WesWorld

Quoted

Originally posted by BruceDuncan
"Your crews will not thank you mon capitaine..."

"Dans la Marine il y a Mon Dieu et mon cul, pas mon capitaine!"

Thursday, 10 July 1941

Konteradmiral Erich Lindemann paced the quarterdeck of the cruiser Königsberg, something that was nearly second nature to him. There was a stiff breeze whipping the ensigns and signal flags of the cruiser, a cool breeze that somewhat compensated for the growing heat that surrounded the ships of his task force. The had left the Iberian coast far behind them on their present track, and at the moment the Atlantean province of Diaprepes as off their port beam, though many miles distant.

Braun, his flag lieutenant approached. “From the kapitän Herr Admiral,” he said. “A further Seetakt report, air contact, circling at a distance of five kilometres.”

Lindemann nodded. It was no doubt another patrolling aircraft of the Atlantean air force or navy. They had sighted three today alone, and there had never been less than two present at any one time. It was to be expected – while technically international waters the seas between Atlantis proper and its provinces on the African mainland were considered to be the nation’s back yard. The size of the German task force, notwithstanding its peaceful intent and stated purpose, demanded that the Atlanteans keep watch. Lindemann also recalled that some time before a Bharati task force, passing nearby, suffered the loss of a tanker whose cargo had fouled the Atlantean coastline, much to the consternation of the locals.

“One day,” Lindemann thought, “the Marineflieger will do the watching.”

He resumed pacing the deck of his flagship, his mind deep in thought.


[Situation Map]

Friday, 11 July 1941

The arrival of the Gonsenheim convoy to the designated rendezvous point was cause for great celebration for the officers and men of the carrier task force. Admiral von Fischel rejoiced that the link up had been successfully effected – a milestone of achievement for the Kriegsmarine. The captains of every ship in the task force were relieved that their supplies of stores and fuel could be replenished without concern. The ordinary crewmen were happy because the ships of the Gonsenheim force brought mail, newspapers and parcels from home.

The large numbers of ships in a relatively small area required careful ship-handling on the part of all involved. First and foremost the warships of the task force refueled from the fleet oilers, which in turn took on cargo from the two hired commercial tankers sent out with the Gonsenheim force. The small Hansa Line freighters Schwaneck and Soneck had been loaded with provisions and dry stores, which were greedily accepted by the ships of the task force, and what was not taken directly by the warships was transferred to the store ship Mittenwalde and the fleet oilers for later distribution.

The process was complex, and convoluted, kept in check only through much paper-shuffling and the sending of an endless stream of signals. The process would also take time.

The daily over flight of the Canadian reconnaissance aircraft found much to photograph, with several dozen German vessels maneuvering in the swells of the Atlantic. Aboard the cruiser Minerva there were more signals to be monitored than ever before, for it seemed that the German task force was broadcasting over a myriad of frequencies. Some were in the clear; some were encrypted, and would be analyzed later; some seemed mere gibberish, or perhaps some fiendishly complex German code. The Canadian equipment operators recorded it all while their captain played swing music over the ship’s address system, to counter the answering Beethoven symphonies broadcast from their escort destroyer, Zed-two-five-six.


[Situation Map]

Saturday, 12 July 1941

The task group under Admiral Lindemann’s command slowed its southward pace to take the opportunity to refuel. The escorting destroyers in particular needed to have their bunkers topped off. The ships engaged in the complicated ritual of refueling at sea, each in turn coming alongside one of the tankers and then breaking away, only to repeat the performance in a few minutes to complete the evolution.

The Seetakt equipment aboard the German vessels noted the several air contacts that continued to follow them. Occasionally a visual sighting would confirm the presence of an Atlantean patrol plane. Their electronic equipment also reported a number of surface contacts, but these proved to be merchantmen, for their present course put them astride the major shipping route between West Africa, Atlantis and Western Europe. Assuring that none of these blundered headlong into the squadron fell to the lot o the destroyers.

Lindemann was somewhat surprised that a cruiser or two of the Atlantean navy had not yet shown up to shadow his force. Of course, he was aware that a second German task force was exercising to the north, and perhaps the Atlanteans had chosen to watch it, rather than his own squadron. In that sense he was disappointed, for his ships were among the newest and finest in the Kriegsmarine – and he would be happy to show them off to the proud Atlanteans. But that was not his mission; it was to see the Vientecinco de Mayo safely to Bahia Blanca; but at least there the Argentines could appreciate German workmanship.


