As the main U.S. fleet continued to move, the entire battlefield was also shifting to the north. The duel between battleships was still uneventful. On the contrary, the direct battle between the destroyer and the cruiser, the bayonet saw red, and the fight was extremely fierce.
So far, the French fleet has successfully sunk more than a dozen destroyers and cruisers of the US combined fleet, and at least a dozen warships have been severely damaged. Of course, he also suffered a great loss. Several of the 'Dolphin' class and 'Bayonet' class destroyers were sunk each, and one of the 'Light Cavalry' class light cruisers was also sunk. There are also a few battleships that were withdrawn from the battlefield due to heavy damage. The losses paid by both parties are not much different. It can be said to be evenly matched.
Although the cannon fodder of the French fleet is sharper, it can even occasionally use torpedoes to make meritorious deeds. But the U.S. fleet has a clear numerical advantage. At least twenty more destroyers and light cruisers than the French fleet. Although in the Battle of the English Channel, they also suffered heavy losses. But after returning to China, supplements were also carried out, but due to the long construction period of capital ships and heavy cruisers, they could not be supplemented in time. Destroyers and light cruisers have replenished to the level before the loss. [bsp;"General, the French have turned, and they are coming up!" The Chief of Staff of the 6th Fleet reminded Harold. At this moment, Harold had a thick gauze tied on his head, and he looked like a seriously wounded person, which looked a little funny.
"Oh? What are they trying to do! Do they want to fight us?" Harold immediately stood up and picked up the binoculars. Sure enough, the capital ships of the French Channel Fleet began to turn around one after another, actively narrowing the distance between the two sides. As the distance gets closer, the precision of the shelling is also rapidly improving.
"General, General Godfrey is calling." A staff officer reported to Harold.
"Say what?" Harold didn't answer the telegram.
"General Godfrey reminded that the French tried to prevent us from going north. There must be some conspiracy. Perhaps the French South Atlantic Fleet is about to arrive."
"I see!" Harold said coldly. He is not a fool. From the abnormal behavior of the French Channel Fleet, he can easily guess the purpose of the Channel Fleet. Before, the French fleet was obviously trying to preserve its strength, so it was unwilling to fight recklessly with the US combined fleet. But now, it seems that the United States United Fleet is about to flee, and its own reinforcements are also coming. That's why, at any cost, the United States United Fleet must be kept.
Godfrey, among the many fleet commanders of the U.S. Navy, is considered to be a person with relatively rich combat experience. Therefore, the purpose of the French Navy can be seen at a glance. However, the commander of the joint fleet this time is Harold. If it was him, he would never return to the United States along the coast, and head directly into the deep sea. The Atlantic Ocean is so big that it is not so easy for the French fleet to encircle and annihilate them.
The distance between the two sides quickly narrowed, and soon reached a distance of 10,000 meters. At this time, the French army's bombardment accuracy advantage was brought into full play. A large number of shells fell around the "Superior" and "Florida", making these two 10,000-ton giant ships look like small boats in the wind.
"Damn it, save the current course and speed, fire me, hit me hard, and sink the 'Paris'." Harold finally gave the order. The U.S. Navy quickly responded to his orders. Countless shells fired back at the 'Paris'. However, the battle line of the U.S. Combined Fleet is too long. The 10 warships added together, the battle line exceeds 4 kilometers. The 'Appalachian' and 'Rocky', which are ranked last, cannot reach the 'Paris' at all, and the 'Mississippi' and 'Ohio', which are ranked third and fourth from the bottom, are also due to the distance Too far away, it was difficult to hit the 'Paris'. In the end, these four warships each chose their opponents. This makes the "Paris" only need to face the bombardment of the 6 battleships of the US Combined Fleet.
But even so, the 'Paris' felt great pressure. A large number of shells fell around the "Paris", and the splashed water column drenched the busy sailors on the deck.
"Marshal! The 'Paris' has become the main target of American attacks. It is too dangerous. Should we temporarily distance ourselves?" Mario, the new chief of staff of the Channel Fleet, reminded.
"No! It's still too early for the Americans to sink the 'Paris'! Whether the 'Paris' is used as a shell magnet, other warships can attack them unscrupulously. Send an order and ask all ships to hit Firepower, attack the 'Superior' and 'Florida', at least, before the 'Paris' is sunk, these two warships must be sunk." Hercules said firmly. Obviously, he put his own safety at risk. The strength of the capital ships of the Straits Fleet was originally weaker than that of the US Combined Fleet. The U.S. Combined Fleet hit the 'Paris' with firepower, which happened to give other warships a chance.
