My Italy

Every move of the U.S. Navy was under Spanish surveillance, and the battleship Princess Cristina in the harbor used naval guns to help defend the fort. Its 14-inch main gun shells frightened the three attacking shallow-water heavy gunships.

Of course, through the Princess Cristina's radio, the Spanish fleet located thirty kilometers away also grasps the dynamics of the American fleet.

"Get ready to attack. The U.S. fleet has separated and part of the ammunition has been consumed. This situation is basically perfect."

After thinking for a moment, Lieutenant General Sedra gave the order.

After a few minutes, the entire fleet began to accelerate, and the Spanish formed a row of columns and rushed towards the American fleet in the distance at the highest speed possible. The towering flying shear bow of the flagship Queen Isabel, which is at the head of the fleet, splits layers of waves under the sunlight. The splashing water reflects the brilliance of seven colors. The two twin turrets rotated slowly, and four powerful 356mm 35L main guns pointed to the port side. The smoke from the chimney rose into the air blown by the sea breeze, and all this undoubtedly fell into the eyes of the U.S. Navy lookout.

"The fleet turns. Prepare to fight. The fleet maintains a speed of 12 knots and waits for the attack formation from the opposite shore to join. Rear Admiral Samplin took a deep breath to stabilize his emotions and ordered.

At 1:40 pm on October 2, 1898, the Battle of Santiago, which determined the ownership of the Caribbean, finally began.

"We must speed up and grab the T." Dewey said, looking at the Spanish fleet approaching from the northwest at a high speed of 17 knots in the distance.

"Let the second formation grab the T."

Major General Samplin gave the order.

Before the fleet set off, Rear Admiral Samplin organized the battleships. The three slowest Indiana-class battleships were in the first formation, while the four Pennsylvania-class battleships and the USS Brooklyn were in the second formation. Several protected cruisers form the third formation, and three shallow-water heavy gunships form the fourth formation.

Following Major General Samplin's order, the five only U.S. patrol ships immediately speeded up, preparing to grab the T first.

Seeing the US fleet detached five ships to patrol and prepare to grab the T, Lieutenant General Sedra certainly would not let them get their wish. There is no need to elaborate too much on the importance of grabbing T in naval battles. He will naturally not give the opponent a chance.

"Order Columbus and Francisco to move forward with three Maria Teresa-class ships. We must not let the other side seize the T position."

Following Lieutenant General Sedra's order, the two Garibaldi-class ships and the three Maria Theresa-class ships immediately increased their speed, hoping to use their speed to grab the T.

The ten patrol ships on both sides also increased their speed to the formation's maximum speed of 20 knots. Everyone knows that when both sides have the same speed, it is impossible to grab the T position as long as the other side does not make a big mistake. The commanders of the patrol formations on both sides were more cautious in the decisive battle and could not make such a mistake. Therefore, they gave up the plan to grab the T when they saw that nothing could be done.

Although the cruise ship did not succeed in grabbing the T, Major General Samplin was also very satisfied when he saw that the five fastest cruise ships of the Spanish fleet were lured away.

"Then let's do this. Increase the speed to 15 knots and prepare for battle."

A few minutes later, the three Indiana-class ships in the first formation of the U.S. Fleet also began to accelerate. At the same time, many protective cruisers in the third formation are also speeding up.

After the U.S. fleet decided on its tactics, the Spanish fleet also made its final tactical adjustment to the entire battle situation.

"We must split up the U.S. fleet as much as possible, otherwise, we will be under too much pressure." Looking at the U.S. fleet in the distance, Colonel Leifer said.

"Actually, we can consider attacking the three shallow water heavy artillery ships staying behind." Vice Admiral Sedra looked at the three slow shallow water heavy artillery ships behind him with a telescope and said.

"The gain is not worth the loss... If the opponent loses three coastal defense ships, at worst it will be enough to retreat. We only achieved a tactical victory. What we will lose will be an opportunity to break the backbone of the U.S. Navy in a short period of time. We need a decisive decision Victory!" Colonel Leifer objected.

