Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1144

1144. A Killer Gift (9)

The destroyers, which had been the focus of both anticipation and concern from the Imperial Navy’s upper echelons, exceeded expectations. Equipped with a large number of rapid-firing, small to medium-caliber cannons, the destroyers disrupted the formations of the charging assault ships.

“Aren’t those cannons too small to be mounted on a warship?”

“A cannon’s virtue should be firing large, powerful shells, right…?”

“Cannons aren’t toys…”

However, the destroyers’ performance demonstrated why such ‘toy-like’ cannons were necessary.

-Even the most elite naval soldiers cannot hit an enemy ship with a single shot.

-Therefore, naval gunnery considers a hit successful if the enemy ship is within the impact range of the cannons.

The next volley is bound to score a hit.

-However, this typically requires at least four volleys.

-The problem arises when dealing with small enemy ships.

-More volleys are needed to achieve a hit than when targeting a large warship.

-If the main cannons of the primary warships are used for this, it wastes unnecessary shells and time.

-Therefore, it is reasonable to use cannons with high rates of fire, even if they are smaller, when engaging small enemy ships.

This was the rationale Hyang and Hyeon presented when selecting the cannons for the destroyers.

“It still doesn’t seem right… but…”

“But… what choice do we have?”

Given their opponent, the Imperial Navy’s upper echelons grumbled inwardly but had no choice but to build the destroyers as suggested by ‘those very high up.’ Of course, Hyang and Hyeon shook their heads when they later heard these grumbles.

“Have they forgotten how much each shell costs…?”

* * *

With the destroyers playing a crucial role, the assault ships’ charge became chaotic.

Initially, they tried to target the Imperial Fleet’s main force despite being harassed by the destroyers’ fire. However, as the destroyers systematically destroyed their fellow assault ships, they scattered for survival or were herded by the destroyers, disappearing one or two at a time.

“Like sheep being chased by wolves…”

Admiral Tourville, witnessing the assault ships being herded and ravaged by the destroyers, quickly issued an order.

“Pass this message to Admiral Pougat! Order him to immediately lead the fleet and suppress those cruisers! And tell him this too if he complains! Those cruisers are surprisingly lightly armed!”

“Yes!”

A staff officer beside him quickly relayed the admiral’s orders to the signalmen.

After several communications between Admiral Tourville’s flagship and Admiral Pougat’s command ship, the 2nd class battleships led by Admiral Pougat began to move forward. The advance of Admiral Pougat’s fleet was immediately noticed not only by the destroyers’ lookouts but also by the Imperial Fleet’s main force.

Self-propelled flying vehicles, replacing the air wing, were transmitting real-time battlefield information. As the French fleet made its move, the Imperial Fleet responded in kind.

Five emergency warships that had been on standby entered the battlefield.

Thus, eight 2nd class battleships of the French Navy and five emergency warships of the Imperial Navy became entangled in battle.

* * *

The 2nd class battleships and emergency warships that entered the battlefield shared a common feature.

That was the installation of steam engines.

However, the fuel used and the propulsion method differed significantly between the two. The emergency warships were equipped with Imperial-specific windmill-type propulsion systems and used steam engines powered by petroleum.

In contrast, the French 2nd class battleships adopted a paddlewheel propulsion system, mounting large waterwheels on both sides of the hull, and used steam engines powered by coal.

This was an unavoidable choice for France.

The emergency warships were designed with the installation of steam engines in mind from the outset by Hyang.

“Even if steam engines for ships are developed, they will be used as warehouses for the time being.”

Compared to the Challenger-class battleships, the emergency warships were smaller, and naturally, the space allocated to the steam engines was also smaller. It was certain that it would take quite some time for small, high-output steam engines to be developed, so the space created in the emergency warships was sure to be used as a warehouse for a considerable time.

However, this time acted as a boon for the emergency warships.

Just as small, high-output steam engines suitable for the emergency warships were developed, petroleum began to replace coal. Thanks to this, the emergency warships were able to somewhat resolve their chronic ‘short-range problem.’

On the other hand, the French 2nd class battleships retained the traditional sailing ship form without considering the installation of steam engines. Furthermore, they lagged behind the Empire in the miniaturization and high-output development of steam engines.

The fuel issue was similar.

France was well aware of the advantages of petroleum. However, supply was a problem. Therefore, France had to use coal, which was readily available in their country, as fuel. Due to these constraints, the French 2nd class battleships chose the paddlewheel method, mounting waterwheels on the sides of the hull.

-To apply a propeller propulsion system like the Empire, the entire hull would have to be dismantled.

-However, paddlewheels only require holes to be drilled in the sides.

-This means it can be modified at a lower cost.

As expected, ‘cost’ was the issue.

Of course, when the actual modification work began, it took more time, effort, and cost than expected. However, it was still much cheaper than using a propeller system.

Instead, the newly built 1st class battleships were constructed with propeller propulsion systems. However, fuel remained a problem, and France adopted a mixed system, using a combination of petroleum and coal.

