Capítulo 122: Chapter 200 Actions on All Fronts
"Extra! Extra! Naval Victory!"
In the streets of Berlin, several newsboys were shouting at the top of their lungs. Today's newspapers were exceptionally popular; within two blocks of leaving the printing press, they were sold out. The newsboys had already run back to the press twice, and their pockets were jingling with coins.
This piece of news undoubtedly boosted the confidence and morale of the German people to new heights.
It's worth noting that since the large-scale naval battle between the British Navy and the Spanish Armada in 1588, which ended in the complete defeat of the Armada, the British Empire had firmly established itself as the world's leading naval power. This dominance continued until the 20th century.
Any achievement against the Royal Navy, no matter how small, would thrill the navy of any country. Because no country had ever been able to challenge the maritime supremacy of the British at sea, even Napoleon, who dominated Europe, had no good solution when facing the Royal Navy.
The Battle of Trafalgar between the two sides signaled the shattering of Napoleon's plans to conquer Britain, and thereafter, on the seas, no country dared to challenge the maritime supremacy of the British.
A century later, as a rising empire, as a nation dissatisfied with the status quo, Germany, replacing France, once again challenged British maritime supremacy. After the ascent of Wilhelm II to the throne, preparations to expand the navy began immediately, and by the time of World War I, the German navy had become the second-largest in the world, with the High Seas Fleet ranking as the second-largest fleet globally, second only to the British Home Fleet.
The German navy of that time could have sailed around the world with ease. Unfortunately, the unfavorable geographical situation left this second-largest navy in the world blocked at its doorstep by the world's largest navy.
The German navy certainly made efforts. The Battle of Jutland was a testament to Germany's efforts to break the British blockade.
In the end, Admiral Scheer's German High Seas Fleet, with relatively fewer tonnages of ships, sank more British ships, achieving a tactical victory. Admiral Jellicoe's Royal Navy Home Fleet successfully blockaded the German navy in German ports, rendering the latter almost ineffective in the later stages of the war, thereby achieving a strategic victory.
And today, Germany has finally wiped away the past humiliation, sinking so many British capital ships at once, genuinely stirring people's excitement.
On the streets, in cafes, in shopping malls, no matter when or where, whether it's acquaintances or strangers, as soon as this matter is mentioned, everyone immediately engages in lively discussions. People mock the ignorant Brits. Just yesterday, the Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a final warning, and these clueless Brits ignored it, not expecting retribution so soon. Everyone can't help but exclaim, "So the invincible Royal Navy also has days like today!"
On the radio, broadcasters passionately report this news, making people's blood boil.
Inside the Imperial Navy Department, Raeder has already moved beyond the initial shock, looking at the equally astonished Lütjens, Lindemann, and others. "This is a significant victory."
Lütjens looks unbelieving. "How is this possible? Just with a submarine, it can sink so many warships? It's simply inconceivable."
"Perhaps they used some secret weapon. But that's not important. The fleet must set sail as soon as possible. If these submarine attacks continue, there won't be any surface ships left in this war." This surprise attack caught even the Chief of Naval Staff off guard. Raeder is genuinely worried that if the submarine fleet achieves several more victories like this, he might have to relinquish his seat as Chief of Naval Staff.
In contrast to the gloomy atmosphere at the Imperial Navy Department, the mood in the British Prime Minister's office across the channel was downright despairing.
Prime Minister Chamberlain's hands on the conference table couldn't control their slight tremble. He looked at the people in the meeting room and struggled to speak, "Let's discuss what to do next."
Everyone present had gloomy faces, and no one took the initiative to speak.
When had the British Empire suffered such losses? It was as if it were the first time since the dawn of time.
After waiting for a while with no one breaking the silence, Chamberlain turned to Churchill beside him. "Winston, how did the enemy attack exactly?"
Churchill, with a troubled expression, shook his head. "We don't have precise information yet. According to Commander Hebrew's judgment before his death, it should be the enemy's submarines." Despite the consecutive explosions of warships, the search destroyers found no traces.
Just then, a secretary rushed in anxiously. "Prime Minister, Prime Minister, there's news!"
Chamberlain reacted. "What news?"
The secretary went straight to the radio in the corner, turned it on, and adjusted a few channels. Accompanied by the crackling noise of electric currents, the radio broadcasted enthusiastic German in a fervent tone.
Although most people couldn't understand German, they could tell from the broadcaster's tone that something important was being conveyed.
Fortunately, the secretary translated on the side. "They say last night, a U-boat secretly infiltrated Scapa Flow and sank..." He paused for a moment and sorrowfully continued, "The Germans now know the detailed information about our warships being sunk or damaged."
The meeting room instantly exploded.
"A single submarine?"
"How is that possible?!"
"How did a submarine slip into Scapa Flow?" No one believed that a single submarine could accomplish this. In their view, even if it were a submarine, it was impossible without a dozen acting together.
But now, the Germans claimed only one submarine?!
Are they kidding?!
"Could it be that the Germans have developed some new type of submarine, capable of absolute silence and immune to sonar searches?" A general couldn't help muttering.
Hearing this, several naval officers exchanged knowing glances and nodded tacitly. Such technology was simply fantastical and utterly impossible.
Churchill slowly spoke, "The biggest problem now is how we inform the public about this matter."
Everyone's faces darkened again.
This matter couldn't be concealed; after all, the sinking of several capital ships and the casualties of thousands of officers and men couldn't possibly be kept secret. If it were hidden, it might lead to serious consequences. But if it weren't hidden, the resulting turmoil wouldn't be small either.
Chamberlain asked, "Share your opinions."
Churchill sighed. "My opinion is not to cover anything up, directly announce the losses as soon as possible. Moreover, we need to quickly implement 'Plan R4' and 'Plan R5.' Only by ending this war as soon as possible can we regain the support of the people."
The so-called "Plan R4" is the British invasion of the neutral country Norway. The purpose of this operation is to prevent Germany from obtaining Swedish iron ore. The British high command estimates that the Norwegian government will not object to the landing of British troops, as Norway has informally assured them of this before.
"Plan R5" involves bombing Romanian oil fields. Currently, almost all of the German oil resources come from Romania. Once the Romanian oil fields are destroyed, it's just a matter of time before the German armored forces are paralyzed on a large scale. Moreover, Greece is an ally of Britain, and British bombers can take off from Greece to bomb the Romanian oil fields.
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