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Post by dorn on Dec 3, 2019 15:07:14 GMT -6
May 1918
Personal log - the 5th of May 1918
We finalized sketch for new cruiser and agreed with the United Kingdom to start full design process. The ship is designed with 2 seaplanes in hangar.
Personal log - the 10th of May 1918
Intelligence informed me that anti-war strikes demonstrations are rumoured to take place in France. Our first seaplane carrier Regina Pacis has been commissioned.
War diary - the 11th of May 1918 Battle at Italian Riviera Our 3 destroyers of Impavido class and 6 destroyers of Quintino Sella were patrolling near Italian Riviera. They intercepted 2 cruisers raiding Italian coast but were force to withraw after several destroyers were damaged. Enemy cruises sunk 2 our merchants and 2 Mosca class destroyer escort.
Personal log - the 18th of May 1918
Our battleships Roma and Italia has succesfully arrived to Taranto port from Portsmouth. I have visited the ships and they are quite beatiful, only little large than Taranto class but have better guns and much better armoured.
Personal log - the 28th of May 1918
I have discussion to Admiral captainloggy about strategy. It was long discussion till night but we came to conclusion that without sending part of the fleet to Atlantic we cannot disrupt enough trade going to France.
Personal log - the 31th of May 1918
Our raider Cagliari sunk 2 French merchants, Nino Bixio 5 merchants, Marsala 3 French merchant. We lost 1 merchant to submarine and 3 merchants to armoured cruiser Chanzy. Royal Navy has laid down battleship of Redoubtable class - 34900 tons
France has laid down battlecruiser of Toulouse class - 34000 tons
USA has laid down cruiser of Cincinnati class - 5200 tons
Russia has commissioned battlecruiser Grengam - 31500 tons, 29 knots, 8x15" guns, 12" belt armour
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Post by dorn on Dec 4, 2019 12:37:53 GMT -6
June 1918
Personal log -the 5th of June 1918
After meeting with Commodore kriegsmeister I decided to give him sea assignment on board cruiser Quatro heading to Atlantic. Before his reassignments we agreed on halting construction of 8 submarines as they our submarine force is large enough to handle all demands on them.
Personal log - the 15th of June 1918
Admiral captainloggy has sent part of the fleet through Gibraltar to Atlantic to blockade French Atlantic ports - the flagship battleship of Taranto class Trentino, 3 battlecruisers of Lepanto class Leonardo, Leopardo, Leone escorted by 12 destroyers of Quintino Sella class. The fleet should be joined by cruisers Nino Bixio and Marsala which has been already operated in that area and by cruiser Quatro which left La Spezia several days ago heading to Gibraltar. These cruisers were despatched from raiding duty and Commodore kriegsmeister take command of this cruiser division.
Personal log - the 13th of June 1918
Our docks were enlarged in La Spezia and we can build ships up to 41500 tons. Floatplane scouts prototypes were ready for evaluation and no one was chosen as they all has worse characteristics than Breda Ba.67 and Macchi M.64 thas are already in service.
War diary - the 27th of June 1918
Convoy defence at Sirte As our convoy of 12 merchants and 1 armed mechant escorted by 4 destroyers of Quintino Sella sailed to Malta and than Sirucusa and at half way through North Africa it was reinforced by cruisers Verona (Milano class) and Padua (Padua class) and 5 modern destroyers of Impavido class. The convoy with escorts were attack by French force of 2 cruisers and 1 destroyer. Both cruisers with destroyers engaged enemy force and accurate fire of Italian cruisers decided this battle after 2 hours. Both French cruisers were sunk and only French destroyer was fast enough to disengage.
Personal log - the 31st of June 1918
Our submarines sunk 1 merchant, enemy submarines sunk 1 merchant, we were able to sink 2 French submarines. I received news that strategy of blockading France from Atlantic and the Mediterranean at one time seems successful.
