The battle on the battlefield off Santiago has reached a critical moment, at least for the Spanish fleet.
The fight between the two Garibaldi-class cruisers and the two Pennsylvania-class cruisers continued, with both sides trying their best to throw cannonballs at each other accurately.
Some people may want to ask, isn't there another Maria Teresa-class patrol vessel? Why didn't you see it?
In fact, it is very simple. In view of the poor performance of the Maria Teresa class on the battlefield, Colonel Ramos was directly sent to support the two Venice class ships. Facing the seven American protected cruisers, the two Venice class ships were under too much pressure.
, although the Maria Theresa class did not perform very well on this 10,000-ton cruise battlefield (a 7,000-ton cruise needs to ensure a speed of 20 knots, and must make certain concessions in fire protection), but in the face of protected cruisers,
But it worked.
"Boom boom boom!"
A new round of salvo fire from the two Garibaldi-class ships started again. Thirteen rounds of 254mm artillery shells, after passing a distance of three thousand meters, some fell into the sea, and some plunged into the hull of the Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
On board, the violent explosion caused huge damage to the two ships.
The two Garibaldi-class ships were also bombarded by artillery fire from the Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Their 305mm main guns and 152mm secondary guns were also constantly counterattacking against the Columbus and Francisco.
After a long exchange of fire, both Garibaldi-class cruisers suffered considerable damage. Among them, the No. 3 main gun turret of the Columbus was damaged and rendered useless, and a 254mm gun barrel of the Francisco was also broken. In addition to
In addition to the main gun, the 76mm gun and 57mm gun suffered even greater losses.
In addition to the loss of artillery, the Columbus's hull suffered considerable losses, with many of its armor plates being knocked off. However, the most serious injury was the huge gap under the bow, which was hit by the 305mm main gun of the Pennsylvania.
, and this gap also allowed dozens of tons of water to enter the bow of the Columbus, and also caused Columbus' speed to decrease.
As for the Francisco, the situation was not much different from that of the Columbus, both suffered considerable losses.
Of course, the Pennsylvania and New Jersey did not fare well either, and their losses would not be lower than those of the two Garibaldi-class patrol ships.
However, although the injuries between the two seemed to be similar, the officers and soldiers on the Pennsylvania and New Jersey were frightened, because they all saw the powerful combat effectiveness of the two Garibaldi-class cruisers. After fighting for so long, the three Marys
The Atresa-class armored patrol was purely a make-up. It was these two battleships that really caused huge damage to them, but they understood it too late, or they were just a little unlucky.
No, a 254mm shell fired from the USS Francisco hit the right side of the USS New Jersey with a shrill scream. The shell tore through the 102mm thick upper layer without any suspense.
The armor exploded inside the hull.
The vast energy released by the high explosives raised the temperature and pressure of the surrounding air to a terrifying level in an instant. The fiery red surging air waves carried a large number of irregular twisted shrapnel and liquid metal flying into the sky, like a hurricane.
Erupting like a volcano.
More than a dozen American sailors didn't even have time to hum before they were instantly swallowed up by high-temperature shrapnel. In an instant, their limbs were severed and blood spurted out like a flash flood. The violent explosion also swept through the adjacent cabins, and the waves of light and flames were blown away.
And, the flames rolled wildly, the steel armor shattered, and it was a mess.
The huge hull of the New Jersey suddenly shook violently, making a heart-stopping tearing sound, and fire and smoke billowed out from the holes. It looked extremely embarrassing and miserable.
It was obvious that the New Jersey had been severely damaged.
"Let the New Jersey retreat immediately, and we will cover its evacuation. Also send a telegram to Major General Samplin that we failed to install the patrol formation. Please consider it carefully."
Seeing that the New Jersey was severely damaged, Colonel Simpson immediately ordered it to evacuate. A heavily damaged cruiser could not stay any longer and needed to leave quickly.
As for his own battleship, he will try his best to hold off the other two ships. For this reason, he has the consciousness to sacrifice here. Of course, if he fails to sacrifice here, then he will let the idiots in the battleship design department know that the naval officers and soldiers
What are the consequences of driving the garbage they designed?
Colonel Simpson's dissatisfaction was deeply felt by Rear Admiral Samplin on the Oregon. "Damn, the performance gap between these battleships is too big."
In front of his eyes, the shallow-water heavy gunboat bm2 was already scarred.
