Chapter 0603: Fierce Battle

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

In the Atlantic Ocean, a fierce battle raged on. The three "Blücher-class" battlecruisers of the German Navy and the six battleships of the British Navy were locked in a fierce struggle, with neither side giving quarter.

Although the British Navy held an overwhelming numerical advantage in terms of capital ships, they still found themselves unable to secure the upper hand. The German battlecruisers, with their superior speed, managed to gradually increase the engagement range from the outset. In no time, the distance had expanded to 15,000 meters. At this range, the German ships, aided by their advanced fire control systems, maintained a high rate of accuracy. On the other hand, the British Navy, though still benefiting from their numerical superiority and able to engage with a two-to-one advantage, struggled to land decisive hits.

"Boom!" 

A 305mm shell fired from the "Blücher" battlecruiser struck the "Nevada" battleship. The shell struck the forward turret directly.

However, the shell failed to penetrate the turret's armor. The "Nevada" battleship's armor was formidable, particularly the turret armor, which was 457mm thick. Such armor was generally impervious to damage. Even the German "Bavaria-class" battleships' 380mm guns could only penetrate it at relatively close ranges. Much less could the 305mm guns of the "Blücher" class, even with their fifty-caliber barrels, make a dent in such robust protection.

The shell exploded, but the turret on the "Nevada" was unscathed. The only casualty was the crew inside the turret, who were killed by the immense shock and vibration. This, however, posed no significant threat; once replacement gunners were assigned, the turret would soon be back in action.

Standing on the bridge, Vice Admiral Martin witnessed the explosion firsthand. When the turret was hit, his heart nearly leapt into his throat. However, once the smoke cleared, he could not help but smile.

"While the American ships are lackluster in many respects, their defensive capabilities are indeed extraordinary. In this regard, they surpass even the Royal Navy's ships. Were these British vessels, they would likely have been severely crippled by now!" Vice Admiral Martin murmured in admiration.

This, of course, was of no harm to them. The heavy armor meant the ships were far more resilient and less likely to be sunk in battle. As a result, the Germans found themselves with a distinct advantage.

Meanwhile, the German naval officers were left dumbfounded. When the explosion occurred on the "Nevada," they cheered, thinking they had struck a decisive blow. But when they saw the ship seemingly unharmed, their jubilation turned to disbelief.

"My God! It didn't penetrate? A 305mm shell with a fifty-caliber barrel couldn't even penetrate the turret of an American battleship? Their defenses are truly formidable!" one officer gasped in astonishment.

The expression on Rear Admiral Lübeck's face darkened. He realized that their disadvantage had grown even larger. Defeating the enemy would not be as easy as they had hoped.

"The Americans' 'turtle ships' truly live up to their name. However, the turret armor is thick, but that does not mean the rest of the armor is as resistant," Rear Admiral Lübeck said, steeling himself.

The American Navy's defensive strategy was focused on key areas such as the turrets, waterline, engine rooms, and command towers, where thick armor was applied. Other parts of the ship were left with minimal protection, or even left exposed. This design philosophy was not universally accepted as ideal, but it was one shared by the German Navy as well.

In naval combat, even a ship riddled with damage could remain afloat as long as its critical sections avoided fatal hits. The battle efficiency of such a ship would also remain relatively intact, despite its external damage.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!" 

The battle intensified, with both sides' main guns thundering relentlessly. Heavy shells slammed into enemy ships, sending massive columns of water splashing into the air, like whales spouting water.

"Boom!"

A deafening explosion rang out from the starboard side of the American "New York" battleship. A 305mm shell fired from the "Von der Tann" battlecruiser struck the "New York's" side. The blast destroyed a 127mm secondary gun and ignited several secondary gun shells, setting the side of the ship ablaze.

"Damned it! We've been hit again! This can't go on!" Vice Admiral Martin exclaimed urgently. 

After all, they were still only facing three German battlecruisers. The battle had only just begun. Once the German main fleet joined the fray, the battle could drag on for a long time. If they wasted too many shells now, they would be unable to continue the fight effectively in the upcoming engagements, severely affecting their plans. After all, these American ships had become their main force.

"Yes, Admiral," the staff officer replied, passing the order along. All the officers of the Royal Navy were well aware of the high stakes. The outcome of this naval battle was crucial for the survival of the British Empire. A loss here would mean the complete annihilation of their chances. Thus, they had to give their all to win.

Yet, despite their resolve, hitting the enemy was far from guaranteed. The unpredictable nature of naval warfare made it a difficult task.

"Boom!"

A violent explosion rocked the "Blücher" battlecruiser. Rear Admiral Lübeck was nearly thrown to the deck had he not gripped the handrail.

"Damn, we've been hit!" Rear Admiral Lübeck's face darkened immediately.

"Report the damage!" he bellowed.

After a pause, an officer reported, "Admiral, the rear number three turret was struck. The entire turret has been destroyed."

"Goddamn it!" Rear Admiral Lübeck cursed. Losing a turret meant that the "Blücher" had lost a third of its firepower. The already disadvantaged Germans now found themselves in an even worse position.