Chapter 132
< World War II - The Battle of London (7) >
September 14, 1940
English Channel
The Reichsmarine fleet, which had sortied early in the morning after being seen off by the Emperor and the Vice-Chancellor, was the largest in the German Navy's history, consisting of 3 battleships, 3 heavy cruisers, 5 light cruisers, and 25 destroyers.
Led by the flagship Bismarck, the Reichsmarine fleet avoided the territorial waters of the Netherlands, passed through the northern seas, and was just now entering the English Channel.
Though the maximum force the Reichsmarine could muster did not surpass Britain's single Force H, Admiral Lütjens's heart pounded rapidly, having finally gotten the fleet battle he had so eagerly awaited.
"Now, let's hurry.
Move smartly, so as not to bring shame upon the name of the Imperial Navy!"
The Bismarck's captain, Ernst Lindemann, glanced at Lütjens with a look of slight disapproval, but the admiral's orders were relayed to each ship nonetheless.