Chapter 396： Impact (seeking monthly ticket)

The light cruiser 'Konigsberg' is a new cruiser built by the German Navy. While Qin Tian paid attention to the construction of battleships, battlecruisers, submarines and aircraft carriers, he also attached great importance to the construction of small and medium-sized warships. Coupled with the unprecedented ample funding of the German Navy, the German Navy built a large number of capital ships while also building many small and medium-sized warships, which made the overall strength of the German Navy continue to rise.

The light cruiser 'Konigsberg' has a displacement of 5,500 tons, is equipped with three triple-mounted 150mm main guns, and has a maximum speed of 35 knots. This speed is not inferior to some destroyers. Therefore, during the break-up war against Britain, all light cruisers of this class were assigned to the break-up fleet.

"Sir, the flagship's telegram." The communications officer handed a telegram to a middle-aged officer.

The middle-aged officer took a look at the telegram and frowned involuntarily.

"General Spee really thinks highly of us! He actually asked us to intercept the American fleet. But the Americans shouldn't dare to open fire on us, right?" the middle-aged officer murmured.

Immediately, he ordered the battleship to turn around immediately, preparing to go to the predetermined sea area to intercept the US fleet.

This middle-aged officer is none other than the well-known Marshal Erich Raeder in later generations. Head of the Navy of the Third Reich. However, the current Erich Raeder is far from growing up. At the age of 39, he is just a lieutenant colonel in the navy, serving as the captain of the light cruiser "Konigsberg".

On March 2, the US fleet approached the no-fly zone designated by Germany.

"General, shall we continue to move forward? According to the no-fly zone designated by the Germans, we are only 50 kilometers away from them." A staff officer asked cautiously.

After all, it is very difficult to say what kind of reaction the Germans will have if they forcibly break into Germany's no-fly zone. If it is not done well, it will directly attack them. After the German Navy has demonstrated its extremely powerful strength, the generals of the US Navy, even if they are very angry in their hearts, have to think twice at the same time. Once the battle with Germany is detonated, the consequences are not something he can bear.

"Are there any German warships nearby?" Admiral Fletcher asked.

"General, no German warships were found nearby."

Admiral Fletcher thought for a while, and then said: "Command the fleet to move forward, and at the same time, guard the surroundings."

"Yes, General." Although the staff officer was a little hesitant about this order, he still carried it out meticulously.

"In the face of the no-fly zone of the Germans, it would be too shameful to withdraw back in such a desperate way. I want to see what they can do to us when we enter the no-fly zone of the Germans. If you run into a German warship, at worst, just get out." Admiral Fletcher had already made up his mind to break into the no-sail zone designated by Germany. Especially when there are no German warships around, this is undoubtedly an excellent opportunity.

However, when the U.S. fleet was more than ten kilometers away from the no-navigation zone designated by Germany, a German warship appeared in front of them. This German battleship is the light cruiser 'Konigsberg'. They have rushed to this sea area before. However, it took a while to search for the traces of the US fleet. When they found the US fleet, they found that the US fleet was actually trying to break into the no-fly zone designated by Germany.

"Report to the flagship immediately, we have discovered the US fleet. The Americans are preparing to break into our no-navigation zone, and our ship has begun to intercept!" Lieutenant Colonel Erich Raeder ordered.

"Yes, sir."

The light cruiser 'Konigsberg' quickly greeted the US fleet. Although, the warships of the US fleet are much larger than the 'Konigsberg'. However, they acted very bravely, as if they were not afraid at all.

"General, a German warship has been spotted!" At the same time, the US fleet also spotted the light cruiser 'Konigsberg'.

"General, the Germans sent a clear telegram by radio, claiming that this is a no-navigation zone designated by Germany, and requesting us to evacuate this sea area immediately. Otherwise, it will be a provocation to Germany."

"Huh! Tell them, this is the high seas, and the U.S. Navy has freedom of navigation. Let them leave immediately." Admiral Fletcher ordered.

If they were forced back by a light cruiser of the German Navy, it would be too embarrassing. After all, there are as many as 12 capital ships in the US fleet, and there are countless other cruisers and destroyers. Those capital ships can easily tear the light cruiser 'Konigsberg' into pieces. Even among those cruisers, there are quite a few that can rival the 'Konigsberg'. Therefore, Admiral Fletcher took the warning of the light cruiser "Konigsberg" as a provocation from ants to elephants.

"Sir, the Americans say this is the 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 a no-navigation zone, we have the final say here. Order the turrets to aim at the American flagship." Lieutenant Colonel Erich Raeder ordered .

"Sir, you...you don't want to attack the US fleet, do you? They will tear us to pieces." A fright flashed in the staff officer's eyes.

"Don't worry, this is just a warning to the Americans." Lieutenant Colonel Erich Raeder ordered.

The turret of the light cruiser of the German Navy turned and aimed at the USS Nevada, the flagship of the US fleet, which made Admiral Fletcher even more angry.

"Damn the Germans, what do they want? Are they so arrogant that a light cruiser can defeat us? Their 150mm main guns can't even tear our armor!" Admiral Fletcher sneered.

"Order the fleet and continue sailing. I want to see if the Germans dare to open fire. If they fire, immediately return fire and tear them apart! Anyway, they attacked us first, and we are only fighting back in self-defense." Admiral Fletcher gave the order.

The US fleet ignored the warning of the light cruiser "Konigsberg" and continued to advance, which made the situation even more tense.

Lieutenant Colonel Erich Raeder also frowned tightly. However, he quickly made up his mind.

"Order the battleship to advance at full speed. Since the Americans will not retreat, we will hit them! Our naval guns cannot tear their armor. However, our bow can definitely tear their side armor." There was a smile on Lieutenant Colonel Erich Raeder's mouth.