"Well, what should we do now? If we wait until the opponent's fleet converges, we will be at a disadvantage." Lieutenant General Sedra asked. After experiencing too many battles, Sedra showed great trust in the Italian Colonel Leifer. Although when he is not fighting, he may be a little dissatisfied with Colonel Leifer's overstepping behavior, but once the war officially starts, he will still choose to listen to Colonel Leifer. After all, the strong one has the final say in war. .

"Let the Duke of Ulloa (Venice) and the Marquis of Venardito (Brescia) behind them block the opponent's cruiser formation. We need to create opportunities." After taking a look at the two Tunisia-class battleships behind, It took a lot of determination to reveal this plan.

"This is a very difficult moment to make a decision. We may lose 1 or 2 precious warships." Vice Admiral Sedra said with a somewhat melancholy expression.

"But we can win the war, just knowing this is enough!" Colonel Leifer said without mercy.

Vice Admiral Sedra cherishes every battleship in the fleet, but Colonel Leifer is more concerned about the outcome of the war! As for how much of the Spanish fleet will be left after this war is over, and whether it exists in name only, it has nothing to do with him. After all, he was an officer in the Kingdom of Italy, not Spain.

"Well, in that case, this is all we can do." Looking back at the two Venice-class armored cruisers in the back, Lieutenant General Sedra said with some heartache.

With both sides facing each other, the relative speed of the two fleets was as high as 30 knots, and the distance of more than 30 kilometers took less than half an hour. The two sides quickly made the final adjustments, and the moment of collision It must be earth-shattering!

However, before the two main warships collided, the patrol formations of the two sides exchanged fire.

"Fire!"

Following the gunner's firing order, the 254mm 40L main guns of the two Garibaldi-class ships took the lead in roaring!

The entire sea was suddenly filled with fiery snakes. Hundreds of kilograms of artillery shells flew out of the gun barrel at a speed of more than 700 meters per second and flew towards the fleet in the distance. A few seconds later, the American patrol fleet 6,000 meters away was surrounded by thick water columns. A dull explosion suddenly came from the distance, and a shell accurately hit the middle of the hull of the Pennsylvania. , the heavy shells directly tore through the upper armor belt of only 4 inches, and rushed into the internal cabin, accompanied by explosions. A stream of black smoke mixed with debris and flames erupted from the breach.

"Fire!" Originally, the American patrol formation planned to open fire after getting closer. After all, the Pennsylvania class has only been in service for a short time, and the training level is not enough. However, the opponent's preemptive attack forced the formation commander Colonel Simpson to consider the issue of morale. Sometimes, firing itself is a way to overcome fear. When seeing rounds of shells being fired from the muzzle, people will devote all their energy to the battle, and only in this way will they release the fear in their hearts. fear.

After a brief silence. All the 305mm main guns and 203mm secondary guns of the American patrol formation also spewed deadly rain of bullets at the Spanish fleet opposite.

For a time, the sea between the two sides was completely covered in smoke and fire. Along with waves of vibrations, the roar of dozens of artillery pieces resounded throughout the battlefield. From time to time, battleships were hit, and huge balls of flames spurted out from the sides of the ships. Debris and blood spread around with a huge explosion.

Under the command of the officer, the sailors struggled to extinguish the flames where the bullet was fired. Repair the damaged hull and rescue wounded comrades. But as the distance between the two sides got closer, more and more hits made it all in vain. All areas exposed on the surface of the ship without armor protection are the restricted area of ​​the Death God. Even if it is left outside for a few seconds, it may be swept into a bloody gourd by shrapnel flying from nowhere.

While the patrol formation was fighting fiercely, the battleship also took fire.

According to the pre-arranged tactics, two Venice-class patrol ships faced the opponent's protective cruiser.

