That Time When I Was Suddenly Reincarnated in a Fleet Battle

Chapter 54 - British Battleship Force Destroyed

Even Admiral Somerville, who remained steadfast in his confident posture even as sixteen cruisers and destroyers exploded and burned, had now gone beyond mere caution and was prepared for the worst. This was because four of the seven battleships that had been the pillar of his fleet had been torpedoed. As a result, the naval strength ratio between the British and Japanese battleships, which should have been seven to four, had now reversed to three to four.

Even so, if it were just a matter of numbers, there was still a fighting chance. However, the Japanese side had two super-sized new battleships, while all of Somerville's were outdated. In terms of individual ship combat capabilities, the advantage was clearly on the Japanese side. Since the odds of winning had almost disappeared, the correct decision now was to retreat without taking unnecessary risks. In military operations, retreat was one of the options and not necessarily shameful. However, under the current circumstances, it was not a feasible option.

If the remaining battleships were to retreat, the Japanese battleships, now targeting damaged ships like Rodney, Resolution, Royal Sovereign, and Revenge, would turn their guns toward them. With large breaches below the waterline causing a decrease in speed and the inability to hold level, these four ships would be unable to outshoot the Japanese battleships.

"Nelson, target the first ship, Warspite and Ramillies target the second ship. Let's take care of the big ones first."

Following the theory of group warfare to eliminate the greatest threat first, Somerville instructed the gunnery targets for his three remaining battleships. Leaving Nagato and Mutsu untouched was somewhat unwelcome, but neutralizing the two giant enemy battleships took precedence. The main guns of the new enemy battleships were undoubtedly 17 inches, possibly even 18 inches, larger than those of the Nagato-class. Even amateurs could quickly understand the impact of such huge shells. After issuing the orders, Somerville directed his binoculars toward the direction of the enemy ships. In the next moment, an unusual vibration ran through the bridge. The tremor was so intense that even those on the verge of falling were affected.

"What happened?"

In response to Somerville's question, the captain of the Nelson tried to assess the situation. Shortly after, the captain, who had received a report from subordinates investigating the situation, turned pale and faced Somerville.

"We've been hit on the top of the bridge. Switching to the backup fire control center."

With the concise report from the Nelson's captain, Somerville understood everything.

It was him. The entity known as Jun, who claimed to be a divine servant. Just like in the Second Battle of Midway, he had blown away the top of the bridge and dealt a severe blow to the Nelson's fire control system.

The situation was hopeless. The crucial part of the fire control system on the Nelson had been destroyed. Furthermore, they were exposed by the light bullets released persistently by the seaplanes circling around them. On the other hand, the Japanese fleet still lurked in the darkness, making accurate targeting extremely difficult. Mockingly, as if taunting their predicament from all sides, the four Japanese battleships began to open fire. The presence of the British battleships was undoubtedly exposed by the light bullets overhead. And being taken by surprise in a close-range artillery duel made it equivalent to defeat. Continuing the fight in this state, with the side inferior in numbers and quality, overturning the disadvantageous situation was nearly impossible. Somerville realized the defeat of the Eastern Fleet.

"We have lost. But it's not to the Japanese Navy. It's that devil. In the Japanese Navy, there exists a devil named Jun. He spits out precisely accurate red flaming shells and manipulates white light bullets that expose everything."

In an effort to at least leave behind information and lessons learned, Somerville transmitted as much as possible to his allies. However, he couldn't convey everything he wanted to say. This was because, at close range, a 46 cm shell from the Musashi hit directly below the first turret of the Nelson, easily penetrating the armor and diving into the main ammunition storage. A few moments later, the delayed-action fuzes of the shell activated, releasing an unprecedented explosion energy. The intense shock and immense heat caused the entire stock of 40 cm shells in the ammunition storage to explode. Unable to withstand the internal blast pressure, the Nelson was enveloped in flames and smoke, becoming a torch on the ocean.

Around the same time, the Warspite was also struck by a 46 cm shell from the Yamato, and the Ramillies was relentlessly showered with 41 cm shells from both the Nagato and Mutsu, resulting in a massive fire. It was evident that neither ship could be saved.

Seeing this, Vice Admiral Nagumo issued new orders, "All 1st Battleship Division ships, destroy the damaged enemy ships. From left to right, Musashi, Yamato, Nagato, and Mutsu, strike your respective targets. Leave none of them alive."

The somewhat ruthless order was given to fulfill the advice received from Jun.

"The commanders of the Imperial Navy are somewhat indifferent. It's not that they are inadequate in delivering the coup de grace or can't finish off the enemy when they have the chance. In any case, when you have the advantage and are advancing the battle with ease, thoroughly corner and annihilate the enemy without hesitation."

Initially, Vice Admiral Nagumo thought Jun was referring to not launching the third attack group during the attack on Pearl Harbor, but apparently, that was not the case. Jun had said that, given the situation of the 1st Air Fleet at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor, it was reasonable to withdraw at once. Though Jun didn't mention specific names, he spoke of multiple contemptible officers in the Imperial Navy. However, he added: "Nagumo-san is by no means a coward. He's just overly cautious."

Recalling Jun's words, Vice Admiral Nagumo, with a slight smile, gazed at the British battleship at the far left that he had newly targeted. The battleship took an oxygen torpedo. A radiant light emerged above her, a sign that Jun had considerately fired another light bullet. Three more bursts of light followed, clearly outlining the silhouette of the British battleship beneath. The Musashi, Yamato, Nagato, and Mutsu roared as they aimed at the crippled British battleship. Vice Admiral Nagumo had no intention of letting up until the last British battleship sank.