Chapter 0395: Collision

The 'Königsberg' light cruiser, a newly constructed vessel of the German Navy, embodies the nation's commitment to not only battleships, battlecruisers, submarines, and aircraft carriers but also to the development of smaller warships. With unprecedented financial backing, the German Navy has been able to expand its fleet, crafting numerous medium and small warships that have significantly bolstered its overall strength.

The 'Königsberg' has a displacement of 5,500 tons, armed with three triple-mounted 150 mm main guns and achieving a maximum speed of 35 knots. This speed rivals that of many destroyers. Consequently, during operations against British trade routes, this class of light cruiser was fully assigned to the interception fleet.

"Admiral, a telegram from the flagship," the communications officer reported, handing a message to a middle-aged officer.

Upon reading the telegram, the officer furrowed his brow. "General Spee certainly has high expectations of us! He wants us to intercept the American fleet. But surely, the Americans would not dare to fire upon us?" the officer murmured.

He promptly ordered the ship to change course, preparing to head towards the designated area to intercept the American fleet.

This middle-aged officer would one day become the renowned Marshal Erich Raeder, the head of the Third Reich's Navy. However, at present, Raeder, only 39 years old, served as a naval captain aboard the 'Königsberg.'

By March 2, the American fleet had approached the German-designated exclusion zone.

"General, shall we continue onward? According to the German-defined exclusion zone, we are only fifty kilometers away," a staff officer cautiously inquired.

The potential consequences of violating the German exclusion zone were uncertain. The Americans, even in their indignation, were mindful; provoking a confrontation with Germany could have dire repercussions.

"Are there any German warships in the vicinity?" asked Admiral Fletcher.

"None have been detected, sir."

Fletcher considered this and commanded, "Order the fleet to advance while remaining vigilant."

"Yes, sir," the staff officer replied, though he hesitated to carry out the order.

"To retreat meekly from an exclusion zone that the Germans have declared empty would be too humiliating. I wish to see how they respond if we enter their designated area. If we encounter a German warship, we can always withdraw," Fletcher resolved to breach the German exclusion zone, especially with no German vessels nearby.

However, as the American fleet drew within ten kilometers of the exclusion zone, a German warship appeared before them—it was the 'Königsberg.' They had already arrived in this area, but locating the American fleet had taken time, and upon discovery, they found the Americans intent on violating the exclusion zone.

"Report to the flagship immediately! We have sighted the American fleet preparing to enter our exclusion zone; we have commenced interception!" ordered Captain Raeder.

"Understood, sir."

The 'Königsberg' swiftly approached the American fleet. Although the American ships were significantly larger, they displayed remarkable bravery, seemingly undeterred.

"Admiral, we have sighted the German warship!" At the same time, the American fleet became aware of the 'Königsberg.'

"Sir, the Germans have sent a radio message asserting this is a German exclusion zone and demand our immediate withdrawal, threatening us with provocation if we do not comply."

"Hmph! Inform them this is international waters, and the U.S. Navy enjoys the freedom to navigate. They should leave at once," Fletcher commanded.

To be forced back by a mere light cruiser would be a tremendous embarrassment. After all, the American fleet boasted twelve capital ships and numerous cruisers and destroyers, capable of easily overwhelming the 'Königsberg.' Many cruisers could match its capabilities, rendering Fletcher's dismissal of the warning as the insolence of an ant provoking an elephant.

"Sir, the Americans claim this is international waters and insist we depart," the staff officer conveyed to Captain Raeder.

"International waters? What of it? Since the Empire has declared this an exclusion zone, it is ours to command. Order all turrets to target the American flagship," Raeder instructed.

"Sir, you... you don't intend to attack the American fleet, do you? They would tear us to shreds!" The staff officer's eyes flickered with alarm.

"Rest assured, this is merely a warning to the Americans," Raeder replied.

The turrets of the German cruiser turned to aim at the flagship, the 'Nevada,' infuriating Admiral Fletcher.

"Curse those Germans! What do they think they're doing? Do they really believe a single light cruiser can defeat us? Their 150 mm guns cannot breach our armor!" Fletcher scoffed.

"Order the fleet to continue onward. I want to see if the Germans dare to fire. If they do, we shall retaliate and shred them! After all, they are the ones initiating hostilities; we will merely be defending ourselves," Fletcher commanded.

Ignoring the warnings from the 'Königsberg,' the American fleet advanced, escalating the tension.

Captain Raeder's brow furrowed, but he quickly made up his mind. "Order the ships to full speed ahead. Since the Americans refuse to retreat, we shall collide with them! Our guns may not penetrate their armor, but our bow will surely breach their side!" A slight smile played at the corners of Raeder's mouth.