The three triple-mounted 380mm Main Guns of the battleship Bavaria were firing furiously. Every salvo could hurl more than ten tons of High-Explosive Shells onto São Miguel Island.
After the shells exploded, towering columns of smoke rose into the air. The island was filled with flying sand and stones, and no one knew how many US Marine Corps officers and soldiers had died beneath the German Navy's fierce bombardment.
The other Capital Ships were firing as well. At this moment, São Miguel Island had become like hell itself. Craters of every size covered the ground, while severed limbs and broken bodies were flung everywhere. It was clear just how terrible a price the US Marine Corps personnel on the island had paid under the German Navy's ferocious shelling.
"Keep a close watch on the surrounding area. The moment the Americans are spotted, notify the Carrier Fleet at once!" Vice Admiral Burdick, Commander of the German Atlantic Fleet, ordered.
Although the Atlantic Fleet's eight Capital Ships were all powerful warships that had won illustrious victories for the German Navy, Vice Admiral Burdick had no desire to see his fleet suffer grievous losses. The American fleet's Capital Ships were no easy opponents. In particular, its four Colorado-class battleships, armed with 45-caliber 406mm main guns, were exceptionally formidable. Even the heavily armored Bavaria-class battleships might not be able to withstand them.
Besides, the American fleet held the advantage in numbers. Therefore, Vice Admiral Burdick would rather wait until the Carrier Fleet's carrier-based aircraft had mauled the American fleet before launching an attack. Beating a dog that had fallen into the water would certainly cost far less than confronting the Americans head-on.
"Yes, General." The staff officer relayed the order.
Though Vice Admiral Burdick felt somewhat stifled at being used as bait, he did