'Königsberg' number Light Cruiser is a new cruiser built by German Navy. While Oscar attaches great importance to the construction of Battleship, Battlecruiser, submarines and aircraft carriers, it also attaches great importance to the construction of small and medium-sized warships. In addition, German Navy's funds were unprecedentedly abundant, so while German Navy was building Capital Ships in large quantities, it also built many small and medium-sized warships, which made German Navy's overall strength continue to rise.
'Königsberg' No. Light Cruiser, with a displacement of 5,500 tons, is equipped with three triple-mounted 150mm Main Gun, and has a maximum speed of 35 knots. This kind of speed is not inferior to that of some destroyers. Therefore, when fighting Britain, all Light Cruiser of this level were assigned to Commerce Raiding Fleet.
"Sir, the flagship is Telegram." Communications Officer handed a copy of Telegram into the hands of a middle-aged officer.
The middle-aged officer took a look at Telegram and frowned.
"Admiral Spee really thinks highly of us! He actually asked us to intercept American fleet. However, Americans shouldn't dare to fire on us, right?" the middle-aged officer murmured.
Immediately, he ordered the warship to turn immediately and prepare to go to the predetermined sea area to intercept American fleet.
This middle-aged officer was none other than Erich Marshal Raeder, who would become famous in later generations. The leader of the third Imperial Navy. However, the current Erich Raeder is far from growing up. Now 39 years old, he is just a Navy Lieutenant Colonel, serving as the captain of the Light Cruiser named 'Königsberg'.
On March 2, American fleet has approached Prohibited Navigation Zone defined by Germany.
"General, do we want to continue moving forward? According to the Prohibited Navigation Zone delineated by the Germany people, we are only fifty kilometers away from them." A staff officer asked carefully.
After all, it's hard to say how Germany people would react if they forced their way into Germany's Prohibited Navigation Zone. If things go wrong, they will attack them directly. After German Navy has shown its extremely powerful strength, the generals of American Navy, even though they are very angry, have to think twice. Once the battle with Germany breaks out, the consequences will not be something he can bear.
"Is there German warship nearby?" Admiral Fletcher asked.
"General, German warship was not found nearby."
Admiral Fletcher thought for a while, and then said, "Order the fleet to continue moving forward, and at the same time, guard the surrounding areas."
"Yes, General." Although the staff officer was a little hesitant about the order, he still carried out the order meticulously.
"Facing the Prohibited Navigation Zone of the Germany people, it would be too shameful to just withdraw in vain. I would like to see the Prohibited Navigation Zone of the Germany people., What can they do to us? If you encounter German warship, the worst thing you can do is quit. "Admiral Fletcher has made up his mind to break into Prohibited Navigation Zone designated by Germany. Especially when there is no German warship around, this is undoubtedly an excellent opportunity.
However, when American fleet was still more than ten kilometers away from Prohibited Navigation Zone designated by Germany, a German warship appeared in front of them. This ship German warship is the 'Königsberg' number Light Cruiser. They had arrived at this sea area before. However, it took a while to search for traces of American fleet. When they found American fleet, they found that American fleet was actually trying to break into Prohibited Navigation Zone designated by Germany.
"Report to the flagship immediately, we have discovered American fleet. Americans is preparing to break into our Prohibited Navigation Zone, and our ship has begun to intercept!" Lieutenant Colonel Erich Raeder ordered.
"Yes, sir."
'Königsberg', number Light Cruiser, quickly greeted American fleet. Although, the battleships of American fleet are much larger than the 'Königsberg'. However, they acted very bravely, as if they were not afraid at all.
"General, German warship was discovered!" At the same time, American fleet also discovered the number 'Königsberg' Light Cruiser.
"General, the Germany people sent a clear code Telegram over the radio, claiming that this is the Prohibited Navigation Zone designated by Germany, and asking us to evacuate this sea area immediately. Otherwise, it will be a provocation to Germany."
"Hmph! Tell them that this is the high seas and American Navy has freedom of navigation. Let them leave immediately." Admiral Fletcher ordered.
It would be too shameful if they were forced to retreat by a Light Cruiser from German Navy. After all, there are as many as 12 Capital Ships among American fleet, and there are countless other cruisers and destroyers. Those Capital Ships can easily tear into pieces 'Königsberg' number Light Cruiser. Even among those cruisers, there are many that can rival the 'Königsberg'. Therefore, Admiral Fletcher regarded the warning of 'Königsberg' number Light Cruiser as a provocation from an ant to an elephant.
"Sir, Americans said this is high seas, let us leave." The staff officer ordered Lieutenant Colonel Erich Raeder.
"High seas? So what. After the Empire has designated this place as Prohibited Navigation Zone, we have the final say here. Order each turret to aim at Americans's flagship." Lieutenant Colonel Erich Raeder ordered.
"Sir, you... you don't want to attack American fleet. They will tear us into pieces." A flash of Panic flashed in the staff officer's eyes.
"Don't worry, this is just a warning Americans." Lieutenant Colonel Erich Raeder ordered.
German Navy's Light Cruiser turret rotated and actually aimed at American fleet's flagship 'Nevada' number Battleship. This made Admiral Fletcher even more angry.
"Damn Germany people, what do they want to do? Are they so arrogant that one Light Cruiser can defeat us? Their 150mm Main Gun can't even tear through our armor!" Admiral Fletcher sneered.
"Order the fleet to continue sailing. I want to see if the Germany people dare to fire. If they fire, immediately fight back and tear them apart! Anyway, they were the first to attack us, and we were just fighting back in self-defense." Admiral Fletcher gave the order.
American fleet ignored the warning of 'Königsberg' number Light Cruiser and continued to move forward, which made the situation even more tense.
Lieutenant Colonel Erich? Raeder's brows also knitted together tightly. However, he soon made up his mind.
"Order the battleship to advance at full speed. Since Americans will not retreat, then we will hit them! Our Naval Gun cannot tear apart their armor. However, our bow can definitely tear through their side armor." Lieutenant Colonel Erich Raeder had a smile on his lips.