France has laid down 2 new light cruisers of Sfax class - 5100 tons
France has commissioned the 3rd light cruiser Lalande of class - 3400 tons, 30 knots, 4x5" guns, 1" belt armour
Russia has laid down the 3rd battleship of Aleksandr II class - 37200 tons
Austria-Hungary has commissioned battleship Banat of her class - 31100 tons, 23 knots, 12x13" guns, 13.5" belt armour
Austria-Hungary has commissioned the 2nd battlecruiser Siebenbürgen of Mähren class - 29600 tons, 26 knots, 9x14" guns, 9" belt armour
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Post by dorn on Dec 7, 2019 3:45:18 GMT -6
July 1918
Personal log - the 3rd of July 1918
Admiral captainloggy informed me that the blockade continue well but it put a lot of stress on ships, crew and logistics to Atlantic fleet and if French Navy moves whole fleet to Atlantic he will probably not be able to maintain blockade of Atlantic ports.
I get information that our shipyards are able to build slender hulls.
I order another enlargement of docks in La Spezia.
Personal log - the 10th of July 1918
During meeting with Ansaldo they have informed me that developed TNT warhead with more explosion power for our torpedoes. As production will start our destroyers will be equipped by new torpedoes.
Personal log - the 13th of July 1918 Trento design was finished by British and I order the leading ship of her class. She will be largest cruiser in the world as actual size of cruisers are our Milano class with 6300 tons, Royal Navy Brilliant class with 6200 tons, French D'Entrecasteaux class with 6200 tons, Russia Boyarin class with 6400 tons and United states navy Birmingham class with 6400 tons. All these cruiser has speed of 28-29 knots, 5x6" guns broadside, 2-3" belt armour and the most modern British Brilliant even 4 underwater torpedo tubes and the secondary DP armament and anti-aicrafts machine guns. Our Trento cruiser will have on just 1000 tons more 6x8" guns with the secondary armament 8x5" guns, 30 knots and 2 scout planes. Belt armour, turret armour and the secondary armament are protected by 2" armour plates.
War diary - the 12th of July 1918
Cruiser action at Eritrea Our patrolling cruiser Alessandria of Milano class based on Massau intercepted French cruiser D'Entrecasteaux class during her patrol just before dusk. After initial exchange of fire at range about 10000 yards both ship close each other to 5000 yards. At that time Italian fire has been much more accurate damaging several guns and slowing down French cruiser. But Alessandria was hit several times too, 2 times her belt armour was penetrated and machinery damaged slowing down to 17 knots but still faster than French cruiser. As night was comming range decrease even more and French cruiser were being hit shell by shell. She change course to try escape but Italian cruiser was able still fire her forward undamaged gun at at range about 2000 yards some another hits was made till French cruiser stop dead in water. 2 torpedoes with old warhead hit French cruiser which sunk. Alessandria was hit only 8 times during the battle, disabling temporary turrets, however 2 hits that get through her belt damaged her machinery decreasing her speed to 17 knots.
Personal log - the 31st of July 1918
Our cruiser Cagliari sunk 2 merchants, French light cruiser Jean Bart sunk 2 our merchants, French merchant cruiser Leoville sunk 1 our merchant and enemy submarines sunk 4 merchants. We were able to sink 2 French submarines.
France has laid down battleship Trident of her class - 30000 tons
Germany has commissioned the 3rd battlecruiser of Erfurt class - 31700 tons, 26 knots, 12x15" guns, 8" belt armour
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Post by vonfriedman on Dec 7, 2019 4:32:33 GMT -6
A loud earful to the captain of the dreadnought Italia who hoisted the ensign on the foremast instead of from the gaff of the mainmast. PS The name of your raider should be Cagliari (chief town of Sardinia) and not Caglieri.
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Post by dorn on Dec 7, 2019 10:39:04 GMT -6
A loud earful to the captain of the dreadnought Italia who hoisted the ensign on the foremast instead of from the gaff of the mainmast. PS The name of your raider should be Cagliari (chief town of Sardinia) and not Caglieri. Thanks to mentioned Cagliari, I have something issues with spelling in foreign languages.
Relating to flags I am not aware of terminilogy of sails in english but if the mainmast is foremast is it wrong? And it is always needed to use gaff?
