I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France

Chapter 617: Local Military Superiority

Another general was Admiral Reinhardt Scheer, commander of the German Ocean Fleet, his voice full of frustration:

"Your Majesty, our warships are blockaded in the port by the Royal Navy, making it difficult for us to take action."

"On the other hand, Shire has invented some kind of equipment. The French warships seem to be able to detect underwater submarines, which undermines our strategy of using submarines to block enemy supply lines."

(The above image is of Admiral Reinhardt Scheer of the German Navy)

William II adjusted his posture to face Admiral Scheer more comfortably: "General, it is precisely because of the failure of the submarine warfare that I am considering the navy."

Scheer understood what William II meant.

If there was a possibility of victory on land or in submarines, William II would not resort to the navy.

The strength of the German Navy was far inferior to that of the Royal Navy, so much so that victory seemed almost impossible.

However, the empire was now at its most dangerous moment, with both land and submarine warfare having been severely defeated by Shire.

More seriously, there seemed to be no hope of victory at all.

Fajin Han was at a loss, thanking God if they could just avoid defeat, as he and his soldiers had lost confidence in victory.

Submarine warfare could not even understand how Shire detected them, making resistance futile and forcing them to fully retract their attack lines.

So, what was the navy waiting for?

Doing nothing because the enemy was too strong and waiting in the port for the empire to collapse?

If so, what was the point of investing heavily in building the navy?

"It’s time for the navy to achieve something." William II’s tone brooked no argument: "Regardless of the method."

"But, Your Majesty." Admiral Scheer looked troubled: "We only have 18 battleships, while the British Royal Fleet has 33. Moreover, due to the Allies’ blockade, we lack steel and funds to build more warships, while the British warships continue to increase..."

"So." William II interrupted Admiral Scheer: "We need to think of a way, now."

The longer it dragged on, the greater the advantage the Royal Navy would have, so it had to be resolved now.

Another long silence, so quiet that you could hear the flames flickering.

William II waited quietly, waiting for Admiral Scheer’s response.

He understood this would take time, considering the disparity in strength, it was unrealistic to expect Admiral Scheer to come up with a feasible plan immediately.

Just as he was about to end the meeting and let Admiral Scheer go back and think, Fajin Han broke the silence.

"I thought of Shire’s army." Fajin Han said abruptly.

"What?" William II looked at Fajin Han in confusion, furrowing his brows. What use was there in mentioning Shire’s army now? Could he defeat it?

Admiral Scheer didn’t pay attention, he was contemplating his own problems.

His gaze fell vacantly on the wine glass on the coffee table, it was shining brightly under the glow of the fireplace, seemingly reflecting the German Navy’s obliteration in a sea of blood and fire.

"What I mean is." Fajin Han explained: "Shire’s troops always manage to achieve victory with fewer numbers, and our navy is also in the minority compared to the Royal Navy. So, perhaps we can draw some inspiration from Shire’s tactics."

Admiral Scheer responded in a low voice: "I’ve considered all possible tactics, including Shire’s."

After a pause, Admiral Scheer analyzed:

"Shire manages to win with fewer numbers by using the advantage of equipment and mobility to penetrate the enemy’s weak points."

"Our fleet, when facing the Royal Navy, not only lacks these advantages but is actually at a disadvantage."

"Therefore, I don’t think we can learn from Shire’s tactics."

These words were enough to show that Admiral Scheer had not only considered this problem now, but from the beginning of the war, if not before, contemplating how to defeat the Royal Navy with inferior strength.

"You are right, General." Fajin Han replied: "We indeed cannot learn from Shire’s tactics in this aspect."

The fact that the German Fleet was inferior to the British Army was undeniable, whether in terms of numbers, quality, or the sailors’ combat experience.

However...

Fajin Han turned his gaze to Admiral Scheer:

"Have you considered, General, that Shire’s penetrations actually create local superiority in force?"

"I mean, Shire’s First Armored Army has only over twenty thousand men, but he always uses the mobility of this force to face weaker opponents with overwhelming superiority."

"In the end, we are never able to gather more forces to confront him."

Admiral Scheer suddenly looked up at Fajin Han: "You mean..."

William II still didn’t quite understand, but wisely kept silent, not wanting to interrupt their exchange.

Fajin Han nodded:

"I am not sure if this is feasible, General, because naval warfare is very different from land warfare."

"However, I believe there are similarities in tactics if we utilize them properly."

"Although the British have many more warships than us, their ships are dispersed around the perimeter. Why don’t we concentrate our forces like Shire to create local superiority and gradually eliminate them?"

Admiral Scheer was stunned, only nodding after a long while: "You, you are right, General. Although this may be difficult, it may be our only possible tactic for victory."

"So." William II asked: "Is this method feasible?"

He seemed to understand, but still not fully.

"I think so, Your Majesty." Admiral Scheer replied: "If this tactic doesn’t work, there may be no other way."

Then he excitedly pulled a navigation chart from his jacket pocket, spreading it on the coffee table. After looking at it for a while in the firelight, he looked up at Fajin Han, nodded gratefully, and then turned his gaze to William II.

"I believe we have room to maneuver, Your Majesty." Admiral Scheer seemed reinvigorated, his voice becoming firm and his speech faster:

"The British fleet is relatively dispersed. We can use small fleets to lure the British detachments into action, then ambush them with concentrated forces for annihilation."

"Although we cannot decide the outcome in one battle, if the Royal Navy doesn’t have a better tactic..."

"I mean they always have to maintain the encirclement, then their warships will be reduced through repeated failures."

William II understood, exclaiming: "One day, their warships will be reduced to a level comparable to ours!"

"Yes." Admiral Scheer excitedly clenched his fist: "And if they concentrate their warships, it means there will be gaps in the encirclement, failing to guarantee the blockade of our fleet!"

"Excellent!" William II stood up in excitement: "A great tactic."

Then he grabbed the red wine on the coffee table: "Generals, to our victory!"

Admiral Scheer and Fajin Han hurriedly grabbed their red wine and stood up, responding: "To our victory!"