Anti-Japanese War: The whole world is a base vehicle

In the command post of the German battleship filled with a serious atmosphere, Vice Admiral Lütjens, with a feeling of both anticipation and trepidation, carefully asked Field Marshal Raeder: "Marshal, do you really agree to set up an aircraft carrier fleet?" He asked so cautiously for a reason.

In the past, Admiral Raeder's attitude towards aircraft carriers was extremely tough and resolute, and that attitude seemed to send a signal to the entire German Navy, that is, aircraft carriers would never appear in the German Navy's equipment sequence, making people feel that the German Navy would never have an aircraft carrier in this life. And the facts just confirmed this impression. Even though time has passed, in the long period of a hundred years since then, Germany still did not have an aircraft carrier.

Because of this past experience, when Lieutenant General Lütjens heard that the Marshal seemed to have changed his attitude, he was instantly filled with ecstasy. The joy was like a surging tide, constantly surging in his heart. But he was really afraid that this was just a momentary thought of the Marshal, and worried that Marshal Raeder would suddenly change his mind and regret it halfway, so he repeatedly confirmed with the Marshal like a cautious child, hoping to get a definite and firm answer from the Marshal so that he could completely put his hanging heart at ease.

"Well, it seems that aircraft carriers do play a significant role now." Admiral Raeder nodded slightly, with a hint of recognition on his face after many actual combat considerations. You know, Admiral Raeder has always adhered to the doctrine of big guns. In his past naval warfare concepts, large-caliber naval guns are the absolute protagonists in naval battles and the key force to win. However, the fierce naval battles he personally experienced during this period forced him to re-examine the role of aircraft carriers in modern naval warfare. He truly felt the unique value of aircraft carriers, and their influence should not be underestimated.

In particular, the carrier-based aircraft on the aircraft carrier plays a very important role in the naval battle and can provide a lot of assistance to the battle. For example, in the current situation, if he has an aircraft carrier at this moment, he can command the carrier-based aircraft to take off quickly to perform reconnaissance missions. Through the large-scale reconnaissance activities of carrier-based aircraft in the air, the specific position, navigation route and various conditions of the surrounding waters of the enemy fleet can be clearly grasped. These key information are of vital importance for formulating naval warfare tactics and grasping the timing of combat. Although the German army is also equipped with seaplanes, there are obvious gaps between seaplanes and carrier-based aircraft in terms of flight performance, combat radius, reconnaissance accuracy and coping with complex and changeable naval warfare environments, and they are far from being able to replace the role of carrier-based aircraft.

"But what about the air force?" Vice Admiral Lütjens couldn't help showing a hint of joy on his face. After all, the marshal recognized the importance of aircraft carriers, which was undoubtedly a promising development opportunity for the navy. It meant that the navy was expected to usher in major changes in the naval warfare mode and expand new combat capabilities. But this joyful expression was only a flash, and soon, his face was shrouded by a layer of worry.

Because he knew very well that the attitude and restrictions of the Air Force had always been a huge "stumbling block" for the German Navy in its pursuit of developing an aircraft carrier fleet, and it was also the key concern of the entire Navy. For a long time, the Air Force, based on the concept of unified management and centralized deployment of air combat forces, had strongly stipulated that the Navy was not allowed to own fighter planes, insisting that all flying forces that could be used for combat must be firmly controlled in its own hands. Only in this way could the efficiency and coordination of air combat be guaranteed. This undoubtedly set a very difficult barrier for the Navy's plan to develop aircraft carriers.

"Don't bother with the Air Force. I will find a way to solve this problem." Marshal Raeder shook his head slightly, his tone was full of unquestionable determination. It was obvious that he was determined to bypass the Air Force this time and find a way to solve the problem on his own. In his plan, since the Air Force was not feasible, he would find another way. He placed his hope on purchasing an aircraft carrier. He felt that aircraft carriers could be purchased from outside, and carrier-based aircraft could also be fully equipped by purchasing.

But things often arise after one wave of trouble, and a new problem soon emerged, that is, the problem of pilots. The Air Force's position is quite clear and firm, and it will never support the Navy with even one pilot. After all, they are strongly opposed to the Navy's development of aircraft carriers, so how can they provide help in the key personnel deployment that determines whether the aircraft carrier can form combat effectiveness? In this way, if the Navy wants to form an aircraft carrier fleet with actual combat capabilities, it seems that the only way left is to hire pilots.

But hiring pilots is not an easy task. The first and foremost issue is funding. After all, the Navy has already spent a lot of money on purchasing existing warships, and even overdrawn the Navy's funding for the next two years. In this case, the possibility of applying for additional funding is very small, almost hopeless.

Moreover, once the Air Force learned that the Navy was applying for funds to purchase aircraft carriers and carrier-based aircraft, it would certainly block it with all its might and would never agree. Therefore, Marshal Raeder's most urgent task was to find ways to get the money, but he really had no idea how to raise funds. It was like a tangled mess that made him deeply troubled and anxious.

Seeing Admiral Raeder's helpless and slightly worried expression, Vice Admiral Lütjens also understood the Admiral's difficulties at the moment, so he didn't say anything more. He could only nod silently, indicating that he knew the Admiral's thoughts. Then he calmed down and began to think carefully in his mind, calculating how many aircraft carriers the navy needed to better meet combat needs and enhance the overall combat effectiveness of the navy.

On another battlefield filled with flames and smoke, the situation had already fallen into chaos and a critical state.