Speaking of which, the three shallow-water heavy gunboats were unlucky enough. They were used as bait at first, and ended up having a fight with the fort. Then, after the Spanish fleet was attracted to engage in a battle, the three shallow-water heavy gunboats hurried over slowly, but due to the fighting
The two parties are far apart, and the three shallow-water heavy gunships can only run at a maximum speed of 10 knots, so it takes a little longer.
But when they arrived at the battlefield, they were a little dumbfounded. The battlefield was divided into three parts, and they didn't know which part to start with. At this time, the Indiana caused heavy damage, and Major General Samplin quickly asked it to rush over to attack.
Rear Admiral Samplin was very dissatisfied with the performance of the Indiana class on the battlefield, especially after comparing it with the opposite Torino class. Before the exchange of fire with the Spanish battleships, he believed that although the Indiana class battleships were not very good, they would not be as good in performance.
The difference is too big. Relying on a large number of cruisers of various types, the probability of the US fleet winning is still quite high.
However, his idea has given up hope after the battle. The gap between the two sides is quite large. In addition to the performance of the battleships, the training of officers and soldiers, and command, they are much higher than his own fleet. If it were not for the tonnage and
The number of battleships occupies an advantage, so defeat will come faster.
But now, he needs to think about the U.S. Navy, which has done its best in this naval battle.
"Send a message to bm3 and bm5 and ask them to hold off the enemy. Also send a message to the third formation to ask them to prepare to evacuate."
Yes, after losing several battleships, even Rear Admiral Samplin had to admit that this naval battle could not be won and that retreat must be considered.
Following his order, the two shallow water heavy artillery warships, knowing that they had been abandoned, had no choice but to step forward.
"Let's face the enemy, boys, we have no way to retreat. The Spaniards have nothing to fear, our 10-inch cannon can break through the opponent's armor!" An officer encouraged his subordinates to fight.
Seeing the two shallow water heavy artillery battleships approaching, Vice Admiral Sedra glanced at the two Turin-class battleships under his command. Now the two ships were scarred, and the artillery alone lost 3 356 mm main guns and 9 guns.
The 152mm secondary gun, finally the 76mm gun and the 47mm gun were even more depleted.
Of course, in addition to the loss of the naval guns, the hull is also riddled with holes. However, the most important area near the waterline is intact, which also prevents the power of the two ships from being damaged. Even the damaged Turin class is not two
A shallow-water heavy gunship can be humiliated. Yes, Vice Admiral Sedra thinks it is humiliating.
"Sink them."
Following Vice Admiral Sedra's order, the two Turin-class battleships immediately turned their guns towards the two shallow-water heavy gunships.
"Fire!"
Following an order, more than 20 large-caliber artillery pieces from the two warships sprayed tongues of fire into the distance, with orange flames and gunpowder smoke at the muzzles. The 427kg shells flew at a muzzle speed of more than 700 meters.
In less than 6 seconds, it flew across the 3.5km wide sea surface, shrouding the two shallow water heavy gunships in a column of water.
Five minutes later, a 427kg 14-inch shell plunged into the middle deck of the BM3 shallow-water heavy gunship! The 6-inch Harvey nickel steel armor could not stop a 14-inch armor-piercing projectile.
The quenched and hardened projectile easily tore through the armor and plunged into the middle deck. After passing through two cabins, it exploded about a cabin away from the flue!
More than ten kilograms of explosives mixed with shrapnel and hull fragments turned the surrounding area into a burning inferno. The high-speed fragments easily tore apart the cabin partition, and the shock wave and fire generated by the explosion spread to all directions along with the breach, and the hull of the bm3
Thick smoke billowed from the midsection.
"Fire and fight back against those Spaniards." The American gunner cursed while operating the artillery.
But those 10-inch heavy guns that give people a sense of security are not as good as people think. The US-made 10-inch 35l artillery is very backward in nature, and even the propellant is maroon gunpowder. The simple turret, the backward ammunition supply and loading system and
The thick smoke that persisted for a long time after shooting prevented these 10-inch guns from exerting their power.
Countless 356mm and 152mm shells swept towards the American warship like raindrops. In less than 5 minutes, the bm3 was hit by at least 3 large-caliber shells. Each 356mm shell was like a heavy hammer.
Constantly knocking on the fragile hull of bm3.
I saw a huge fireball hit the bridge of the bm3 hard. The flames after the explosion of the shell spread quickly, almost completely covering the small bridge of the bm3. Accompanied by the crackling sound, and
The wooden parts on the bridge of the bm3 were quickly reduced to ashes by the shells that kept hitting, and the steel brackets also softened and bent in the flames! Under the heavy pressure, they made a tooth-breaking creaking sound. The shallow water heavy gunship bm3 has been gone for a long time.
