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Chapter Five Hundred and Forty-Eight Encirclement (Part 2)

As a result, the US main fleet continued to move, and the entire battlefield was also shifting to the north. The showdown between the main ships was still calm. However, the direct battle between destroyers and cruisers was fierce, and the bayonets were fierce.

Until now, the French fleet has successfully sunk more than ten destroyers and cruisers of the United States Combined Fleet, and at least ten warships were severely damaged. Of course, it has also suffered great losses. Several of the "Dolphin" class and "Battle" class destroyers were sunk, and one of the "Light Cavalry" class light cruisers was sunk. There are also several warships that have withdrawn from the battlefield due to severe damage. The losses paid by the two sides are not much different. It can be said that they are evenly matched.

Although the cannon fodder of the French fleet is sharper, and even occasionally can be used torpedoes to make contributions, the US fleet has a clear numerical advantage. At least twenty more destroyers and light cruisers are added than the French fleet. Although they also suffered heavy losses in the Battle of the English Channel, they also made additional replenishments after returning home, but because the construction period of the main ships and heavy cruisers was relatively long, they could not be replenished in time. Destroyers and light cruisers were replenished to the level before the loss. [bsp;    "General, the French turned, and they took the initiative to lean on!" The Chief of Staff of the 6th Fleet reminded Harold. At this moment, Harold had a thick gauze tied to his head, and his posture of a serious injury seemed a bit funny.

"Oh? What are they trying to do! Do they want to fight us?" Harold immediately stood up and picked up the telescope. Sure enough, the main ships of the French Strait Fleet began to turn one after another, actively narrowing the distance between the two sides. As the distance narrowed, the degree of shelling was also rapidly increasing.

"General, General Gaodfry called." A staff officer reported to Harold.

"What did you say?" Harold did not receive the telegram.

"General Gordofry reminded that the French attempted to stop us from heading north must have some plans. Perhaps the French South Atlantic Fleet was about to arrive."

"I understand!" Harold said coldly. He is not a fool. From the abnormal actions of the French Strait Fleet, you can easily guess the purpose of the Strait Fleet. Before, the French fleet was obviously in order to preserve its strength, so it was unwilling to fight with the American Joint Fleet. But now, seeing that the American Joint Fleet is about to escape and its reinforcements are coming, it is why it is necessary to leave the American Joint Fleet at any cost.

Among the many commanders of the US Navy's fleet, Gaodfry is a person with rich combat experience. Therefore, he can see through the purpose of the French Navy at a glance. However, the commander of the joint fleet this time was Harold. If it were him, he would not have returned to the United States along the coast and advanced directly into the deep sea. It is not so easy for the French fleet to encircle and annihilate them.

The distance between the two sides quickly narrowed, and soon narrowed to 10,000 meters. At this time, the French army's shelling accuracy advantage was fully utilized. A large number of shells fell around the "Superior" and "Florida", making these two 10,000-ton giant ships look like small boats in the wind.

"Damn it, save the current course and speed, fire the guns, and sank the Paris." Harold finally issued an order. The US Navy quickly responded to his order. Countless shells launched a counterattack against the Paris. However, the battle line of the US Combined Fleet was too long. The 10 battleships combined together had a battle line of more than 4 kilometers. The last "Appalachia" and the Rocky" were not at all able to reach the Paris. The Mississippi and the Ohio, ranked third and fourth, were also difficult to hit the Paris because of the distance that was too far. In the end, the four battleships each chose their opponents. This made the Paris only need to face the shelling of the six main battleships of the US Combined Fleet.

But even so, the "Paris" felt a great pressure. A large number of shells fell around the "Paris". The splashing water column poured the busy sailors on the deck soaked all over.

"Marson! The 'Paris' has become the main target of American attacks, which is too dangerous. Should we temporarily distance ourselves?" Mario, the new chief of staff of the Straits Fleet, reminded.

"No! It's too early for the Americans to sink the Paris! As a shell magnet, other warships can attack them unscrupulously. Pass the order and ask each ship to hit the firepower and attack the Superior and Florida. At least, before the Paris is sunk, these two warships must be sunk." Heckles said firmly. Obviously, he put all his safety out of it. The strength of the main ship of the Straits Fleet is originally weaker than the United States Combined Fleet. The United Fleet hit the firepower above the "Paris", which just gave other warships a chance.

