"Prime Minister, we have reached an agreement with the Americans. Starting tomorrow, the Atlantic Fleet will come under American command until this battle is over," Sir Dudley Pound reported to Prime Minister Churchill.
Prime Minister Churchill nodded. Handing command of their own fleet over to the Americans left a bitter taste in his mouth. But to ensure their own safety, this was the only thing they could do now. Britain simply could not contend with the Germans on its own. Otherwise, they would not have humbled themselves like this.
"Who will command this operation against the Germans? Will it still be General Nimitz?" Prime Minister Churchill asked.
Sir Dudley Pound shook his head. "The American commander is Admiral Ernest King."
Prime Minister Churchill could not help frowning at that. Clearly, he believed Admiral Nimitz was more qualified to command the fleets of both nations. Although Admiral Nimitz had been defeated in the Battle of the Azores, that defeat had also given him a clearer understanding of the German fleet. That would undoubtedly give them better odds in this naval battle.
"It seems the factional struggles within the American Navy are quite fierce as well. After his defeat in the Battle of the Azores, Admiral Nimitz will find it difficult to get another chance to command a fleet," Prime Minister Churchill said.
Sir Dudley Pound nodded. "Yes. May God bless us. Let us hope our fleet can defeat the Germans in this naval battle!"
Prime Minister Churchill himself had prayed to God more times than he could count. But he knew that if Britain was to be preserved, prayers to God alone were clearly unrealistic. In the end, they would still have to rely on their own strength.
"Tell the Army to speed things up and send more troops to Newfoundland.