* * *

As the French 2nd class battleships and the Imperial emergency warships entered the battlefield, the situation became even more chaotic. The French 2nd class battleships tried to maintain their formation as much as possible and surround the emergency warships, while the emergency warships used their speed as a weapon, aiming for hit-and-run tactics.

This was due to the experience of the naval battles that had taken place during the Italian Unification War.

-The firepower and defense of the Imperial Navy’s battleships are excellent, but they can be attacked if they are immobilized and ganged up on.

This was France’s ‘countermeasure against the Imperial Fleet.’

-Even the Challenger-class is helpless if surrounded. The best weapon the emergency warships have is speed.

-Use speed to constantly hit and run, making it difficult for the enemy.

-Never jump into the enemy’s formation!

This was the revised doctrine of the Imperial Navy.

And now, both sides were maneuvering according to these tactics. Thanks to both sides being equipped with steam engines, the large battleships were moving nimbly across the sea, unlike the naval battles in Italy.

However, Admiral Tourville, watching from behind, was furious.

“Pougat! You idiot!”

Admiral Tourville’s order to Admiral Pougat was to suppress the Imperial ‘cruisers’ that were eliminating the assault ships. However, Admiral Pougat’s fleet was now engaging the Imperial emergency warships, and the assault ships were still becoming prey for the Imperial ‘cruisers.’

“The Imperial emergency warships should be left to the others! You fool!”

After venting his anger at Admiral Pougat once more, Admiral Tourville ordered his staff officer.

“Relay this to Chatillon! Tell him to protect the assault ships immediately!”

“Wouldn’t it be better to give the order to Admiral Pougat again?”

“He’s already engaged with the Imperial emergency warships! It’s better for Chatillon to move!”

“Understood!”

“Tell Chatillon! We need the assault ships to damage the Imperial thugs!”

“Yes!”

Shortly after, six 2nd class battleships from one side of the French fleet surged forward. Admiral Tourville’s eyes were filled with anxiety as he watched Admiral Chatillon’s fleet faithfully follow his orders.

“The plan is for the assault ships to wound the enemy’s main force, but if we continue to commit forces piecemeal like this, it will turn into a war of attrition. That would be the worst.”

‘Use the assault ships to inflict damage on the enemy’s main force, then use our forces to inflict serious damage on the enemy.’

This was the initial plan, but now things were moving in the opposite direction.

Admiral Tourville pondered the best course of action on the bridge.

“We must not commit any more forces piecemeal. The Empire will only benefit if we engage in such small-scale battles.”

When comparing individual ships, the French 2nd class battleships were inferior to the emergency warships. This meant that engaging in high-speed maneuvering and gunnery battles would likely result in only the emergency warships surviving.

And such results would accumulate, putting the French fleet at a disadvantage compared to the Imperial Fleet.

“Then… should we mobilize all our forces now and increase the scale of the melee?”

The entrance to the Mediterranean, where the battle was taking place, was too narrow to conduct a large-scale fleet battle. This meant that the Imperial Navy’s movements would also be slowed down, giving the surviving assault ships another chance.

“Is this how it was going to end up after all?”

After reconsidering several times and reaching the same conclusion, Admiral Tourville made up his mind.

“Order to the fleet! Battle formation! Attack the Imperial Fleet with all our strength!”

“Yes!”

As Admiral Tourville’s orders were transmitted, the slowly moving French fleet began to move in unison. Although the allies were being pushed back in the melee unfolding before their eyes, those aboard the French fleet’s main force, the 1st class battleships, were burning with competitive spirit.

“You think only you have big cannons and thick armor! Our ships also have powerful cannons and thick armor! Let’s have a proper fight!”

“Let’s have a manly fight!”

“We’ll teach those cowardly bastards what a true warrior is, what a man is!”

The French Navy, expecting a long-standing tradition of ‘the one who endures to the end while exchanging blows is the victor,’ believed that the Imperial Army and Navy, regardless of rank, were ‘the most cowardly bastards in the world,’ ‘guys who had nothing to do with the titles of warrior, soldier, or hero.’

-Instead of facing each other with spears and swords when charging, they just stick their heads out and shoot guns.

-When we go out with guns, they respond with cannons.

-Very bad guys who charge with cannons covered in armor.

-Naval warfare is about competing in courage by firing cannons at each other, but they are just rat-like guys who only hit and run.

This was how the Imperial Army was viewed in Europe.

And this time as well, the Imperial Army’s cowardice was shining.

Those ‘cruisers.’

They were the size of 2nd class battleships, yet they were cowardly targeting only the small assault ships.

“This time, we’ll teach the Imperial bastards how to fight!”

“Ooooh!”

While the French Navy, regardless of rank, was burning with competitive spirit, shouting about ‘re-educating the Empire,’ the ‘cowardly Empire’ began to do ‘cowardly things.’

This time, it was the sky.