|
Post by hmssophia on Jun 15, 2019 7:30:02 GMT -6
The United States. Russia. Japan. Great Britain. One historic naval power, three upstarts whose power is waxing or waning depending solely on who you ask. The Anglo-Japanese alliance has made the Western pacific a very dangerous place for any of their enemies, threatening trade beyond the shores of both of the others. The United States feels this threat and so do the Russians - indeed a potential alliance between them has been touted in various intelligence reports. At the same time, the US has nearly finished a new 'standard' Dreadnought - the Rhode Island class. Reports from the North America squadrons have determined that the American fleet is on high alert for some reason. The ambassador to the UK has been summoned to the Admiralty, and it has been suggested to him that perhaps they be deactivated such that tensions could be kept cool. He responded that the opening of the Panama Canal required such activity, a safeguarding measure of American interests in the Caribbean that, in his opinion, is the threat that faces them most. The Russians activated their fleet, sailing into the Baltic, the North Sea and the oceans around Vladivostok. Funding to the Royal Navy was increased by a parliamentary vote. The Aviation ship HMS Border Knight was laid down. The world rested on the precipice of war and it would take only the slightest nudge to push it over. A task force including the Mars', the invincible's, light cruisers and modern torpedo boats has been dispatched to the Newfoundland ports to safeguard interests there. Raiders, strike forces and airships are equally at the ready, just waiting for the chance to strike at the Americans. Three months of shouting matches, intelligence and counter intelligence and only a little assassination and rabble rousing amongst the people of each others nations could only lead to one thing - In October of 1914, by what amounted to mutual agreement, the United States and Great Britain declared war. Three days later, pulled in by their obligations, Japan joined the conflict and put their navy to sea. British troops in Canada stood too, facing down their opposite numbers across the border and sailors all across the Empire loaded their guns and readied themselves for battle. Choose a focus for RN forces:[ ] Pacific [ ] North American East Coast Wartime emergency Construction:[ ] Dreadnoughts [ ] Cruisers [ ] Escorts
|
|
|
Post by garrisonchisholm on Jun 15, 2019 8:32:05 GMT -6
"The Fleet gentlemen,... the Fleet must be free to prosecute her powers unhindered by the shadow of limpet or wake! We must fund corvettes and destroyers, a dozen each, to ensure our vast lines of communication are secure! A dozen of each, so in a war in which tests the travails of time longer than we here foresee we do not find ourselves hobbled! A dozen corvettes! A dozen destroyers! No, a Baker's dozen! Make it a Baker's Dozen!"
- Georg Listener, House of Commons, the 'Baker's Dozen' address.
|
|
|
Post by baileinneraora on Jun 15, 2019 11:00:51 GMT -6
Defense Scheme Number Blue
Report Commissioned 1909 to provide a war plan in the event of conflict with the Untied States.
Overview of Report:
The USA provide a difficult enemy that will necessitate considerable resources deployed on the part of the Empire. Of prime importance will be the securing of supply and communication lines with our forces in Canada with most of the Fleet being needed to be in the North Atlantic for this. Thus in Wartime long range Cruisers and large Destroyers should be initial priority to allow safe transit of the British Army. A mass deployment of troops into Canada will be a priority to provide numerical superiority before America can mobilize its population.
Deployment of the Navy should be to provide a blockade of the US East Coast with shapes stationed in the Falklands and Western Pacific to limit US trade from the West Coast. Most of the Fleet should be stationed in Halifax with a Battleship squadron to be deployed from Kingston to cover the Caribbean.
Construction of ships during the war should initially focus on Cruisers and Destroyers to escort convoys in the first year. Beyond that alternating between constructing a class of destroyers and Cruisers as well as new Capital units to cover losses expected. British shipbuilding capability should allow for a faster rate of construction.
More Detailed Plans are enclosed within.
N.B. Some parts of this report should be reviewed and amended with the opening of the Panama Canal and the Anglo-Japanese alliance altering the strategic situation somewhat.
|
|
|
Post by rob06waves2018 on Jun 15, 2019 11:34:43 GMT -6
The Admiralty Whitehall London
Dear Your Lordships,
It is my honour to accept your request that I, even at the age of 64, take command of the Naval Command at the War Office for the duration of the American War. I appreciate that younger men may have wanted this position and will attempt to take heed of their notes and summaries of the situation as the war develops.
I have immediately dispatched all naval vessels from the fleet not required for home defence or colonial stations to Halifax from whence smaller squadrons will be dispatched to the Carribean. As the risk to Northern Europe is not deemed to be large, the home defence fleet consists of one dreadnought, one battle cruiser, five light cruisers and ten destroyers, in addition to those engaged upon trade protection operations.