"Boom!" At 2:30 pm, the USS Michigan of the USS Michigan fired a 305mm naval gun accurately hit the "Paris". The huge power caused the entire "Paris" bow to be destroyed. Fortunately, the damaged part was above the waterline, but even so, the speed of the "Paris" was reduced by at least two knots. If the French warship had not been higher than that of the American warship, she would probably not be able to keep up with the speed of the entire battle line.

Heckles and others felt that the "Paris" swayed sharply, and everyone was really shocked.

"Marson, the head of the ship 'Paris' was broken!" As soon as everyone got up, the captain of the ship 'Paris' rushed into the bridge.

"How about the loss? Can you continue to fight?" Heckles asked stably.

"The speed has dropped by two knots, but fortunately the damage is above the waterline. Except for the damage of several Mén sub-cannons, the other combat power of the 'Paris' was not damaged." The captain replied.

"Okay! Then keep fighting!" Hechris ordered.

"Very, very good! Beat that bitch of the bastard and completely sank her!" Seeing that the "Paris" was hit, Harold waved his arms excitedly inside the bridge of the "Suprere".

However, before he could finish his happiness, retribution had already arrived. When the United Fleet hit the Paris, the Florida was also facing a great threat. The French Strait Fleet's "Le Havre", "Orleans" and "Caen" launched violent shells on her. The dense shells almost completely enveloped her. At this moment, the distance between the two sides had narrowed to nine thousand meters. Not only the main guns, but also the secondary guns had all joined the battle.

At this moment, the superstructure of the "Florida" had been completely passed by the French fleet with artillery fire, which was terrible. Suxing's shells without large caliber hit her. Although it seemed to be severely damaged, it was not impossible to fight.

However, the next moment, the good luck of the "Florida" ended. The "Orleans" and "Caen" hit her almost at the same time. A 305mm naval gun in the former bombardment was directly bombarded near the waterline of the "Florida" and directly tore a large dong of more than five meters. A large amount of sea water poured into the "Florida" frantically, pressing her bow into the water. A 305mm shell fired by the "Caen" hit the stern of the "Florida" and completely destroyed the entire stern. The "Florida" lost its power while constantly pouring into the sea water. The boiler room was also broken, and a large amount of steam overflowed, scalding all the sailors inside.

The "Florida" that was hit by the destruction began to sink slowly. Several battleships behind passed her and continued to sail forward, sending only some lifeboats to rescue them.

Five minutes later, the "Florida" completely sank into the bottom of the sea, and half of the people were unable to escape.

After the "Florida" was sunk, the three warships behind the French battle line placed their targets on the "Mississippi" that replaced her. The naval battle continued and it seemed that it was not affected by the "Florida" being sunk. However, the shelling of both sides was almost even more intense.

After the distance between the two sides was 8 kilometers shortened, even the speed cannons joined the war. It can be said that at this moment, except for the rifles, all weapons that can be used for combat on each warship were put into battle.

"Boom boom boom!" A series of explosions sounded above the "Paris". After the "Florida" was sunk, the United Fleet even regarded the "Paris" as a thorn in their eyes and had to sink it. At this time, the superstructure of the "Paris" had been almost destroyed, and even a chimney was broken. It was a miracle that it could still fight until now.

The best destination for soldiers is on the battlefield. Similarly, the best destination for warships is on the sea. After the United Fleet lost the "Florida", it seemed that the lucky nv god began to favor the Americans. The warships of the French Strait Fleet were repeatedly hit. All ships were more or less damaged.

Suddenly, a shell hit the "Paris", a 305mm shell fired by the "Tennessee". This gun happened to hit the ship's "Paris". The armor of the "Paris" was very weak, and it was directly torn apart by the gun. A large amount of sea water poured in. The "Paris" began to tilt, and it was possible to overturn at any time.

As a last resort, the captain of the "Paris" finally issued an order to abandon the ship. Heckles and Mario also moved to the "Amiens" to continue commanding the battle.
Chapter completed!
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