Much more.
When bm3 was destroyed, bm5 was about to follow suit.
The bm5 was also hit hard. All the artillery on the fighting side were destroyed, and a large amount of seawater poured in from the side line. The freeboard that was not high enough was further reduced, and the bridge, which was less than 5 feet from the waterline, was in flames.
and thick smoke have turned the battleship into a purgatory.
From time to time, American officers and soldiers covered in fire jumped into the water. As the seawater flowed through the damaged cabin and entered the engine room, the already overwhelmed boiler finally shut down. The large amount of steam gushing out from the breach was like a dying man sighing out.
's last breath.
Immediately, the entire battleship slowly tilted to the left, and finally capsized quickly. The entire bottom of the ship was upside down on the sea, surrounded by struggling U.S. Navy personnel. The sounds of dying struggles were mixed with hysterical shouts and calls for help.
The two shallow-water heavy gunships only blocked the attack for more than 20 minutes before being destroyed. Even the Oregon did not get far.
"Catch up and don't let the ship go."
Under the order of Vice Admiral Sedra, the two Turin-class ships increased their speed and chased the Oregon.
Although the speed of 16 knots is not fast, it is different when compared with the 13 knots of the USS Oregon.
"Let all ships evacuate quickly, and we will hold off our opponents."
Seeing that he could not escape, Rear Admiral Samplin also became fierce, saying that he wanted to let the US Navy retain more vitality no matter what he said.
"Report, Colonel Ramos reported that they have defeated the enemy's patrol formation, sunk 3 Pennsylvania-class cruisers, 1 New York-class cruiser, and seriously injured one that escaped. Now request instructions."
Lieutenant General Sedra, who was chasing the enemy ship, immediately ordered after hearing the good news. "Send a report to Colonel Ramos and allow him to pursue the fleeing US ship, using darkness as the guideline."
After allowing Colonel Ramos to pursue, Lieutenant General Cedella stared at the Oregon in front, preparing for a desperate battle, and laughed. "It seems that the enemy wants an honorable ending, so we will give them dignity."
As the warships of the two sides approached, both sides continued to project tons of ammunition at each other. At this time, it was a competition of firepower and protection to see who could overwhelm the other side first. There is nothing fancy about this kind of collision, everything depends on strength.
.In this kind of high-intensity confrontation, the Indiana-class USS Oregon simply lacks confidence.
The two shallow-water heavy gunships only blocked the attack for more than 20 minutes before being destroyed. Even the Oregon did not get far.
"Catch up and don't let the ship go."
Under the order of Vice Admiral Sedra, the two Turin-class ships increased their speed and chased the Oregon.
Although the speed of 16 knots is not fast, it is different when compared with the 13 knots of the USS Oregon.
"Let all ships evacuate quickly, and we will hold off our opponents."
Seeing that he could not escape, Rear Admiral Samplin also became fierce, saying that he wanted to let the US Navy retain more vitality no matter what he said.
"Report, Colonel Ramos reported that they have defeated the enemy's patrol formation, sunk 3 Pennsylvania-class cruisers, 1 New York-class cruiser, and seriously injured one that escaped. Now request instructions."
Lieutenant General Sedra, who was chasing the enemy ship, immediately ordered after hearing the good news. "Send a report to Colonel Ramos and allow him to pursue the fleeing US ship, using darkness as the guideline."
After allowing Colonel Ramos to pursue the pursuit, Lieutenant General Cedella stared at the Oregon in front, preparing for a desperate battle, and laughed. "It seems that the enemy wants an honorable ending, so we will give them dignity."
As the two warships approach, both sides continue to project tons of ammunition at each other. At this time, it is a competition of firepower and protection to see who can overwhelm the other side first. There is nothing fancy about this kind of collision, everything depends on strength.
.In this kind of high-intensity confrontation, the Indiana-class USS Oregon simply lacks confidence.
After allowing Colonel Ramos to pursue the pursuit, Lieutenant General Cedella stared at the Oregon in front, preparing for a desperate battle, and laughed. "It seems that the enemy wants an honorable ending, so we will give them dignity."
As the two warships approach, both sides continue to project tons of ammunition at each other. At this time, it is a competition of firepower and protection to see who can overwhelm the other side first. There is nothing fancy about this kind of collision, everything depends on strength.
.In this kind of high-intensity confrontation, the Indiana-class USS Oregon simply lacks confidence.