"Damn it, this is definitely premeditated." Admiral Kanan Ning stood on the battleship's command platform, looking at the mess and the tragic scene of gunfire in front of him, and roared angrily. On the turbulent sea, warships from three countries seemed to be crazy, constantly pouring ammunition at their own side. Shells whistled across the sky, exploding huge splashes on the sea. The deafening roar seemed to break people's eardrums. At the same time, the land was also in chaos. The rebels were launching wave after wave of fierce and crazy attacks. The shouts of killing and the sound of gunfire were intertwined and resounded through the sky. The entire battlefield was like a lit gunpowder barrel, caught in endless noise and chaos.

Anyone who saw this situation could easily see that the warships of the three countries on the sea and the rebels on the land were obviously colluding with each other and colluding with each other. They had planned and premeditated to launch a well-planned attack on the British Empire. Being calculated and trapped in such a passive and dangerous situation, how could Admiral Cunning not be furious and furious?
Especially when he learned that the Soviet army was secretly supporting and manipulating these rebels, his anger was like being poured with a bucket of oil, and he was almost swallowed up by anger. The anger was simply difficult to describe in words. If the four countries united and deliberately harmed the British Empire together, it would definitely be a shocking news that would shock the world.

But now they are facing an extremely difficult problem, that is, even if this news is really spread, it is probably difficult for anyone to believe it. After all, it involves such a huge and complex conspiracy involving the Four-Nation Alliance, which sounds too sensational, and lacks sufficient convincing evidence to support it. Others will probably think that this is just nonsense and it is difficult to believe such a statement easily. "Send another telegram to the Prime Minister and tell him that those damn bears cannot be trusted." Admiral Kananning gnashed his teeth and widened his eyes, shouting at the top of his lungs, as if he wanted to vent all the anger in his heart through this roar, and his resentment towards the Soviet army was beyond words, and that hatred could almost condense into substance.

"Yes." Upon hearing this angry order, the subordinates straightened up and responded quickly. Not daring to slack off in the slightest, they immediately went to convey the instruction and began to prepare to send a telegram to the Prime Minister.

Not long after, in the solemn and slightly dull Prime Minister's residence in the British Isles, the newly appointed Churchill had just finished dealing with some complicated government affairs when he received a telegram from Admiral Cunningham. He took the telegram and slowly moved his eyes over the message. As he read more, his face gradually became a little ugly and his brows knitted tightly together.

He really didn't expect that behind a seemingly ordinary naval battle, there was such an intricate conspiracy involving multiple countries, which even directly involved four countries. This complicated situation was far beyond his expectations.

If it was anyone else who brought such news, he would not have believed it easily given his usual cautious character. But he still trusted Admiral Cannining's judgment. After all, Admiral Cannining had rich military experience, had been through hundreds of battles, and had accumulated profound experience in the military field. Moreover, he was at the forefront of the battlefield at the moment, witnessing and experiencing this chaotic and conspiracy-filled naval battle with his own eyes. What he saw and felt must be the most real and reliable.

"What on earth do these damn Soviet troops want to do?" Churchill was also furious. He clenched his fists and his eyes were full of anger. However, he was angry. After a long period of war, the British Empire was already weak and overwhelmed. Under such circumstances, he did not have enough confidence and strength to condemn the Soviet army. If he completely broke up with the Soviet army because of this incident and pushed the other side to the German side, it would undoubtedly be a disaster for the British Empire. At that time, he would have no choice but to directly announce his surrender. The current difficult and complicated situation really made him feel helpless and headache.

In the slightly depressing Prime Minister's residence, the atmosphere seemed a little solemn. The trusted aide reminded Churchill with a serious face: "Your Excellency Prime Minister, for now we can only pretend we don't know. We must not push the Soviet army to the side of the German army." His eyes revealed caution and worry. He knew that the situation of the British Empire at this moment was like walking on a tightrope. They had to be extremely careful. Any inappropriate decision could make the situation worse.

"I know." Churchill frowned slightly and responded. He was a man of outstanding political wisdom, so how could he not understand this truth? In such a complex and critical situation, he naturally knew that he had to put the overall situation first and not act on impulse. Even though he was dissatisfied and angry with the Soviet army's behavior, he could only suppress it for the time being and consider the overall strategic situation first.

"At present, it is unlikely that we can defeat the German army by ourselves. We must find more allies," Churchill continued, revealing a sense of helplessness and urgency. After such a long period of war, the national strength and military power of the British Empire have been greatly weakened. It is indeed a bit powerless to fight against the powerful German army by relying on its own strength. Therefore, expanding the alliance camp and relying on external forces has become a key move at the moment.

Hearing this, the trusted staff members immediately nodded their heads, clearly agreeing with Churchill's approach. In his opinion, this was indeed the wisest choice at the moment. After all, two fists cannot beat four hands, and one more ally means one more strength.

"The Commonwealth alone cannot defeat Germany. We need the support of industrial powers like the United States." After thinking for a moment, the trusted staff spoke firmly. Although the member states of the Commonwealth can provide help to a certain extent, their respective strengths are limited after all. Facing a strong opponent like Germany, it is far from enough. The United States, with its strong industrial base and powerful economic strength, can provide immeasurable help once it joins.

"Well, I have communicated with Roosevelt. They are willing to provide certain material support, but they also put forward some conditions." Churchill responded, but when he said this, his tone was a little unnatural, and a trace of imperceptible embarrassment flashed across his face.

Obviously, he knew that the conditions proposed by Roosevelt were indeed a bit excessive. But at the moment, the British Empire was in urgent need of American assistance and was in a rather passive position. Even if it was not satisfied with the conditions, it could only try to accept them. It was really a helpless move. (End of this chapter)