperial Navy's Mediterranean Fleet rushed over to join the main fleet of the Navy. In this battle, the four Richelieu-class battleships of the Mediterranean Fleet will also participate. Only two Dunkirk-class battlecruisers and the aircraft carrier Unicorn were left cruising in the Mediterranean to highlight the presence of the Third Reich Navy and safeguard the interests of the Third Reich.
The next day, the fleet passed through Caesar's kingdom.
The Caesar Kingdom Navy led four Veneto-class battleships to join the fleet.
Although the strength of the Kingdom of Caesar's navy is relatively weak, there are only four Veneto-class battleships serving as facades. However, among the many navies of the Iron Alliance, this is already a powerful navy second only to the Third Reich. In fact, it is considered a naval power in the world.
Of course, compared with a real naval power, the navy of the Kingdom of Caesar is far behind.
The performance of the four Veneto-class battleships is still very good. Therefore, when the Caesar Kingdom Navy expressed its willingness to join this battle, the Empire agreed.
The younger brother below is willing to contribute to the Imperial Navy's defeat of the Eastern Imperial Navy. Naturally, the Empire cannot let him down.
The addition of four Veneto-class battleships can further strengthen the strength of the Imperial Navy's capital ship fleet, which is better than nothing.
In the Mediterranean, the Third Reich Navy completed the formation of various formations.
In terms of capital ships, there are a total of 45 ships, plus the four Veneto-class battleships of the Kingdom of Caesar, which are divided into five battleship formations and one battlecruiser formation. The First Battleship Group consists of eight H-class battleships. The 2nd battleship formation consists of four N3-class battleships and four Lion-class battleships. The 3rd battleship formation consists of 8 P-class battleships. The 4th battleship formation consists of 8 P-class battleships. The battlecruiser formation consists of three G3-class battlecruisers, three O-class battlecruisers and three Admiral-class battlecruisers.
The 29 aircraft carriers are still divided into four aircraft carrier formations. The 1st Aircraft Carrier Group consists of four Imperial-class aircraft carriers and two Qi Bolin-class aircraft carriers. The 2nd aircraft carrier formation consists of 7 Qi Bolin-class aircraft carriers. The 3rd aircraft carrier formation consists of three Qi Bolin-class aircraft carriers, two Glorious-class aircraft carriers and two Indomitable-class aircraft carriers. The 4th aircraft carrier formation consists of 8 Giant-class aircraft carriers.
The remaining cruisers and destroyers also formed into formations.
This time, in order to defeat the Toyo Empire Navy in one fell swoop. Even, in order to win at the minimum cost. The Third Reich Navy was in full force.
All the battleships and aircraft carriers were mobilized, as well as most of the cruisers and destroyers.
The purpose is to win this naval battle. Although the Toyo Empire Navy is quite powerful. However, the Third Reich Navy was determined to win.
No matter how high the price is, victory must be achieved.
In this world, it is not just the Japanese who are not afraid of death or sacrifice. The same goes for the soldiers of the Third Reich.
Otherwise, the Third Reich Navy would not be as large as it is today, nor would it become the most powerful navy in the world. It is impossible for the Third Reich to defeat powerful opponents one after another and become the most powerful country in the world.
In the Western Pacific, a huge fleet is rapidly heading south.
This fleet is the Eastern Empire Navy Combined Fleet.
Marshal Yamamoto Isoroku did not place his headquarters on the battleship Yamato, even though the battleship was known as the flagship of the combined fleet. However, in the view of Marshal Yamamoto Isoroku, battleships are almost obsolete. In other words, it is outdated.
The combination of aircraft carriers and carrier-based aircraft is the real master of naval battles. If it weren't for the fact that the battleship faction still had a very strong influence within the Toyo Empire Navy, he would have strongly opposed the construction of Yamato-class battleships.
In his opinion, the construction of four Yamato-class battleships was a waste. If the Yamato-class battleships were not built, the remaining steel would be enough to build ten aircraft carriers.
The combat effectiveness of ten aircraft carriers is much more powerful than four Yamato-class battleships.
In addition, Marshal Yamamoto Isoroku was considered the best at using aircraft carriers in the Imperial Navy of the East. Therefore, he set up his headquarters on the aircraft carrier Taiho
"Your Excellency, Commander, according to the information we have received, the Third Reich Navy has really used all its main strength this time. The number of capital ships alone reached 45. In addition, the Kingdom of Caesar also dispatched four battleships to join in. Therefore, we have to face as many as 49 enemy capital ships. The same goes for aircraft carriers, with the number reaching 29, which is the same number as ours. However, when it comes to carrier-based aircraft, the Third Reich still has a huge advantage."Combined Fleet Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Fukurun Shigeru said.
Marshal Yamamoto Isoroku nodded:"Nagumo-kun, the pressure on the aircraft carrier formation will be very great this time!"
"Your Excellency, Marshal, the aircraft carrier formation is ready. We will do our best in this battle!"Combined Fleet Aircraft Carrier Group Commander Admiral Nagumo Chuichi looked serious.
He knew very well what a powerful opponent they were facing.
But besides fighting hard, did they have any other choice?
"very good. Every pilot must know that they are the elite of the empire. The rise and fall of the empire lies in their hands. This time, they must put life and death at risk. We must try our best to defeat the Third Reich Navy!"Marshal Yamamoto Isoroku said
"Hi, it’s Your Excellency!"General Nanyun Zhongyi replied.
"In addition, in this battle, the aircraft carriers of the Third Reich will be our priority to deal with. As long as we can destroy all the aircraft carriers of the Third Reich. Even if all our warships are lost, it is still worth it."Marshal Isoroku Yamamoto regarded the aircraft carrier formation of the Third Reich Navy as the biggest threat.
"Hi, Mr. Marshal!"General Nagumo Chuichi nodded repeatedly.
The Third Reich Navy is rushing to the Tianzhu Ocean. Similarly, the Eastern Empire Navy Combined Fleet is also rushing to the Tianzhu Ocean.
The two powerful navies, ranked first and second in the world, will next On the Tianzhu Ocean, a decisive battle broke out to determine the fate of both sides.