[Situation Map]

Capitan de Navio Lorente paced about the bridge. The paint still smelled fresh, the floor was polished to a bright gleam and everything was brand new. As he looked out of the window at one of the German destroyers keeping formation off the starboard beam he felt a sense of pride in his heart. Pride that he had been hand picked by the General Staff of the Navy for this duty. Pride that this fine new ship was under his command for the next six months at least and that everyman aboard her was a hand picked sailor. He had the newest command in the Navy and the finest crew in the Navy. He felt pride that his homeland would soon have two of the most powerful battlecruisers in South American waters. Now the Africans, Uruguayans, the Nords and the British would have to take Argentina seriously. With three carriers and six capital units no more would the Navy have to endure the shame of defeat. But then the politicans should never have gotten them into those positions he thought. No things would be different from now on.

As he gazed out to sea a young Alfrez de Fragata (Sub-Lieutenant) came up behind him. "Sir I have the latest defect reports." "Anything that will delay our voyage?" "No Sir. Just a few minor issues Sir. The German engineers are looking into them Sir. The officers water boiler is now working." "Good at least they can have a bath now. Hm yes this list is very minor. Nothing that is unusual on a new ship. It takes time to bed everything down. They certainly build good ships in Germany. You transferred from the Fortaleza did you not?" "Yes Sir. I was aboard her six months Sir." "You're a bright young officer. You have a future in the Navy. One day you well may be standing at this exact spot in command of this fine vessel. Any officer who completes this tour of duty with a commendable record will be rewarded well. Remember that." The young Sub-Lieutenant saluted and walked out of the bridge. As he descended the stairs he wondered that reward he could expect and what the years ahead would bring.

Nice write up. Captain Lorente is justifiably proud. Not doubt that the captain of the Constelacion will also find good cause to be proud.

Sunday, 13 July 1941

Vizeadmiral Hermann von Fischel greeted the news that one of the major hurdles of his task force’s exercise had been successfully completed with evident joy. The ships of the task force – from the aircraft carriers down to the small anti-submarine escorts of Kapitän zur See Bütow’s Fifth Escort Group – had replenished their stores and filled their fuel tanks to the brim; likewise too the fleet oilers and the victualing ship Mittenwalde.

The chartered freighters Schwaneck and Soneck had been released and they now sailed eastward, back towards Germany. Their mission was complete; their cargos transferred to the task force. The chartered tankers Eberstein and Ilsenstein too had been emptied of their cargos of fuel oil, but then sailed westward towards Trinidad, where it was expected that the Etappendienst would arrange for them to take on more fuel to replenish the task force’s future operations. Of the six merchantmen that had sailed with the Gonsenheim force only two remained; the Coburg and the Marburg, serving in the role of store ships. They were speedy enough to keep up with the task force.

The time had come.

Von Fischel ordered, “Signal the task force to assume formation Dora. Come to course two-one-zero, speed fifteen knots.”

Signal flags rose to the Graf Zeppelin’s main mast and blinking lights flashed out the order. The bows of the German vessels now pointed southwest-ward. The destroyers assumed their accustomed positions in an outer ring around the two aircraft carriers, while the four heavy cruisers of Rear Admiral Langsdorff’s command stationed themselves in box formation closer to the flagship. The three heavy destroyers of the Third Division, First Scouting Group, advanced ahead of the task force.The six auxiliary ships now had their own ring of escorts, the eight ships of the Fifth Escort Group. The thirty-plus ships of Von Fischel’s task force represented the largest German fleet to put to sea since the Great War.


[Situation Map]

are always an education in the ways of the seafaring life.

As an Army guy, I appreciate the education.

Thank you!

I am happy that you find them enjoyable and educational; I merely hope I am doing things right!

Monday, 14 July 1941

The sky was filled with broken cloud at medium altitude, which did not adversely impact the Fieseler Fi168 on its assigned mission of anti-submarine patrol. Flying at two thousand metres the pilot and aircrew had an excellent view of the expanse of sea around them. Their chief enemy was boredom; a situation soon to be broken.

“Herr Leutnant,” spoke the observer, “Ships bearing red fifteen; there look to be a number of them.”

The pilot acknowledged and banked the aircraft to close the distance; there was no question that the task force commander would want details in the sighting report. He also gradually brought his aircraft up to an altitude of three thousand metres, to gain a better vantage point.