A similar squadron of one battle cruiser, one armoured cruiser, two light cruisers and five torpedo boat destroyers will be dispatched to the Carribean. All other available vessels will engage in blockade duty and assist with the provisioning of the army operating in Canada.
The newly constructed Panama Canal will allow the enemy to transfer supplies from the West Coast to the East Coast but as, the blockade progresses, few reserve units are expected to be stationed on the West Coast. Invasion of the Canal possession is advised if possible but other Carribean bases are within range if this is impossible. Maine is also considered a viable target but will fall in the sphere of influence of the Army.
As we expect to destroy the American capital fleet in action off the East Coast, our construction priority should be cruisers and torpedo boat destroyers, vessels that may be lost in raiding and submarine actions. Parliament has increased the construction budget in anticipation of this programme.
It is my firm belief that we will triumph over the American menace and should prosecute this war until its total collapse. Colonies such as Panama, Maine and Hawaii should be taken in this process.
I remain, Your Lordships, your most obedient servant, Admiral Sir Robert Nelson
|
|
|
Post by rugnir on Jun 15, 2019 17:47:04 GMT -6
I would like to request a report from his majesty's intelligence service on the Russian situation. While much of the focus in the past few days has been aimed, rightfully, at the coming war, it is of great importance that we understand how likely the Tsar is to send his own fast battlecruisers into the mix on the side of the Americans. While the japanese can surely hold their own in the far east, we may have some significant trouble here in the navy fighting a two-front war at both sides of the atlantic. Shockingly, if the situation allows it, the navy may even be forced onto the back foot and have to withdraw from the american blockade, so as not to dilute their forces too far and risk russian attacks on the mainland.
|
|
|
Post by hmssophia on Jun 16, 2019 8:07:59 GMT -6
The Situation With Russia; The Russian Tsar, beaten down in the first years of the 20th Century and embarrassed in the Far East, spent the next decade rebuilding. With the arrival of the Dreadnought, the Imperial Russian Navy plunged into a program of massive cruisers ranging from twenty to thirty thousand tons, all of them armoured as heavily as a pre-dreadnought battleship and with the guns to match. By 1914 they had nine such ships and only a single true dreadnought, a strong rival to the Royal Navy and her fleet of power Battleships. But with the Japanese fleet allied with the British, would they be able to shift the balance of power? Would they dare to challenge even as the Americans started a war?
With the Formidable's, previously put in reserve, reactivated, the Home Fleet was made up to five ships. A single squadron to defend England's shores, the rest of the fleet deployed out to Newfoundland and then transferred South to Jamaica and the Caribbean at large. With them they took troop ships from Canada, men of the 3rd division, 12th, 14th and 15th Brigades. These were preparing to force landings on Haiti to reduce the US holdings in the Caribbean in preparation for an attack on Panama.
At the end of the year the Royal Navy adopted it's very first heavier than air craft, a flying boat that could take off and land at sea. Intended as a messenger and light cargo transport amongst the colonies, the De Havilland Walrus is a twin engine boat capable of almost two hundred nautical miles and sixty knots (70mph).
American fleets flooded the seas around New Brunswick, Britain and Jamaica. The Royal navy and the Japanese fleet were put under immediate stress, but it wasn't until December that any engagement was had. The 3rd Division aboard transports was heading North from Trinidad to Puerto Rico when the escort fleet was engaged by the American battle line. First there were the Lexington's, light battle cruisers who were thrown off by HMS Centurion and her compatriots. Lexington and Saratoga may have been the oldest American battle cruisers but they still mounted thirteen inch guns which would have done for the British troops as fast as anything else. When the US battle line arrived, it was in great numbers far beyond anything the British had at hand, but nonetheless the mars class put on a good showing. Armour resisted multiple hits and accurate gunnery slammed rounds into American hulls at close range. HMS Ramillies lost her center line turret two hours into the fight and then an American shot smashed a director seconds later. HMS Victorious had her A turret knocked out by a shell not long after. Centurion dropped out of line, aflame and without power. Ramillies then took a torpedo amidships worsening an already bad flood. Magnificent followed suit and so did Mars. The battle was turning into a rout. The decision was taken to attempt to disengage. The transport carrying the 15th brigade was caught by the Americans and sunk by shell fire. It was presumed all hands were lost along with the entire brigade. The retreat became a stern chase, but British torpedo boats made repeated runs against the lead american squadron in an attempt to drive them off.