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Post by kriegsmeister on Dec 8, 2019 2:39:29 GMT -6
Commodore KriegsMeister's Personal Log 10th of July 1918
I never thought I would celebrate another birthday while at sea, but thanks to this new surprising appointment as commandant of the Light Scout Squadron of the blockading fleet, I get to experience all of the "traditions" so happily and brutally applied to me by my junior officers led by the executive officer. My appointment was quite a shock, as I have not been in command of a vessel since my time on the submarine Narvalo, and it has been well over a decade since I served on a surface ship as a junior officer onboard the pre-dreadnought Napoli. I hope I don't sound as ungrateful, however I was thoroughly engrossed with managing our submarine flotillas and excitedly overseeing the working up of our first aviation capable vessel, the Regina Pacis, with much promising results. Moreover, I could not ask for a better ship to hold my Flag, the Quarto. The most modern cruiser in our fleet commissioned less than a year ago and has already been through a trial by fire 2 months ago in the Battle of Ile du Levant, where she performed admirably under Admiral dizzy within his Scouting force. We have not seen much action yet, but I doubt the French much appreciate our occupation of their Atlantic waters and anticipate a strong counter attack. This belief pushed me to send a message directly to Admiral dorn urging him that at the very second the Regina Pacis finishes her trials that she be transferred to my scouting scouting squadron so that her aircraft may spot the enemy fleet long before they are able to do us harm and give us the element of surprise in any engagement. As well as tighten our grip on France's northern coast to spot and intercept any blockade runners. It also would be nice to have the fruits of my labour over the past few years would fall under my command, who could complain about that.
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Post by vonfriedman on Dec 8, 2019 3:09:59 GMT -6
A loud earful to the captain of the dreadnought Italia who hoisted the ensign on the foremast instead of from the gaff of the mainmast. PS The name of your raider should be Cagliari (chief town of Sardinia) and not Caglieri. Thanks to mentioned Cagliari, I have something issues with spelling in foreign languages.
Relating to flags I am not aware of terminilogy of sails in english but if the mainmast is foremast is it wrong? And it is always needed to use gaff?
Citing from: NTP-13 (B) Flags pennant & customs. "a. ... the national ensign shall be displayed during daylight hours from the gaff ...... under the following circumstances, unless otherwise directed by the senior officer present: (1) Getting underway or mooring/anchoring (2) Falling in with other ships (3) Cruising near land (4) When engaged in battle b. When cruising under wartime conditions, it is customary to fly the national ensign continuously at sea, since battle action may be regarded as always imminent. c. If a vessel is not equipped with a gaff, the national ensign shall be displayed from the after masthead or, in the case of a single-masted ship, from the mainmast. d. The Union Jack [which is hoisted on the jackstaff (a pole on the stem) in harbour] is not flown underway ......" As far as I remember, the gaff appears on the mast placed aft. Since most warships have only two masts this is the mainmast. Only in the case of a three mast ship (ww2 Gneisenau or Amerigo Vespucci) the gaff appears on the mizzenmast.
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Post by dorn on Dec 12, 2019 10:21:18 GMT -6
Thanks, I have never known that. Good to know new things.
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Post by dorn on Dec 12, 2019 11:37:55 GMT -6
August 1918
Personal log - the 2nd of August 1918
Admiral captainloggy informed me that French Mediterranean fleet left Touloun and sailed through Gibraltar to Atlantic to fight the blockade. He told me that he sent another ships to Atlantic so that Atlantic fleet should have 3 Taranto class battleships, 4 Lepanto class battlecruisers, 2 Milano class cruisers, 2 Nino Bixio cruisers, Quarto cruiser and Regina Pacis seaplane tender, 14 destroyers of Turbine class and 13 destroyers of Quintino Sella class. Another Taranto class battleship, Lepanto class battlecruiser and 1 Milano class cruiser with 3 destroyers of Quintino Sella class remains in the Mediterranean as reserve. The Mediterranean fleet is mainly both Lenardo da Vinci battlecruisers, Milano class cruiser and 11 Impavido class modern destroyers. The Mediterranean fleet will be quickly strenghtened by both Italia class battleship. He told me he do not think that Atlantic fleet is large enough to force blockade against whole French fleet but he wants to try it and he will not succeed he will return back and only cruisers will continue with trade warfare.
We found that Commodore kriegsmeister asks us both about enhance scout division of Atlantic fleet by Regina Pacis but Admiral captainloggy disagreed as she is to slow to operate with scout division and she will operate with our battleships.
Personal log - the 5th of August 1918
We have commissioned another 3 submarines and I have been informed that both battleships Italia and Roma has successfully finished trials and our Milano class cruiser Alessandria is being in port due to condenser troubles.