"At the beginning of the war, the two Venetian-class cruise ships faced great pressure. On average, each cruise ship could only use four 10-inch main guns and eight 6-inch guns to fight against the opponent's force which was more than twice its own. The firepower, whether it is the Duke of Ulloa or the Marquis of Venardito, is facing great pressure, and our firepower is at a disadvantage." - Excerpted from Lieutenant General Cedella's autobiography "The Decisive Battle in the Caribbean".

After the two Venice-class ships took away one of the opponent's protected cruisers, the two Turin-class ships faced off against the opponent's three Indiana-class ships.

In terms of firepower, protection, and speed, the Indiana-class is far from comparable to the Turin-class. Especially with a displacement of 10,000 tons, the Indiana-class is equipped with 4 (double-mounted) 330mm main guns, 8 (twin-mounted) 203mm secondary guns, and 4 152mm guns. Such a accumulation of firepower This approach makes the Indiana-class reserve very little buoyant, and the installed side armor easily sinks below the waterline due to freeboard issues, making it unable to provide effective defense; and the hull cannot balance the weight of the 13-inch gun, making it impossible for the gun to operate at its highest level. Fired at a shooting angle, range is compromised.

Therefore, during the exchange of fire, Colonel Leifer felt that the other three battleships failed to create pressure on him. But since the Indiana class didn't put pressure on him, the pressure turned to the opponent.

In less than 3 minutes, the 356mm 35L main guns of the two Turin-class battleships scored hits. An armor-piercing round passed diagonally through the Oregon's bow. After penetrating the hull plating, it exploded in the anchor room, blowing off half of the bow.

The officers and soldiers on the two Turin-class battleships who saw the results achieved continued their efforts and continued to achieve good results with two hits in the next three minutes. These two armor-piercing shells hit the middle of the hull of the Oregon, blowing a twin 203 gun and a 152 mm gun into pieces.

Lady luck did not keep the Americans waiting too long. In less than 10 minutes, the Americans' main gun finally scored its first hit!

A 330mm main gun shell weighing 412.6KG hit the twin 152mm secondary guns in the middle of the Isabel II at a speed of more than 500 meters per second. The entire secondary battery was torn into pieces. At the same time, the flue in the middle of the battleship was ruptured due to this explosion, allowing thick smoke to billow out from the rupture. Blocking the sight of two nearby 152mm secondary guns.

At this time, the battlefield was divided into three parts, at the southern end; two Garibaldi-class patrols and three Maria Teresa-class patrols fought against four Pennsylvania-class patrols and a New York-class No. 2 The USS Brooklyn. In the middle section; two Torino-class ships confront three Indiana-class ships. In the northern section; two Venice-class armored cruisers withstood the pressure of a group of protective cruisers.

At this time, what is most likely to affect the situation of the battle is the patrol battle between the two parties at the south end.

Here, the two Garibaldi-class USS Columbus and USS Francesco fought more and more smoothly, hitting their opponents USS Pennsylvania and USS California every time. This not only made the gunners more and more proficient, but also unified the firing command. Yi also takes great credit.

At this time, huge changes occurred on the battlefield. A 254mm shell fired from the Columbus flew over the long sea area and smashed open the armor under the rear main turret of the California.

Then there was a violent explosion. At this time, the conveyor belt happened to be transporting shells and propellant, so tragedy occurred.

boom! Accompanied by a loud noise, dozens of packs of propellants and shells were detonated. The explosion of thousands of kilograms of explosives and propellants was truly astonishing. A huge fireball suddenly erupted from the center of the entire battleship, and pieces of the upper deck were torn apart. Countless fragments were rushed into the air by the shock wave generated by the explosion, and then fell on the sea surface hundreds of meters in radius, and some fell on the deck, and there was a "shrapnel rain".

The ferocious explosion broke the California's keel, and the ship sank at a speed visible to the naked eye. Of the more than five hundred officers and soldiers on board, only one survived.

The sudden ammunition explosion of the USS California changed the situation on the battlefield. The U.S. armored patrol formation, which originally had a slight advantage, was now at a disadvantage. More importantly, the explosion of the USS California also affected the morale of the American officers and soldiers participating in the war.