But it was not to be.
HMS Centurion, sailing abreast with the others of her squadron, was lost to a turret explosion at 1640 local time. HMS Ramillies went below the waves ten minutes after. HMS Europa sank shortly after 5pm. The organised retreat became a rush to escape the American fleet. HMS Mars was lost to heavy gunfire from the main American line. HMS Benbow, an old battleship of the Canopus class sank shortly after nightfall. In two hours, the Royal navy had lost three modern Dreadnoughts, an old Battleship and an armoured cruiser which had served against the Germans with honour. Newspapers declared the end of the age of the British Rule of the Waves. It was, by all accounts, a disaster.
The invasion of Haiti has been cancelled and there are calls for peace across the British Empire. The fleet is decimated. What should we do. [ ] Pull back the remaining capital ships. Sue for peace. [ ] Turn to cruisers and destroyers to prosecute the war. Lean on the Japanese. [ ] Hope for salvation.
|
|
|
Post by baileinneraora on Jun 16, 2019 8:52:43 GMT -6
Editorial Published in the Times after the Disaster off Haiti
Our preeminence of naval power is broken. Our fleet scattered. Our pride irrevocably damaged. The belief in that British seamanship would prove the difference despite the American numbers is false and blame must be aimed at both the Admiralty and the Government. Not releasing adequate funding for new capital ships has left us in this precarious position. A blockade of the East Coast of America looks impossible and our supply lines to the Canadians are under threat.
The opinion of this paper is that the war should be continued. Combined with the Japanese fleet we still outnumber the American ships and with careful management of resources our navy can still prove successful. The Paper also agrees with the campaign by the Daily Mail demanding eight new Battleships to replace our losses despite its vulgar slogan. We wish His Majesty's forces the best of luck and, with the Grace of God we will prove victorious.
|
|
|
Post by rob06waves2018 on Jun 16, 2019 10:13:49 GMT -6
TOP SECRET
FLEET ACTIONS IN EAST COAST UNSUCCESSFUL STOP GENERAL CALLS FOR PEACE STOP BUT DO NOT REPEAT DO NOT TAKE PEACE STOP SUPERIOR FLEET WILL PREVAIL STOP MINISTRY OF PROPOGANDA WILL DO ITS DUTY STOP AMERICAN THREAT MUST REPEAT MUST BE CONTAINED STOP ABANDON CARIBBEAN IF NECESSARY STOP FLEET MUST WIN ON EAST COAST STOP INCREASED CRUISER OPS ALSO ADVISED STOP WE WILL WIN IN END STOP GOD SPEED STOP
ADM R NELSON WAR OFFICE STOP
[Telegram from the naval department at the war office to C-in-C Royal Navy, Halifax]
|
|
|
Post by rugnir on Jun 16, 2019 14:20:16 GMT -6
One thing is clear; We had better learn from this defeat. For too long, the Royal navy has been proud. Too proud to take the risks that other navies have taken, too proud to reap the rewards of technology. This should be a wakeup call to all those who believed in the unbeatable power of the Royal Navy's battleships.
But out of this defeat comes opportunity: With the regrettable loss of these ships, the navy will be forced to update it's battle line, and can look to some of the recent developments in waging war at sea. Those submarines that were previously sidelined as un-british. These 'air-ships', and perhaps even these new flying 'boats' can all be looked at with more careful consideration now that we have all been humbled somewhat.
|
|
|
Post by renlybaratheon on Jun 16, 2019 15:04:03 GMT -6
Sir,
So, the chickens have come home to roost have they? All I can say is where are your submarines and 'flying boats' now? Their lordships in the admiralty and those snivelling worthless excuses for men who cow tow to them have finally done for us. Now we must depend on the Japanese, the Japanese I ask you, it's a known fact that they are all short sighted what good will they be?
We must approach Uncle Sam and hope that the rebellious colonies accept our offer of peace, preferably a white peace with no or limited reperations but in short we should promise them anything for we will return stronger and take back everything they take from us and much more besides
Then we must re-double our efforts for this disaster will only serve to embolden our enemies closer to home, whilst at the same time give succour to those who would leave our glourious pax Britannia, how long will the Canadians, Australians or New Zealnders allow themselves to be shackled to a she lion who cannot defend her cubs?
Rebuild the fleet, remember the fallen, it takes but 3 years to build a battleship and we have the finest yards in Christendom. As the Latin goes Si vis pacem para bellum.