Personal log - the 10th of August 1918
I have been informed by La Spezia Arsenal that they can offer large destroyers of 1500 tons.
Personal log - the 15th of August 1918
Admiral captainloggy informed me that old destroyer Pontiere has been sunk by mine and that we lack resources to minesweep minefields. I am start to think that I will order several minesweepers in home shipyard and that the second ship of new cruiser will be built in La Spezia using superior 203 mm guns of Ansaldo to British 8" guns Mk1.
War diary - the 18th August 1918
Battle of Cape Argenteria - convoy attack We got information that French convoy has sailed from North Africa and are heading to Toulon. 9 destroyers of Impavido class were despatched to intercept this convoy. The convoy of 16 merchants was protected by 3 French 1100 tons destroyers. Our 9 destroyers quickly force French destroyers to see destruction of whole convoy from distance. All French destroyers were trying to defend the convoy damaging several our destroyers loosing only 1. It seems that French destroyers are of Framme class (1100 tons, 3x4" guns, 2x2 torpedo mounts, 33 knots) are less capable of offensive actions howevever are quite sturdy as one sunk after twenty 4" hits and the second one disengaged after more than 15 this of 4" guns. Later 2 French seaplane tenders were intercepted however all destroyers were low on ammunition and both French warships were equipped by several guns so there was just quickly exchange of fire and both side return to ports.
Personal log - the 31st of August 1918
I have been informed by Admiral captainloggy that blockade of Northern France has been resumed because part of French fleet returned to the Mediterranean and he did not want to risk damage of his ship far from ports. But he cannot guarantee how long Atlantic fleet can maintain this blockade.
We lost 1 submarine to enemy actions. France laid down Suffren class battleship - 33900 tons
France has commissioned light cruiser Tage of Coetlogon class - 3400 tons, 30 knots, 4x5" guns, 1" belt armour
USA laid down the 2nd Cincinnati class light cruiser - 5200 tons
Russia has commissioned the 2nd battlecruiser of Grengham class - 31500 tons, 29 knots, 8x15" guns, 12" belt armour
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Post by dorn on Dec 16, 2019 12:28:19 GMT -6
September 1918
Personal log - the 2nd of September I have received mail from Commodore kriegsmeister. He has suggested to armed some merchants that could help with the blockade.
Personal log - the 10th of September
I have ordered designs for reconstruction of several small merchants vessels and for small minesweeper. Afternoon I have received message that we have developed improved diesel engines and Ansaldo has informed me that they developed the first machine gun for AA role. Breda has informed me that they have developed improved model of Breda Ba.67 floatplane scout with 4 miles longer range and speed 9 knots faster.
Personal log - the 20th of September
Design for reconstruction of small merchants vessels are finished and I have ordered the first 3 vessels to be equipped as raider. I have ordered 12 trawlers to be equipped with minesweeper equipment. They will be ready in 4 months.
Personal log - the 31st of September
Our submarine Argonauta has sunk French destroyer. Our submarines sunk 1 merchant, Cagliari 3 merchants, Nino Bixio 2 merchants, Marsala 2 merchants, Quarto 3 merchants. French cruiser Friant sunk 1 our merchant in South Pacific, French submarines sunk 1 merchant and we sunk 1 French submarine.
Austria-Hungary has laid down battleship of Erzherzog Friedrich class - 27000 tons
USA has laid down battlecruiser of Bon Homme Richard class - 33400 tons
Royal Navy has commissioned battleship Repulse of her class - 24100 tons, 23 knots, 8x15" guns, 11" belt armour
France has commissioned light cruiser Sourcouf of Coetlogon class - 3400 tons, 30 knots, 4x5" guns, 1" belt armour
October 1918
Personal log - the 5th of October
Finally I am satisfied with new training methods it seems that we can get upper hand on accuracy.