"Come closer, let's get closer."

After seeing his home patrol being sunk, Colonel Simpson, who was leading the team, became furious. He felt that the accuracy of the opponent's artillery was much higher than that of his side. In such a mid-to-long-distance firefight, his side would suffer a big loss and needed to get closer.

Following his order, the four American patrol ships immediately speeded up, trying to close the distance between the two parties.

Faced with the actions of the American patrol formation, the Spanish patrol formation was naturally clear about it. If it is a separate battle, then the best way at this time is to continue moving and not let the American formation get closer. But this is not a separate battle, so the approach is different.

"Concentrate your firepower and attack the Brooklyn at the rear."

As the Spanish commander Colonel Ramos led the formation, he ordered the formation to take advantage of this opportunity to prioritize the opponent's weakest Brooklyn.

The muzzles of dozens of naval guns were aimed at the first American cruiser. The Brooklyn was called an armored cruiser, but it was a bit undeserved, because its armor was only 3 inches thick, and it was low waterline armor, which did not cover the entire length. As a device, it is not actually a qualified product.

At this time, the Brooklyn, which was not worthy of its name, became the next target.

"Boom boom boom!"

Dozens of naval guns suddenly opened fire on it, making the Brooklyn like a sampan struggling in a fire storm. It was covered with wounds from a hail of bullets, and the boiler room in the middle of its hull was shot from above. The incoming 254mm armor-piercing projectile hit. A mere 4 inches of sloping armor could not stop an attack from an armor-piercing projectile weighing 287KG. The projectile cut the armor plate in front of it into pieces like butter, and then flew directly into the boiler hideout. Accompanied by the crashing sound of shells and boilers. A loud bang echoed throughout the battlefield.

After the boiler exploded, the high-temperature and high-pressure steam lost its restraint and instantly spurted out from the breach, tearing apart the hull that had already become fragile in the long battle! The white steam and yellow-green delay symbolized destruction, and the entire battleship quickly slowed down. The propeller turned unwillingly. However, it lost power and was forced to slowly stop rotating, drifting in the sea currents like a dead fish, and the hull was seriously damaged in the big explosion. The numerous breaches caused the battleship to tilt rapidly, and the Brooklyn, which had lost power, was unable to discharge water. It was only a matter of time before it sank.

Seeing that he was losing another battleship made Colonel Simpson's eyes turn red.

At this time, the distance between the two parties has reached 3,000 meters.

"Fire and send them all to hell!"

Along with Colonel Simpson's roar, the three Pennsylvania-class patrol ships also opened fire, and the fierce artillery fire tended to the Spanish patrol formation.

Facing the artillery fire from the three Pennsylvania-class ships, the first one to be baptized was the Maria Theresa. It was hit by two 305 mm shells, one of which exploded on the bridge and lit a fire behind the chimney. Another shot hit the stern waterline, piercing the 4-inch tail armor and opening a hole of about 1 meter. The influx of turbulent water caused the warship to slow down by about 1 knot.

Seeing that the speed of the Maria Teresa was slowed down, why are you waiting for him to kill him while he is sick?

Maria Theresa continued to suffer more violent attacks. The Maria Theresa struggled to turn its body in the hail of bullets, trying to avoid some of the gunfire. But how is this possible. Under the fire of artillery of various calibers, the Maria Theresa was reduced to a burning torch within a few dozen minutes. The waterline of the ship's sides on both sides was covered with wounds from various shrapnel and shells, large and small. Various small irregular wounds.

The more fatal blow came from the USS Colorado, the third ship of the Pennsylvania class. A 305mm shell from its front main gun hit the waterline of the Maria Theresa. The violent explosion instantly tore open a 3-meter-long ship. meters, a hole 1 meter wide, and the influx of a large amount of seawater put the battleship on the verge of death.

I’m so confused when I write it, let’s just post it like this!