The situation was now much clearer – they had happened upon another naval task force, its identity at present unknown. While these were times of peace the wireless air gunner began to tap out Morse characters with a sense of urgency.

-----

Lindenau approached von Fischel on the Graf Zeppelin’s flag bridge with a message flimsy in hand.

“A contact report from one of our scouts Herr Admiral,” he reported. He cited the position, distance and bearing of the unknown squadron. “Composition one aircraft carrier, five cruisers, eight destroyers.”

Von Fischel nodded, and they both walked over to the flag plot. Picking up a grease pencil von Fischel marked the reported position of the unknown force, and smiled.

“They are not likely to be our Canadian friends in such a position, particularly on that course. I suspect that is the American task force whose transmissions we have heard,” he concluded.

“Yes Herr Admiral,” replied Lindenau. “That is the likeliest conclusion.”

“Order the scout aircraft not to close. We do not wish to provoke an incident with the Americans. For their part I do not think they wish to provoke us.”

-----

While awaiting orders the Fi168 “Hammerhaie” from the aircraft carrier Peter Strasser had kept a respectful distance from the unknown task force, circling while observing the progress of the surface vessels. It had after a few moments acquired an escort of four stubby radial-engine fighter aircraft bearing the ‘star and ball’ insignia of the American navy – which left the identity of the carrier task force nearby beyond question.

Upon receipt of orders not to close, the pilot of the Fi168 began to turn away from the American force to resume his position in the screen of his own squadron. As he did so he wagged the wings of his aircraft in a friendly salute to his new-found companions; for their part, the American fighters stayed with the Fi168 until it had gone some distance from their task force. Then they too broke off, heading in the direction of their aircraft carrier.


[Situation Map]

Monday, 14 July 1941

Control Room Aboard USS Augusta:

Rear Admiral Frank Fletcher looked down at the piece of paper in his hand for what seemed the thousandth time since leaving Norfolk. "Politics Frankie, politics. That can be the only reason why the higher-ups decided to send a quarter of Atlantic Fleet Scouting Group out to go visit the Jerries, who as usual are being very polite and non-confrontational. Of course Frankie, the whole reason that half the darn German Navy is out here in the middle of the Atlantic, our front yard at that is politics as well. I am surprised though no one else thought it prudent to see what Jerry is up to though. Where are the Iberians, or the Atlanteans? Perhaps thats just as well though, if AEGIS was out wandering round the Atlantic it wouldn't just be me out here, and I'd probably have the Battle Fleet out plodding along behind me! This Wilkie fellow, he sure wants everyone to know we consider the Atlantic our front yard, and the Pacific our back yard and he don't want no one wandering round in them without us knowing."

"Admiral sir, contact on the screen!" the young ensign interupted his thought process with news the Admiral had been waiting for.

"Excellent, now which direction is the bogey coming from?"

"North-northeast sir."

"Could be a Canadian scout plane, but its probably our Jerry friends. Radio over to Yorktown and have her send the CAP to check her out. Who's up at the moment anyhow?"

"Lieutenent Commander Pederson's boys, from Fighting Seven, sir."

"Well tell him to escort our friend, not to make any hostile moves, and for Pete's sake don't go trying out any of that Thatch fellow's ideas on tactics."

"Yes sir!"

"Also, order Long Island to concentrate her search for the German task group to the North-east. If that is where the scout came from, it is likely though not certain that is where its home is."

"Yes sir!"

"Finally, order Cleveland to make ready to assume command of the formation, and prepare Augusta to leave the formation."

"Sir?"

"I am a man of action Ensign Joe, and I like to be where the action is going to be. Plus I heard that the Jerries and our Canuck cousins where having a little musical duel out here, and there's nothing to stir a man's heart and love in his country than a taste of one of the best brass bands in the US Navy playing The Battle Hymn of the Republic on the high seas. The men do know the other two songs, correct?"

"Yes sir, no worries sir, they should have no problems playing Deutschlandlied and The Maple Leaf Forever."

"Excellent, we Americans are a patriotic people, and we expect the Germans and Canadians are as well."

Orders for Rear-Admiral Fletcher, USN SGA TF5.

- Intercept German task force in Atlantic.

- If possible gain an audience with German commander.

- Otherwise, make contact, and observe at a respectful distance.

Von Fischel was uncertain how to interpret the latest reports from his scouting aircraft. They had reported a lone American heavy cruiser, Northampton class, approaching on an intercept course. It had apparently left the main body of the American task force and was closing for some unknown purpose.

