Chapter 0256: The Frenzied Shipbuilding Program

"Prime Minister, since it is conceivable that the Royal Navy may lose this war, I propose we initiate contact with the Germans immediately, sacrificing certain interests to bring an end to this wretched conflict," suggested one cabinet minister.

This proposal garnered considerable support from various ministers. They believed that the Royal Navy was the backbone of the British Empire, and with the fleet faltering against the Germans, it was prudent to seek an early peace. While such a decision might entail the forfeiture of some advantages, it was better than facing utter defeat.

"Hmph! Gentlemen, you seem rather naïve. How can we end the war now? The Germans have already gained the upper hand. On both land and sea, they command the initiative. Should they secure another victory, they would win the war outright and acquire everything they desire, far exceeding any potential benefits from negotiating with us," remarked Sir Edward Grey, the Foreign Secretary.

Instantly, the ministers fell silent, recognizing that the notion of negotiating peace at this juncture was indeed fanciful. Had they been in the same position, they would undoubtedly reject the idea of negotiations.

"The Germans' ambitions are well-known. They seek to exploit this great war to vanquish us and emerge as the global hegemon. They will not relent until this objective is achieved," added Richard Haldane, the Minister of War.

"Very well, gentlemen. There is no longer any need to debate the question of war or peace. If the British Empire wishes to retain its status as a global power and safeguard its vast overseas colonies, we must continue the fight," declared Prime Minister Asquith.

"Yes, Prime Minister," replied all the cabinet ministers in unison.

"Prime Minister, how do we intend to win this war? If we lose, it will be a complete disaster," inquired Chancellor Lloyd George.

If they were to pursue the war, they needed a viable strategy for victory. What would be the point of continuing if defeat was inevitable?

Prime Minister Asquith did not respond immediately but turned to Naval Minister Churchill.

"Mr. Churchill, what are the Royal Navy's plans for securing victory in this war?" Asquith asked.

"Prime Minister, the Royal Navy has suffered significant losses. However, our core fleet remains intact. We need to restore our strength and even enhance it to defeat the Germans. Therefore, we will urgently initiate a new shipbuilding program to complete these vessels in the shortest possible time. This requires the support of the cabinet," Churchill replied.

Asquith nodded; given the substantial losses the Royal Navy had endured, it was imperative to construct additional capital ships to compensate. Accelerating the construction would entail a greater financial commitment, but they had no other options if they wished to bolster the Royal Navy and win the war.

"The Admiralty should expedite the shipbuilding plans. The cabinet will support you wholeheartedly, even if it means sacrificing everything. Regardless, we must secure victory in this war. This represents the gravest crisis the British Empire has ever faced," Asquith asserted.

"Yes, Prime Minister," Churchill affirmed, his spirits lifted. With Asquith's declaration, it was clear that their ambitious shipbuilding program would receive approval. In less than two years, the Royal Navy's might could be restored. If the war could be prolonged until then, the victors might not necessarily be the Germans.

"Gentlemen, we are at a pivotal juncture for the survival of the British Empire. We can no longer harbor any illusions about the Germans. To safeguard our interests, there is only one path forward: war. Only by defeating the Germans can we ensure the Empire's dominance. Therefore, I urge all of you to unite and exert every effort to guarantee our victory in this conflict, rather than hinder our progress," Asquith concluded.

"Yes, Prime Minister!" everyone responded, though the true thoughts in their hearts likely remained known only to themselves. In times of national peril, many would consider personal agendas.

After the meeting adjourned, Churchill wasted no time lingering in the Prime Minister's residence and immediately returned to the Admiralty. Admiral Jellicoe and naval officers were busily strategizing for the urgent construction of battleships.

The planning continued late into the night, culminating in a preliminary outline. After glancing over the proposal, Churchill hurried back to Downing Street to report to Prime Minister Asquith, eager to gain his support without delay.

Asquith, postponing his rest, specifically convened to hear Churchill's briefing.

"Prime Minister, to counter the Germans, we intend to commence the construction of the following battleships and battlecruisers within a month. Firstly, we will rebuild the 'Dreadnought' class battleship, though the design will deviate significantly from the previous iteration, incorporating enhancements to defense and propulsion akin to the 'Revenge' class. We can consider this an improved version of the 'Dreadnought.' The new 'Dreadnought' class will be equipped with triple 381 mm gun turrets, and its main armor will exceed 330 mm. We plan to construct four of these ships. Next, we will build the new 'King George V' class battleship. Although there remains one 'George V' class ship, practical experience has shown that it is inadequate against the Germans. Thus, we aim to rebuild the 'George V' battleship, matching the performance of the 'Dreadnought' class, with improvements in minor details. Following that, we will proceed with the 'Lion' class battleship, displacing over 40,000 tons and armed with three triple 406 mm turrets, with armor thickness elevated to over 380 mm. We also plan to construct four 'Lion' class battleships. In total, these three classes will comprise twelve battleships, set to commence construction within the next month. We aim to complete all within a year and a half to two years. By then, we will possess sufficient strength to confront the Germans, and defeating them may not be an impossibility," Churchill declared confidently.

Asquith nodded, understanding that the new 'King George V' and 'Dreadnought' classes would increase displacement, enhance propulsion, and armor based on the 'Revenge' class. The 'Lion' class, on the other hand, represented an entirely new design.