I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 793: Route Security

The actual combat results exceeded Admiral Scheer’s imagination.

Admiral Scheer formulated a very detailed battle plan.

The total distance from Hamburg to Bergen Port is 800 kilometers, exactly the range that a "UWD" seaplane with auxiliary fuel tanks can cover for a one-way trip, but a round trip is impossible, not to mention patrolling over the target sea area.

However, the "UWD" is a seaplane.

The advantage of a seaplane is that it can land on the sea surface, and it can be refueled by warships or even submarines, and if necessary, replenishment ships can attach torpedoes or replace pilots.

This solves the problem of insufficient range and payload.

Admiral Scheer even considered that if these seaplanes malfunction during high-intensity missions, it would be very difficult to retrieve them for repairs.

Therefore, spare parts and repair personnel were prepared in the supply submarines to maintain and service them at sea.

The greatest difficulty is the North Sea’s sea conditions; if the wind and waves are too strong for seaplanes to land for refueling, it is almost impossible for them to return to Germany without fuel.

But eager to break the blockade, Admiral Scheer dispatched the seaplanes overnight, regardless of these risks.

At dawn the next day, a completely unprepared British fleet was attacked by torpedoes from the seaplanes.

A total of 23 torpedoes were released by the seaplanes, sinking one battleship and two destroyers.

Cheers of victory instantly filled Admiral Scheer’s command center and William II’s study.

William II was so moved that he shed tears, not only because he saw hope of regaining power but also because Germany had finally broken the Royal Navy’s blockade.

His eyes slightly closed, he traced a cross over his chest, his voice slightly choked: "Mother, I did it, but you wouldn’t be proud of this, would you?" 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

(Note: William II’s mother, Queen Mary, was a British princess. From the time William II was old enough to understand, Queen Mary had always taught him that the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom was invincible and that he should not try to challenge the Royal Navy but rather submit to it.)

...

The news of the German Navy breaking the blockade in the North Sea caused a sensation among the Allies, like a bombshell.

The French were not particularly affected by this; for them, the German Navy was a matter on the other side of the La Manche Strait, a dispute between Britain and Germany.

As long as they had the Shire, France was satisfied; they were more concerned about whether victory could be achieved in the land war.

Thus, the newspapers expressed some lukewarm concerns:

"The result of the Germans breaking the North Sea blockade is that they can acquire resources from Northern Europe."

"This will undoubtedly alleviate their domestic tensions."

"It also proves the accuracy of the Shire’s prediction; we no longer need to continue this war and should swiftly begin armistice negotiations with Germany."

...

The British media were in chaos, as if they had exploded.

The Times almost described this battle as Britain’s doomsday:

"Our army performed so poorly on the battlefield, the only thing that upheld our belief as a great nation was the Royal Navy."

"This is the world’s most powerful navy, yet now it can’t even manage to block a port or a shipping route."

"More importantly, naval warfare seems to be undergoing a radical change."

"It’s no longer decided by warships as it was before, but increasingly by aircraft!"

...

The Guardian’s report was also very pessimistic:

"We have always felt safe because Britain is an island nation surrounded by the sea."

"In principle, as long as we have the strongest fleet, no one can threaten the British mainland."

"But reality tells us otherwise."

"If the Germans can repel our mighty fleet with aircraft, does it mean they can similarly open our ports and land directly?"

"Even more so, could these aircraft drop bombs directly on us!"

...

London War Office Building.

The Minister of Military Supplies, with a cigar between his lips, frowned as he looked at the war report from the North Sea amidst the smoke.

General Winter stood in front of him and saluted.

The Minister of Military Supplies acknowledged him with a nod and slowly pushed the war report toward General Winter: "Do you know about this matter?"

"Yes, sir." General Winter replied.

"Although it’s a matter for the Navy," the Minister of Military Supplies said, "it also affects my duties, I mean military supplies. I want to know if my transportation routes are secure?"

"Of course, sir." General Winter affirmed: "The Germans found a loophole. Our ’Camel’ fighters lack the range to escort over Bergen, but it’s different in other places."

The Minister of Military Supplies felt slightly relieved: "So, what the newspapers are saying isn’t true?"

"Certainly not." General Winter explained: "The Germans can’t attack the mainland with such aircraft. Our ’Camel’ fighters will shoot them down before they reach the coastline, and they will also protect our supply routes."

The Minister of Military Supplies said nothing, glaring coldly at General Winter with a furrowed brow.

General Winter seemed to understand what the Minister of Military Supplies meant: "Yes, sir. Given the impressive performance of torpedo aircraft, we are already developing this type of aircraft."

"You misunderstood, General." The Minister of Military Supplies took the cigar from his lips: "Can you answer a few questions for me?"

"Of course, sir."

The Minister of Military Supplies nodded slightly: "How many ’Camel’ fighters do we have in total? How many airfields and how much fuel do these ’Camel’ fighters need to ensure our routes aren’t attacked by the enemy?"

General Winter was taken aback.

The Minister of Military Supplies hit the nail on the head.

Britain currently only has about 50 ’Camel’ fighters, all deployed on the Western Front to fight for air superiority, with only a few left at home for training and instruction.

(Note: Modern times have dedicated trainer aircraft for training, but during World War I when aircraft were newly invented, the concept of trainer aircraft didn’t exist, so fighter aircraft were used instead.)

Meanwhile, the North Sea routes extend nearly a thousand kilometers, potentially vulnerable to German attacks, and relying on the handful of ’Camel’ fighters can’t ensure route safety.

"Do I need to remind you?" The Minister of Military Supplies continued: "Our merchant ships carry tens of thousands of tons of supplies, and just one torpedo, just one, could send them all to the seabed."

"I understand, sir." General Winter said apologetically: "I will, I’ll have them accelerate production of the fighters..."

The Minister of Military Supplies shook his head gently: "No, General, that’s not what you need. You need to make a trip to Paris, to meet Shire."

"Shire?"

"Yes," the Minister of Military Supplies replied: "I heard that he’s producing a type of warship, equipped with new anti-aircraft machine guns. That’s what we need, understand?"

General Winter suddenly understood: "Yes, sir!"