War diary - the 10th of October
Battle of Cape Sperone Our intelligence give us clue about another convoy heading to Southern France. Light cruisers Verona, Ravenna and Padua with 6 Impavido class destroyers were dispatched to intercept convoy and destroy it. Our cruisers intercepted convoy from east escorted by only single destroyer. After several merchants were sunk or damaged French cruiser has been reported closing from east. All three cruisers changed course to intercept D'Entrecasteaux class light cruiser. During exhchange of fire another 4 French cruisers have been reported from north. French cruiser has been heavily damaged and left to destroyers to be sink. At time exchange of fire continue by our 3 cruisers with 2 Coetlogon, 1 Pascal and 1 D'Entrecasteaux class cruiser of new arrived division. Our fire has been much more accurate slowing 2 enemy cruiser. However Padua was hit several time through belt on waterline force her to be detached and try to disengage. During exchange of fire Pascal class protected cruiser has been hit and blew up. Our fire has been much more accurate heavily damaged all enemy cruisers finished after that by torpedoes.
We sunk 5 enemy cruisers, 1 destroyer and 12 from 14 merchants of convoy. It was great victory almost elminating French cruiser force. Milano class cruisers again show how sturdy the design is.
Personal log - the 31st of October
Our 2 merchants were sunk, we sunk 3 enemy submarines. Enemy has sunk 1 our merchant. I order starting design process to build Varese class cruiser in La Spezia. There are only minor changes using our better 203 mm guns and having only one larger funnel.
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Post by dorn on Dec 21, 2019 4:46:49 GMT -6
November 1918
Personal log - the 5th of November 1918 Prime Minister came to me about my opinion of peace offer from France without any change of borders, no compensations. I disagree to think that they will rearm and try it again. Afternoon that day I get information that directors arrangment are done to be installed on our light cruisers and used on capital ships for secondary battery. Our intelligence has been improved too, we have much better information about French ships in the Mediterranean.
Personal log - the 10th of November 1918 I have been informed that some of submarine technology was stolen and that USA are responsible for. As it is leaked to press, I have no choice to send strong diplomatic note. I hope it does not worse situation. I have ordered to start construction of Varese class heavy cruiser. War diary - the 28th of November 1918
Battle of Cape Corse Enemy raid on our coast was expected and our patrolling force of battlecruisers Marco Polo and Leonardo da Vinci, light cruisers Verona, Ravenna and Padua and 11 destroyers (7 Imavido class modern destroyers) was ordered to intercept French division reported 30 miles southwest from their position. Half hour later Verona report sightings southwest. After another sereral minutes it was estimated that enemy force is 3 battlecruisers and Marco Polo opened fire with her 4x16" guns at leading ship at estimated range of 24000 yards. 3 enemy battlecruisers were identified as Dunkerque class with 4x2x14" main armament and weaker 10" turret armour. Our battlecruiser closed range to 13000-14000 yards. However after several hits on enemy ships another sighting was reported southwest.
Both Italian battlecruisers show much better accuracy, hitting almost every salvo and just after 10 minutes of fire from 13000 yards reported that leading ship forward turret is destroyed. But at that same time new sightings are identified as another 2 battlecruisers changing situation to 2 our battlecruisers against 5 enemy battlecruisers. The 2 new battlecruisers were identified as Rouen class (lightly armoured but with 12x14" guns) and Nancy class (as improved Dunkerque with 15" guns). Both our battlecruisers were therefore force to turn away even if the Dunkerque class French battlecruisers have very hard time. Meantime our destroyers were trying to fire torpedoes but the old Nazario Sauro destroyer was sunk 6" guns fire from battlecruisers. All three French Dunkerque class battlecruisers changed course to left area as being heavily damage and replaced in fight by 2 new French modern battlecruisers. Just before French new battlecruisers get into range to be their fire dangerous Rouen class was hit and seen slowing down to 15 knots. As Rouen has no superfiring turrets it give our battlecruiser tactical advantage.
Finally after some time our detroyers were able to hit one of Dunkerque class battlecruisers by torpedo. However after another torpedo run Montenego modern destroyer was hit several times and was sinking. Just before sunset both battlecruisers were low in ammunition and set course to Saint Florent. All French battlecruisers were severaly damaged by gunfire but still were able continue fire. If the only hit of torpedo make any difference is unknown. Just 15 miles from port Marco Polo was hit and electricity was disable of most of ship decreasing ship speed to only 12 knots.