Finally through your pages. I make myself available to the Royal Navy in whichever capacity it so desires, after all if there is a just god there will soon be a raft of openings in the ranks of the butchers who have condemned our young men to die by sending them to war so unprepared and under armed.
letter to 'The Times' from Commodore Nicholas Syke (retired), Godalming, Surrey]
|
|
|
Post by hmssophia on Jun 16, 2019 15:46:11 GMT -6
Overconfident Anglo's Accosted by AmericansBritish Navy suffers tremendous losses in Caribbean. Four battleships lost. At least two thousand English dead. Fleet scuttles home with tail between legs.
"We have Liberty. We gave them Death."Quote attributed to Admiral Frank F. Fletcher, CinC Atlantic FleetHMS Mars, on fire and under attack, fought to the last at the Battle of Puerto Rico
The dreadnought is a fools design and now it has finally been proved so. The American fleet with it's fast cruisers have smashed our ships apart and left hundreds of ours boys either stranded on their shores or dead in their graves. Those so called 'Dread-noughts' battleships which were supposed to have no equal are nought but steel coffins. If the Navy is to prosecute this war effectively, we must not continue to waste this nations money on these dreadnoughts. We must match them in speed. We must have battle cruisers. Commentary in The Times, British Newspaper
"Sirs, now is the time to strike. The iron has been placed in the fire by the Americans - let us form it as we have the opportunity to do. The Submarine Service has grown slowly since E-1 was launched almost a decade ago. Now we have almost thirty but many of them are old and obsolete. Let us spend the money free'd up by the tragic losses of the last month to increase those forces, to reinforce the service. They will win us wars. Submarines are the future. Let us recognise that. Letter to the Admiralty, unsigned, 1914 (The vote is still open. If you'd like to express opinions on funding, now is the time)
|
|
|
Post by garrisonchisholm on Jun 16, 2019 16:06:48 GMT -6
"Disaster! Disaster! Good Sir there *is* no Nelson in this man's navy! Where are our Camperdowns and Glorious Firsts? We should barter for one of those before we beg for a Trafalgar! We must hope for some unknown forgotten son to show his mettle! The only thing we cannot do is quit! There is no quit in an Englishman."
- Georg Listener, from the 'fury at the folly', Roker Beach.
|
|
|
Post by rob06waves2018 on Jun 16, 2019 16:50:08 GMT -6
I was in the Naval Department at the War Office as the reports filtered in from the Caribbean of the loss of the 4 battleships of the Grand Fleet. Shock and horror was etched painfully onto the faces of all present. The admirals watched from afar as 4 Union Jacks were removed from the table in the centre of the room. Several of the secretaries burst into tears with battle-hardened lieutenants fighting against the same impulse. I confess, dear readers, that I battled with them.
Suddenly, the Admiral Sir Robert Nelson, whose ancestor had beaten the French at Trafalgar, stood up, frail and with use of his cane. His aged and slow voice silenced the hysteria.
"Come, cheer up, my lads, 'tis to glory we steer, To add something new to this wonderful year; To honour we call you, as freemen not slaves, For who are so free as the sons of the waves?"
His staff join in.
"Heart of Oak are our ships, Jolly Tars are our men, We always are ready: Steady, boys, Steady! We'll fight and we'll conquer again and again!"
The rendition finishes with the battle roar of a thousand lions. Hope fills the room as the wise old man begins to speak:
"I know, fellow Britons, that this is a dreadful day. We mourn those sons of our great nation who died in the terrible loss in the Caribbean. Those on the Mars, the Centurion, the Ramilles, the Europa and the Benbow died for this nation and, by God, their deaths shall not be in vain, not while breath clings to my decrepit body! The fleet will muster in its entirety off the North American East Coast and bring the American juggernaut to its knees. We shall never give in to such a tyrannical race, not while Britannia still has a fleet. We still rule the waves and, though our misfortune has been great, we will always rule the waves. We set sail in the wake of our glorious forefathers and we will prevail. God bless the Navy and God save the King!"
[Article first published in the Times but reprinted in every major newspaper as the rallying cry for the nation]
|
|
|
Post by hmssophia on Jun 16, 2019 17:20:19 GMT -6
Honestly I feel totally honoured by all of yalls contributions
|
|
|
Post by rob06waves2018 on Jun 16, 2019 17:26:47 GMT -6
Honestly I feel totally honoured by all of yalls contributions Breaking character for a bit - no thank you! I like this kind of interaction. It's the only thread with no bug reports. Though you'd better beat the Americans or Admiral Sir Robert Nelson is going to look remarkably foolish!
|
|