Chapter 1127: When Disaster Strikes, Each Flies for Themselves
Several satin-like white clouds floated in the azure sky. Waves rolled across the boundless sea, and in the distance, sky and ocean had completely merged into one.
Through high-powered binoculars, several tiny specks could vaguely be seen on the line where sea met sky, rising and falling with the wolfish waves as though they might vanish into them at any moment.
The reconnaissance planes had long since sent back their intelligence. Arest was not at all surprised by the enemy's appearance. The fleet had already formed its battle formation and was simply waiting for the enemy to come.
"Order the fleet to prepare for battle. Notify the air force that they may take off!"
Closer—closer still. Then the roar of cannon fire erupted. Fighters from the carriers in the rear also took off one after another, forming chevron formations as they flew above the Anglo-Japanese fleet. A most unusual welcome ceremony had begun.
Dumplings stuffed with explosions rained down from the sky, battering the Anglo-Japanese Combined Fleet senseless. Coming to his senses, Admiral Michel hurriedly ordered, "Anti-aircraft fire! Organize anti-aircraft fire, quickly!"
Unfortunately, it was all futile. The Royal Navy had experienced every kind of naval battle, but it had never tasted the flavor of being bombed by aircraft.
Their so-called anti-aircraft firepower was, in truth, mostly intended for airships. Airships were large enough to drop enormous bombs weighing several tons; even the impact alone could smash a warship into trouble.
As for the threat posed by airplanes, regrettably, the Royal Navy had based its estimates on its own air force. While ensuring sufficient flight range, a plane could carry at most several hundred kilograms of munitions.
Overall, that estimate was sound. Even Holy Roman Empire's most advanced bombers could