The torpedo attack was ordered by again not torpedo hit the target and Indomito destroyer was heavily damage barerly staing above the sea, later sunk. However another torpedo attack was succesful hitting Nancy class battlecruiser by 2 torpedoes. But it was enought to make repairs onboard Marco Polo and restore speed of 22 knots. After another torpedo attack Nancy was hit by another torpedo but she was still reported making about 15 knots. After sunset all remaining ships returned to port. But during night one of our destroyers seen enemy battlecruiser just 2000 yards away but with only 1 last torpedo left he can make only 1 torpedo hit and French battlecruiser sunk him by 2 salvos.
Personal log - the 30th of November 1918 I have got news about the Battle of Cape Corse. Even Nancy class battlecruiser being hit by 3 torpedoes escaped home. We lost 2 modern destroyers of Impavido class and 2 older ones. But I should be satisfied as our 2 smaller battlecruisers fight 5 enemy larger battlecruisers and frankly speaking after inspecting the ships after their return I would not believe that. Their damage was quite light, I am really proud of that ships, their crews and accuracy of our fire as accuracy of fire on Marco Polo is estimated about 8 % which is increadible. I am really looking forward to seeing how can operate our 4 new modern battlecruisers together as I expect just several months are missing to have ready Andra Doria class battlecruisers with 8x16" guns with much better quality. However it is clear that because of this French operation, we can blockade French port in Atlantic ocean quite easily.
Enemy submarines sunk 1 merchant, we lost 1 submarine. Russia has laid down the 2nd battlecruiser of Arhipelag class - 36500 tons
USA has laid down new battlecruiser of Princeton class - 33300 tons
Germany has commissioned the 2nd battleship Elsass class - 29000 tons, 20 knots, 10x15" guns, 16.5" belt armour
Germany has commissioned the 4th battlecruiser Friedrich Carl class - 31700 tons, 12x15" guns, 8" belt armour
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Post by dorn on Dec 21, 2019 14:14:07 GMT -6
December 1918
Personal log - the 1st of December 1918
With only 9 modern destroyers of Impavido class remaining and 2 of them under repairs I decided to build wartime class of 6 new destroyers. To save time Impavido class as base design was choosen as prove quite succesfull and even only 1 year of services 3 destroyers has already earned 8 battle stars. The decision was to built ships in Great Britain to be ready within a year. The main improvement of new Garibaldino class is that both wing 4" guns are replaced by superimposed forward gun, aft triple torpedo tube is replaced by 2 double torpedo tubes on starboard and port. They main change in appearance is not only guns but their they will get only larger forward funnel instead 2 smaller ones to save space for superimposed gun.
Personal log - the 5th of December 1918
I have received news about widespread demonstrations from France.
I have been informed that our 2 new submarines and 10 trailers have been commissioned as our 2 new armed merchant cruisers however they are somewhat overweight.
Personal log - the 10th of December 1918
I have been reported that new type of shells with increased oblique penetration ability has been started manufacturing. Caprioni has developed new model of Caprioni Ca.20 fighter with faster speed and longer range.
War diary - the 23rd of December 1918
Our intelligence reported that French fleet planned again raiding our coast. Our cruisers Verona, Ravenna and Quarto has sail to sea escorted by 6 destroyers of Impavido class. But during sunset and night no contact was made.
Personal log - the 31st of December 1918
Our submarines sunk 3 merchants, we lost 1 submarine. Enemy submarines sunk 1 our merchant and enemy armed merchant cruiser sunk 1 our merchant. Blockade of Atlantic ports continue as expected.
USA has laid down new battlecruiser of Oriskany class - 32900 tons
USA has commissioned the 3rd battlecruiser Ticonderoga class - 32700 tons, 28 knots, 12x14" guns, 10" belt armour
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Post by dorn on Dec 23, 2019 7:38:36 GMT -6
January 1919
Personal log - the 1st of January 1919
There were no happy Christmas this year as war is all round us more than one year. We are winning but damage is visible, there can be seen some shadows over us. I hope we can make final blow and finished this damned war quickly. Neverthless I need to plan the war as there is no end. So I have ordered restarting works on 8 submarines and have ordered 6 new destroyers of Garibaldino class in Portsmouth which should be ready for service on next Christmas. This time I hope they will not sail to battle with next New year.
Personal log - the 7th of January 1919
Another submarine, armed merchant cruiser and 2 trailers were commissioned.
Ansaldo has adjusted their 3" and 4" guns to be able fire against aicrafts.
