Downing Street, Prime Minister's residence, the atmosphere in the conference room was quite solemn.
Prime Minister Asquith sat in his seat, his face ashen and silent. The other Cabinet officials also looked very unhappy. Only First Sea Lord Churchill stood and introduced everyone to the failure of this naval battle.
"So far, we have lost the numbers Battlecruiser, 'HMS Indefatigable', 'Australia', and 'Indefatigable'. Battleship 'Audacious' number, 'Centurion' number, 'Ajax' number, 'Iron Duke' number, 'Z HMS Marlborough' number, 'HMS Benbow' number and 'HMS Emperor of India' number. In addition, 'Indomitable' number Battlecruiser' number. 'King George V' No. Battleship suffered heavy damage, and it is expected to take three months of repairs before it can regain its combat effectiveness," Churchill introduced to everyone with an expressionless face. Not even pronouncing the name Battleship or Battlecruiser made his heart feel like he was bleeding. These are the main battleships of Royal Navy! After losing these battleships, Royal Navy may be in danger.
"Why did we lose so much?" Prime Minister Asquith asked. This is also a common question shared by other Cabinet members. Everyone believed that Royal Navy could not suffer such a big loss. This is definitely the biggest loss Royal Navy has suffered in these years.
"Prime Minister, I am more responsible for this problem. It is mainly due to two reasons. On the one hand, the Germany people have also made preparations for our plan this time. They ambush three ships equipped with 380mm Main Gun's Battlecruiser. This was the main culprit that directly led to the annihilation of our four 'Iron Duke-class' and Battleship. Another aspect was that there was a fundamental problem with our shipbuilding thinking. In the past, when we were building battleships, we focused on firepower and speed and underestimated defense. But in naval battles, this problem is fatal. Our main guns cannot penetrate the German warship's armor, so naturally they cannot severely damage or sink them. "Germany's main gun can easily penetrate the armor of our warship, causing our warship to be severely damaged or sunk. That's why we lost so miserably in this naval battle." Churchill explained.
"How could this happen? Why didn't we notice these problems beforehand? What does the intelligence department do? Germany people serve warships equipped with 380mm Main Gun, but we are kept in the dark." Prime Minister Asquith said angrily.
The head of the intelligence department lowered his head in shame, because the mistakes of the intelligence department caused Royal Navy to pay such heavy losses. It was obvious that he was done. Next, I'm afraid he will be directly dismissed from his post by Prime Minister Asquith.
"How come the design problems of the battleship are only exposed now? Are all the previous arguments in vain?" Prime Minister Asquith was very angry. You know, British Navy's battleships, whether they are Battleship or Battlecruiser, are all built according to the idea of valuing firepower and speed and despising defense! Doesn't this show that once these warships go to the battlefield, they will not be the opponents of the Germany people? How can we continue this battle? Just give in to Germany people.
Churchill For a moment, I didn't know how to answer. British Navy It has been a long time since we established the idea of building ships that emphasizes firepower and speed and despises defense. It is almost impossible to hold people accountable now.
"Mr. Churchill, this time we have lost so many Capital Ships, doesn't that mean that Royal Navy can no longer defeat Germany people? Will we lose this decisive battle?" Foreign Minister Edward? Sir Gray asked.
The other Cabinet Ministers also looked at Churchill, and everyone was thinking about this question. British Empire As the world's overlords, they Cabinet Minister are also people with great power. But if Royal Navy loses this decisive battle, then British Empire may have to give up his position as world hegemon. By then, people like them, let alone continue to be in power. I'm afraid those angry people will directly drive them off stage and tear them into pieces!
"Prime Minister, Your Excellencies, I have to tell you. This time, Royal Navy is probably really in big trouble. In addition to the loss of the 'Lion' number Battlecruiser, we have already lost eleven Capital Ships is already damaged, and Royal Navy is already exhausted. If the Germany people want to fight us at this time, we may really lose." Churchill said.
As soon as Churchill finished speaking, the Cabinet members started talking about it. Everyone's faces were very ugly, even full of Panic expressions. This result is obviously unacceptable to everyone. They don't want Royal Navy to really lose. Once lost, it will be a fatal blow to the British Empire.
"Mr. Churchill, don't we also have 'Queen Elizabeth-class' Battleship and 'Revenge-class' Battleship that will be in service soon? Those are all equipped with 381mm Main Gun's powerful Battleship is definitely no longer as powerful as German warship. Even so, will we all lose?" Chancellor of the Exchequer Lloyd? George asked.
"'Queen Elizabeth-class' Battleship and 'Revenge-class' Battleship are indeed not weak, but they still have the disadvantage of too weak defense. What's more, even if we have these ten Battleship equipped with 381mm Main Gun. But the Germany people will definitely have no less than this number of battleships equipped with 380mm Main Gun. In terms of the number and combat effectiveness of Capital Ships, we have been completely surpassed by the Germany people!" Churchill replied sadly.
"God! How is this possible?"
"Is Royal Navy going to lose the future war? Royal Navy is number one in the world and is the backbone of the British Empire! Royal Navy absolutely cannot lose."
"Royal Navy If we lose the war, what should we do? Can sea power still be guaranteed? Can our vast colonies be defended? If we lose sea power and overseas colonies, will British Empire still be British Empire?"
The ministers of British Cabinet all started talking, and they all thought about the serious consequences that would happen if Royal Navy lost the war. Such consequences are obviously something they are unwilling to accept.
Prime Minister Asquith, his face was even darker, as if he was the bottom of a pot. He felt that he was so unlucky. Why did World War break out during his term? Britain might lose? In that case, wouldn't he become Prime Minister who ruined British Empire's dominance? I'm afraid he will become a sinner through the ages. If possible, he would have given up his career immediately.