CHAPTER 634: CHAPTER 634: REMINDING THE GERMANS

As time went by, the key to victory in naval battles was no longer the warships themselves, but air superiority.

One of the reasons was "intelligence."

Due to the curvature of the Earth, two fleets about 40 kilometers apart couldn’t see each other because their view was blocked by the curvature of the water surface.

Initially, the solution was for sailors to climb up tall masts and use binoculars to look out; the higher you stand, the further you see.

Next, attaching balloons to warships, which could be released for reconnaissance when needed.

After that came seaplanes; battleships launched seaplanes to expand the reconnaissance range and relay intelligence back to the fleet.

However, once it reached the airplane stage, the struggle for air superiority became inevitable.

Seaplanes from both sides would fight in the air before having the chance to discover each other’s fleets.

Ultimately, the side that seized air superiority would gain the upper hand with information; they could scout the enemy’s position, adjust their tactics in time, and continuously send out fighters and bombers to attack.

The enemy fleet, on the other hand, would be like blind men, passively getting hit and wouldn’t even know the direction the enemy fleet was in.

This was the fundamental reason for the rise of modern aircraft carriers and the obsolescence of battleships.

The North Sea was particularly special, with a width of 643 kilometers. The Caproni bombers, with auxiliary fuel tanks, could scout most of it.

Thus, the entire situation of the North Sea was under its wings.

Before offering this suggestion, Shire had considered a question: if the British learned of this method and realized they could control the North Sea and block the German Navy with their capabilities, would they no longer need the French Navy and leave France aside?

In fact, General Winter’s first thought upon learning this method was exactly that.

At this time, Britain had already produced over two hundred Caproni bombers, most of which were engaged on the Western Front, but considering national needs, transferring a few dozen for Royal Navy use wouldn’t be an issue.

So, do we still need the French Navy?

Thinking of this, General Winter’s eyes blinked rapidly, occasionally sneaking a glance at Shire.

Shire knew exactly what General Winter was thinking and smiled lightly:

"General, I think it is necessary to remind you that reconnaissance with Caproni bombers is not quite the same as deciphering codes."

"Deciphering codes directly reveals the Germans’ battle plans and is not affected by night or weather."

"But bombing reconnaissance lacks these advantages."

General Winter thought for a moment and agreed that this made sense.

Obtaining the entire battle plan directly is different from just knowing the German Fleet’s position.

More importantly, on rainy, foggy, or dark nights, the reconnaissance effect would be greatly reduced.

Therefore, without the cooperation of the French Fleet, it might not work.

At this point, General Winter relaxed instead. He had been considering what excuse to "politely decline" the French Fleet’s participation, but now there was no need.

Then, Shire spread the map in front of General Winter, pointing to it and adding, "Our army can also participate in reconnaissance missions. Our bombers can take off from Antwerp Airport and scout the sea area west of Helgoland Bay."

"That’s right, Shire, good idea," General Winter nodded repeatedly; this would undoubtedly alleviate the severe shortage of British bombers.

General Winter was completely unaware that this was a trap Shire had set for the Royal Navy.

Shire’s strategic points for blocking the La Manche Strait were not three but four.

From Brest at the westernmost point to Caen to Dunkirk, these three points could only cover most of the La Manche Strait.

The fourth point, also an extremely important strategic point, was Antwerp.

Caproni bombers taking off from Antwerp could not only completely block the La Manche Strait but, if necessary, could also blockade the German Navy in the ports.

To be precise, not just blockade them in the ports, but sink the entire German Navy in the ports!

General Winter only thought it was reconnaissance, unaware that Shire was thinking of using an improved version of the Caproni, carrying torpedoes everywhere; even the powerful Royal Navy would be unable to enter the English Channel.

But this was just the first trap. What Shire really aimed to do was remind the Germans that they should also develop similar bombers for naval use.

...

In northwest Germany, on the shores of the North Sea, lay Germany’s most important port: Wilhelm Port.

Wilhelm Port had a water depth of 18 meters, the Yade Bay was expansive, never freezing or silting up, making it the main military port of the German High Seas Fleet.

(The yellow dot in the image above indicates the location of Wilhelm Port)

In the command office of the military port, the radio kept ringing, and documents were delivered to Fleet Commander Admiral Scheer’s hands like snowflakes.

Admiral Scheer looked at the telegrams, a slight smile appearing on his face as the German High Seas Fleet achieved several successful sorties.

Although the achievements weren’t significant, they undoubtedly marked a good beginning.

As long as this advantage was maintained, over time, the gap with the Royal Navy would narrow.

One day, we will break through the British blockade, Admiral Scheer resolved silently.

At the same time, he sighed inwardly: Fajin Han showed some wisdom. Or rather, it was Shire’s wisdom; Fajin Han had merely learned a bit from Shire’s tactics.

What kind of person is this, Major General Scheer couldn’t help but wonder about Shire.

Even with just a little overflow of his tactics to Fajin Han, it became a winning strategy for the German Navy!

And before this, the German Navy, plagued by the Royal Navy’s blockade, hadn’t known what to do.

At that moment, an officer came forward to report: "General, we have intelligence that the French Navy has left port. A fleet stationed at Brest Military Port has entered the English Channel, seemingly to reinforce the North Sea."

Admiral Scheer’s brows furrowed: "The French Navy?"

Colonel Maxim, the staff officer, analyzed: "General, I don’t think the French Navy will make much difference. They are bound to reveal weaknesses, and another fleet won’t solve it."

Admiral Scheer shook his head lightly: "It’s not just the French Fleet, Maxim, it’s also Shire, and his new invention."

Maxim fell silent.

Another fleet might not matter, but if it involved Shire and a bunch of submarines for detection, it would pose significant trouble for the High Seas Fleet.

However, this was just the beginning.

Soon, a communications soldier ran in with a telegram, reporting in a panic: "General, the Third Task Fleet has spotted French bombers."

"Bombers?" Admiral Scheer looked at the communications soldier in shock: "Are they bombing our warships?"

"No, General," the communications soldier replied, "they are circling our fleet."

Admiral Scheer was stunned; his expression changed abruptly.

Those bastards, they’re using the bombers as reconnaissance planes!