Personal log - the 8th of January 1919
I have been informed that RMS Lusitania has been torpedoed by French submarine on New Year. There were lost 1257 lives, most of them English, however 10 Italians were on board and only 2 are reported alive.
War diary - the 29th of January 1919 Battle of CorsicaOur battlecruiser Leonardo da Vinci with light cruiser Padua with 8 destroyers of Impavido class were patrolling west coast of Corsica. Padua has reported sigting southwest just after midday. Ship was quickly identified as battlecruiser of Dunkerque class and Leonardo da Vinci opened fire at range of 23000 yards but was quickly hit by the second salvo from French battlecruiser at range of almost 20000 yards. The first shell hit turret A with no damage, however the second shell struck superstructure destroying port 4" gun. After closing distance to 14000 yards Leonardo made turn to bring her to parallel course with French cruiser and hit her for the first time. After some time it was observed that French battlecruiser slow down to 15 knots but just after 5 minutes when the distance closed to 10000 yards as French battlecuiser changed course Leonardo was hit into machinery slowing down to 22 knots. After another 2 minutes B turret of French battlecruiser has stopped firing. As both ships continue with fire at range of 10000 yards hits were more common disabling Leonardo B turret and French battlecruiser Y turret which forced French battlecruiser try to disengaged as only 2 turrets were continuing fire. Leonardo da Vinci continued pursuit with only A turret firing but after several minutes B turrets was repaired and started fire. One of the shells hit V turret of French ship destroying the second aft turret which silence all fire from disengaging French battlecruiser. As dark was comming Admiral dizzy on board of Leonardo da Vinci had ordered torpedo attack on escaping battlecruiser. Luckily one of shells decreased speed of French battlecruiser to 15 knots making torpedo runs much more likely. Destroyers were closing from rear firing 4" guns after French giant. From Leonardo it was seen as a lot of 4" guns hit all part of ships. Even if belt armour cannot be compromised by 4" HE shells, they made havock on deck and unarmoured part of hull. After some time Insidioso try to make parallel course but was hit by 3 hits by 6" shells and started sinking. But French battlecruiser cannot be saved as cumulative damage of 21 hits by 16" shells and almost 3 dozens of hits by 4" guns was to much. She started loosing speed and her forward part got bellow water taking another water inside. After another half an hour French giant was on her last journey to sea floor.
Personal log - the 31st of January 1919
Our submarines sunk 3 French merchants, Nino Bixio 3 merchants, Marsala 2 merchants. We lost 1 submarine to enemy actions and we were able to sink 1 French submarine.
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Post by dorn on Dec 23, 2019 17:31:59 GMT -6
February 1919
Personal log - the 3rd of February 1919
We have commissioned another submarine.
Our intelligence reports that they have been quite succesful acquiring several information about French planes and ships. French floatplane scout Dewoitine D.47 - top speed 94 knots, combat radius 88 nm Torpedo bomber Farman F.46 - top speed 90 knots, combat radius 93 nm Light cruiser Sfax class under costruction - 5100 tons, 29 knots, 4x6" guns, 1" belt armour, 1" deck armour, 1" shields for 6" guns
It seems that it is good thing having 2 powerful cruisers under construction with speed of 30 knots as all new cruisers built by foreign navies have speed of 29 or 30 knots.
War diary - the 15th of February 1919Battle of CorsicaOur convoy of 13 merchants was heading to La Spezia from England escorted by 4 older destroyers. Admiral captainloggy aboard flag ship Marco Polo escorted convoy from west of Gibraltar with 3 battlecruisers Marco Polo, Leonardo da Vinci and Lepanto, light cruiser Padua and 8 Impavido class destroyers. Close support force was commanded by Admiral dizzy from battlecruiser Lepanto with protected cruiser Cagliari and 1 older destroyer. Padua has reported enemy ship northeast just before sunset. Admiral captainloggy changed course to intercept enemy ships. During night and visibility about 4000 yards his force identified 2 enemy battlecruiser, one of them probably Rouen and Nancy class. All ships opened fire, Leonardo da Vinci B turret was hit by heavy shell disabling this turret. After 3 minutes Leonardo da Vinci was hit by torpedo and slow down to 10 knots. As several ships being damaged Admiral captainloggy change course to southeast to return to convoy. During night both Italian forces have shortly met. Admiral captainloggy has received report from Admiral dizzy that his ship receiving 9 heavy hits. During night part of battle Marco Polo was hit by 2 torpedoes, Leonardo da Vinci was hit by another torpedo so Admiral captainloggy change course to Saint Florent to save his ships. Light cruiser Padua was ordered with destroyers to protect the convoy. During night we have lost 2 destroyers, one modern Impavido class, one older Quintino Sella class. French ships sunk 1 our merchants and later we lost another one to French submarine. Personal log - the 20th of FebruaryI have received news from intelligence that enemy has lost in battle 1 Coetlogon class light cruiser, 2 destroyers and 1 seaplane carrier. This was certainly French victory as our battlecruisers will need several months of repairs. We should evade night fighting as we are not trained enough.