“Perhaps they plan to shadow us closely,” suggested Lindenau, “as the Canadians have done.”

Von Fischel frowned, “It is unlikely, but not impossible.

“Should we continue to monitor its progress?” Lindenau was as concerned as his commander.

“Yes, but give them a wide berth. If they contact the outer screen, notify me immediately.”

“Yes Herr Admiral.”

-----

A puzzled look came over von Fischel as he read the report from the destroyer Z-254. “The American admiral wishes an audience with me?” He turned to Lindenau. “This is most unexpected.”

“Not unheard of in the annals of the sea Herr Admiral,” Lindenau admitted. “But unexpected. What response should be sent?”

Von Fischel considered the situation a moment. Germany and the United States were at peace, their friendship of long standing. A single cruiser – even backed by a carrier task force – could not be on a hostile mission. He could understand why the Americans might wonder at the purpose of his force’s mission on this side of the Atlantic, but that would be a question for the American State Department and the Ambassador in Washington. Certainly this was not the act of an American naval officer engaged in cowboy diplomacy.

“Signal the American cruiser that she may come alongside if she wishes, and details for an ‘audience’ can be discussed.”

“Yes Herr Admiral,” Lindenau replied.

“Perhaps then they will make their intentions more clear.”

"Reply from that German destroyer sir, the men figure she's a Z-250 class. Message was we can come alongside if we wish."

"Typical Germans, polite even when they are confused. Very well, pull alongside and prepare to send this message."

USS AUGUSTA TO GRAF ZEPPELIN PURPOSE FOR AUDIENCE TO EXPLAIN LARGE AMERICAN PRESENCE NEARBY DO NOT WISH FOR POTENTIAL MISUNDERSTANDINGS SUPERIORS HAVE SENT MESSAGE ON AMERICAN PRESENCE YOU MAY NOT HAVE BEEN BRIEFED AT PRESENT

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

To German Ambassador in Washington D.C.

Sir,

The American Government has received information that the German Navy has sent a large task force into the Atlantic to conduct exercises. We wish to inform you that it is the policy of the current American government to observe the movements of all large naval forces operating past an unspecified line in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, therefore we would like to inform you that we have sent out an American carrier force to observe these excercises at a respectful distance. The admiral is authorized to attempt to make contact with the commander on the spot in order to explain the large American presence near to your taskforce to prevent any misunderstandings which would be detrimental to the relationship between our two great nations.

It should be noted that this is a policy that will be applied to all nations not allied to the United States of America, transversing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, once past an unspecified line and therefore we hope the German Government is not slighted by the action of the American Government.

Secretary of State

Arthur Vandenburg.

Quoted

It should be noted that this is a policy that will be applied to all nations not allied to the United States of America, transversing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, once past an unspecified line...

Foreign Minister Litvinov thinks to himself once he finds out about this:

"Americans don't even tell others extent of their claims... We might want to find out for ourselves what they are."

Yeah, I was thinking that, too...

*Cuts new orders for the Force de Raid*

The way that is worded, Atlantean, Iberian and Canadian vessels are in contravention of this area as soon as they leave port........A bit high-handed to say the least!

Hell, even Irish vesssels could be in contravention of this area as soon as they leave port!!!

Quoted

Originally posted by TheCanadian
To German Ambassador in Washington D.C.

Sir,

The American Government has received information that the German Navy has sent a large task force into the Atlantic to conduct exercises. We wish to inform you that it is the policy of the current American government to observe the movements of all large naval forces operating past an unspecified line in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, therefore we would like to inform you that we have sent out an American carrier force to observe these excercises at a respectful distance. The admiral is authorized to attempt to make contact with the commander on the spot in order to explain the large American presence near to your taskforce to prevent any misunderstandings which would be detrimental to the relationship between our two great nations.

It should be noted that this is a policy that will be applied to all nations not allied to the United States of America, transversing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, once past an unspecified line and therefore we hope the German Government is not slighted by the action of the American Government.

Secretary of State

Arthur Vandenburg.

On behalf of his Government Ambassador von Prittwitz accepts the American démarche without public comment for transmittal to the Foreign Ministry in Berlin. Privately he holds it as something not unexpected and not wholly unreasonable in the present circumstances.

He has, of course, transmitted to the American State Department appropriate notification of the intention of the Kriegsmarine to conduct training exercises in international waters.

