Battle of Kiel

[SiWi]

Introduction:

In a 1890 campaign, right in the first turn, I got a "Strike mission" on the Port of Kiel. Now unfortunately the screens don't show the UI and hence not the battle order.

But from what I remembered the fleets in play were:

My Fleet: 3 BB's, 4 CA's, 3 CL's and 5 TB's

Enemy Fleet: 1 BB, 3 CA's, 5 CL's and 4 TB's (?) and 2 TR's.

The text of the mission description said that  if successful, the enemy Docks would be damage. Now given this occasion I thought that maybe a bit of dramatic battle narrative would be in order. Fortunately this idea came after the first 3 but still. Also I think thant many people having seen a "strike mission" (8+ campaigns and this is the only one I had).

The Stakes:

It was just after the deceleration of War of her Majesty Government against the German Empire, that the Admiralty crafted a daring plan:

Instead of smaller actions grinding the enemy down, the RN would use it might in a devastating opening strike. Forcing an decisive battle upon the enemy, which would not only force the enemy fleet into a fight, but also would if won, damage their war ability from the start.

A mighty Fleet was assembled. Containing half of the RN Battleships with them.

They steamed in to the Nord sea and through pure boldness rush through the Denmark straits to fall upon a surprise German Fleet. This Fleet was far smaller, but since the specification of them were unknown, no one really knew they fighting power. But it mattered not. The duty called upon the RN and their would not let it wait. 

First Contact:

The Enemy Fleet was seen west and the Admiral ordered full speed on all ships to meet them. The first hsip seen was the enemy BB. A mighty ship with respect demanding 12 inches and a array of secondary guns, reaching from 6 to 2 inches.

After that, the enemy Cruiser would be spotted. One by one more and more ships came into sight and fiere range.

Sure in his numbers and fighting power, the British Admiral ordered a pincer movement.

His BB's and a part of  his Cruiser would with the TB's meet the enemy BB and its Battleline.

Four of the heavy cruiser would, with one light Cruiser move North from the enemy fleet and ensure that its lighter units couldn't escaped.

The Battle rages:

both side let their cannons roar, mighty 12 inch shells exchanging from both fleets while the smaller ships were lurking for any opportunity for a torpedo attack.

But the overwhelming might of the RN battleships showed it self. Outnumbered 3:1, the German BB fought stubbornly, but fate was not in question...

Not after the heroic actions of a small TB successfully using its torpedos against it.

 

The grind into the bottom of the sea:

With the Battleship lost, it was clear that the German fleet could not withstand the RN might. But in an act of valor (and the lack of speed in their designs), their hold their ground against the mighty RN.

Always searching for opportunities to use their numerous torpedoes on their enemy. Causing great damage to the CA Warspite and Powerful.

But their Revenge was coming:

 

One after the other the german cruisers were picked of by the mighty of RN guns.

Realizing that the day was lost, some of the enemy TB's did not join the fight and slipped away. So did the TR ships which were surprise by the battle.

 

After the hard days fighting and the lack of information where the rest of the enemies where, the admiral called off the attack.

And while he didn't competently destroyed the enemy fleet, the admiral knew that this Victory would shape the war which just started. Losing an BB, all of the heavy and light Cruiser and 2 TB's was a heavy blow that Germany could not afford and would never really recover from. His own loses were limited to 2 TB and many heavy damage CA's

The War was not ended with this battle...

But with this the RN set its course to victory!

 

Edited December 2, 2021 by SiWi

[SiWi]

BTW: I don't know if the enemy docks actually were damage by this or not. The battle counted as victory but I didn't sink all the enemy ships. So I don't know if I triggered it or not or if that trigger even works right now.