Personal log - the 28th of February 1919
Our submarine sunk French corvette in spirited gun duel. Our submarines sunk 1 merchant, we sunk 1 submarine. French armoured cruiser Chanzy sunk 2 our merchants, light cruiser Jean Bart 1 merchant, armed merchant cruiser 1 merchant.
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Post by dorn on Dec 25, 2019 17:04:37 GMT -6
March 1919
Personal log - the 3rd of March 1919
As only 7 modern destroyers of Impavido class are remaining I decided to order another batch of 6 destroyers from England. Our submarine forces are strenghtened by 5 new submarines.
Personal log - the 10th of March 1919
Finally new battlecruiser Guiseppe Garibaldi has anchored in La Spezia port. She a little longer than Taranto class, having 5000 tons more displacement than previous class, 8x16" guns as Italia class battleship with better British model and armoured almost as battleship Italia having only 0.5" belt armour less and less armoured conning tower.
I have been informed that we have found out how to install superimposed turrets on destroyers without any drawback.
Personal log - the 31st of March 1919 Our submarines sunk 5 French merchant but 2 submarines did not return from their patrol. Our raiders sunk 9 merchants, Nino Bixio 2, Marsala 3 and Quatro 4.
USA has laid down the 2nd battlecruiser of Oriskany class - 32900 tons
Germany has commissioned 5th battlecruiser of Erfurt class - 31700 tons, 26 knots, 12x15" guns, 8" belt armour
April 1919
Personal log - the 4th of April 1919
Our battlecruiser Andrea Doria and 4 submarines have been commissioned.
La Spezia yards have offered me construction of small torpedo boats to protect coast. I have thanks them but I do not have budget for another expenditures and I think that destroyers should be our focuse on light forces.
War diary - the 10th of April 1919
Our light cruiser Nino Bixio serving as raider in Northern Europe has intercepted French ship near Ireland. It was quickly identified as Trident class armed with 10x15" guns and Nino Bixio has changed course disengage superior enemy.
Personal log - the 21st of April 1919
I have been informed about Nino Bixio and her interception but intelligence has got information that enemy ship was incorrectly indentified as armoured cruiser was the ship that had been seen. I do not care as this ship even old was still tougher than the light cruiser in area far from port.
Personal log - the 30th of April 1919
Admiral captainloggy has informed me that blockade was restored for time being. Our submarines sunk 4 merchants, enemy submarines sunk 2 our merchants.
Russia has laid down new battlecruiser of Afon class - 37800 tons
Germany has laid down new battleship of Brandenburg class - 25100 tons
USA has laid down the 3rd light cruiser of Cincinnati class - 5200 tons
Royal navy has commissioned battleship Anson of her class - 26100 tons, 21 knots, 10x14" guns, 12.5" belt armour
USA has commissioned the 2nd battleship of Ohio class - 33300 tons, 21 knots, 10x14" guns, 12.5" belt armour
May 1919
Personal log - the 3rd of May 1919
Another 2 submarines has been commissioned.
Personal log - the 5th of May 1919
Peace talks has started I hope it would end this war.
Personal log - the 15th of May 1919
Finally peace has been concluded. We have gained Middle Congo and war reparations.
Personal log - the 31st of May 1919 I have ordered to sell 3 armed merchant cruisers and 12 trailers to private shipping companies. Our budget after war has dropped and our balance is 10 M negative. So another work is beginning to save some money.
Austria-Hungary has laid down light cruiser of Admiral Spuan class - 5400 tons
Germany has laid down battleship of Braunschweig class - 25200 tons
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