Quoted

Originally posted by Commodore Green
The way that is worded, Atlantean, Iberian and Canadian vessels are in contravention of this area as soon as they leave port........A bit high-handed to say the least!

Hell, even Irish vesssels could be in contravention of this area as soon as they leave port!!!

I was going to comment, but the statement excludes allied powers. Canada and Atlantis are thus presumably exempt, and don't really have a dog in this hunt. In fact, the US is just making clear a similar policy that the RCN has been practicing for the past 10 years.

It's also worth remembering the fine print; While the US is basically saying they're keeping an eye on their front yard, they've not made any extraordinary claims on territory, nor declared said area to be under interdiction or blockade. All they're saying is they'll be keeping an eye on the area; No power, Iberia or otherwise, can be in 'contravention' of it.

Quoted

Originally posted by Commodore Green
The way that is worded, Atlantean, Iberian and Canadian vessels are in contravention of this area as soon as they leave port........A bit high-handed to say the least!

Hell, even Irish vesssels could be in contravention of this area as soon as they leave port!!!

To a small extent Atlantis would be worried about such statements too if made public, but being smack dab in the middle of the Atlantic means my force strength should, in theory, be superior to say, an American Atlantic patrol fleet. It would also seem that the American line of interest is also the same as the as of yet undefined Atlantean line of interest, roughly just outside the line of Iberian Islands and Vinland in international waters. As Shin says its not a territorial claim but an area that we like to keep tabs on.

The fact that the Germans haven't run into any Atlantean vessels would be more due to the lack of recognition in news posts than any lax patroling duty's. Atlantis would almost certainly have subs, patrol vessels and any number of ships working up in the Atlantic at any time unless weather is a serious issue.

Slowing the entire German task force was not an easy thing to do, but the evolution was accomplished in a relatively short time, allowing sufficient space in formation for the American cruiser Augusta to maneuver parallel to the Graf Zeppelin. From his flag bridge von Fischel watched as the Americans slowed further, giving an adequate margin of safety for launching a motor boat while still under way. As the motorboat slowly made its way across the cris-crossing wakes von Fischel noted that Lindenau had similarly slowed the Graf Zeppelin to allow the American admiral to safely alight upon his flagship’s landing stage.

Below he could hear the twitter of boatswains’ pipes as the American commander, followed by several aides, reached the entry port. The white-gloved sideboys rendered a salute which was crisply returned.

A moment later Lindenau appeared on the flag bridge, shepherding the American delegation.

“Sir,” he began in his best English, “may I present Vize Admiral Hermann von Fischel, commander of the task force; Herr Admiral, Rear Admiral Frank Fletcher.”

Fischel nodded and extended a friendly hand. “Admiral Fletcher it is my honour.”

Fletcher grasped von Fischel’s proffered hand gladly. “No sir,” he replied, “the honor is mine.”

“You will forgive me,” said von Fischel, “but I am quite curious regarding your request for audience. Your message indicated that a message had been sent to my Government but that I may not have been acquainted with its content. This is quite correct; I have received no such communication from Berlin.”

Fletcher had given great thought to how best to phrase the message he had been sent to deliver; what he wished to say and what the President and the Secretary of State, never mind the Secretary of the Navy, wanted to say, were vastly different things.

“Admiral von Fischel, I am directed to advise you that the Government of the United States has adopted a policy of observing the movement of large naval forces in areas of concern to American security. My task force has been sent to sea to perform this mission – which in no way is meant to interfere with your legitimate operations in international waters; I shall accomplish this task at a respectful and discrete distance. This is a policy that will be applied equally to all nations not allied to the United States both in the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean; it is in no way directed specifically against Germany or any other particular power.” Fletcher sighed inwardly when he finished.

For his part von Fischel was thankful that there was an interpreter on hand, as the nuances conveyed in Fletcher’s message was as important and the words themselves; for this he did not wish to trust his own command of English.

“Admiral Fletcher,” he began, searching for the correct words, “I understand the concern of the American Government regarding the movement of large fleet elements; a reaction is to be expected. I appreciate your desire to avoid interfering with the operations of my task force as we exercise in international waters. To assure such, if you wish, I would happily receive on board the Graf Zeppelin an American liaison officer to facilitate communication and clarification of our mutual intentions.”

That offer was something Fletcher had not expected, and he paused to weigh the options and implications.

(And now it is over to you)