"Boom!" At 2:30 in the afternoon, a 305mm naval gun fired by the "Michigan" of the US combined fleet accurately hit the "Paris". The bow of the ship was completely smashed. Fortunately, the damaged parts were above the waterline, but even so, the speed of the 'Paris' dropped by at least two knots. If it weren't for the fact that the speed of the French warships was already higher than that of the American warships, I'm afraid she wouldn't be able to keep up with the speed of the entire battle line.
Hercules and the others felt that the "Paris" was shaking violently, and everyone was really shaken to this side.
"How about the loss? Can you continue to fight?" Hercules asked, keeping his figure steady.
"The speed has dropped by two knots. Fortunately, the damage is above the waterline. Except for the damage to a few doors of auxiliary guns, the other combat power of the 'Paris' has not been damaged." The captain replied.
"Okay! Then continue to fight!" Hercules ordered.
"Very, very good! Give me a hard hit on that son of a **** and sink her completely!" Seeing that the 'Paris' was hit, Harold was on the bridge of the 'Superior', excited waving arms.
However, before he could finish his joy, the retribution had already arrived. When the U.S. Combined Fleet hit the "Paris", the "Florida" was also facing a great threat. The "Le Havre", "Orleans" and "Caen" of the French Channel Fleet launched a fierce shelling on her. The dense shells almost completely enveloped her. At this moment, the distance between the two sides has narrowed to nine kilometers. Not only the main gun, but even the secondary guns have all joined the battle.
At this moment, the superstructure of the "Florida" has been completely fired by the French fleet, which is simply horrible. No large-caliber shells hit her at all. Although she seemed to be seriously injured, she was not unable to fight persistently.
However, the next moment, the good luck of the Florida was over. The 'Orleans' and the 'Caen' hit her almost simultaneously. A 305mm naval gun of the former directly bombarded the "Florida" near the waterline of the bow, and directly tore a hole of more than five meters. A large amount of sea water frantically poured into the 'Florida', pressing her bow firmly into the water. A 305mm artillery shell fired by the "Caen" hit the stern of the "Florida". The entire stern of the ship was completely destroyed. Let the "Florida" lose its power while continuously pouring seawater. The boiler room was also broken, and a large amount of steam overflowed, scalding to death all the sailors inside.
The 'Florida', which suffered a devastating blow, began to sink slowly. Several battleships behind passed her and continued to drive forward, only sending out some lifeboats for rescue.
Five minutes later, the 'Florida' completely sank to the bottom of the sea, and half of the people were unable to escape.
After the "Florida" was sunk, the three warships behind the French battle line set their targets on the "Mississippi" that replaced her. The naval battle continued, seemingly unaffected by the sinking of the Florida. It's just that the shelling from both sides has become almost more intense.
After the distance between the two sides was shortened to 8 kilometers, even the rapid-fire artillery joined the fierce battle. It can be said that at this moment, except for the rifles, all the weapons that can be used in battle on the warships are all put into the battle.
"Boom boom boom!" A series of explosions sounded on the 'Paris'. UU Reading www.uukanshu. After the "Florida" was sunk, the United States Fleet took the "Paris" as a thorn in its side and had to sink her. At this time, the superstructure of the 'Paris' had already been almost destroyed, and even one of the chimneys was broken. It is a miracle that they can still fight until now.
The best home for soldiers is on the battlefield. Similarly, the best destination for warships is at sea. After the United States United Fleet lost the "Florida", it seems that the goddess of luck has begun to favor the Americans. The warships of the French Channel Fleet were hit repeatedly. All ships suffered more or less damage.
Suddenly, a shell hit the 'Paris', a 305mm shell fired by the 'Tennessee'. This shot happened to hit the midship of the 'Paris'. The armor of the 'Paris' was very weak, and a big hole was torn open by this shot. Start to tilt, and there is a possibility of tipping over at any time.
As a last resort, the captain of the 'Paris' finally gave the order to abandon the ship. Hercules and Mario were also transferred to the 'Amiens' to continue commanding the battle.
At this time, a large dark cloud suddenly appeared in the southern sea area. This was caused by thick smoke from a large number of warships. The South Atlantic Fleet finally arrived on the battlefield.