The Egyptian campaign must start first, and there is a prerequisite, which is the need to control the sea. For this reason, the navy, as the vanguard of the campaign, must be ready at any time to face opportunities that arise.
At this time, the Navy will make a big move, which is to transfer the combined fleet's base from the Port of Taranto to the Port of Tobruk.
Why consider a move a big move?
Because this represents the offensive posture of the combined fleet, the whole journey from the Port of Taranto to Alexandria is 1,600 nautical miles, and at a speed of 16 knots, it takes more than four days. However, from Tobruk to Alexandria at the same speed, it only takes 19
hours.
In addition, the journey from Taranto to Chania in Crete also takes 30 hours at a speed of 16 knots, while the journey from Tobruk to Chania takes less than 16 hours.
Judging from the current war situation, Tobruk is a better choice than Taranto. In addition, the 11-meter water depth of Tobruk Port is also a suitable choice for the combined fleet to sail out of the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Italian Navy began the construction of Tobruk Port as early as after occupying the Libyan province. Especially after 1905, the construction speed suddenly accelerated.
There is a large shipyard with one 35,000-ton dock, two 10,000-ton docks, and three 5,000-ton docks. There are also many warehouses, oil depots, barracks, etc., which are completely built into a
Large-scale military-civilian dual-use port.
In addition, the defense of the place is also very good, with 19 forts of various sizes. The largest ones, No. 3 and 7, are equipped with two 305mm shore guns. In addition, there is an infantry brigade permanently stationed here, and there is also a squadron.
airship, and a squadron of aircraft.
After the war broke out, the area continued to increase its troops and equipment. Now there are four divisions of troops here, and the number of airships and aircraft has more than quintupled.
In addition, Tobruk Port is also the logistics base for the Egyptian campaign, so the number of personnel and materials will inevitably increase.
The navy attached great importance to this transfer of the station. As the head of the navy, Admiral Yagir even personally saw off the fleet.
At this time, facing the neatly arranged fleet officers and soldiers in front of him, Admiral Yagier was speaking impassionedly. "The combined fleet is a model of our cooperation with the Austro-Hungarian Navy. You are all the most outstanding officers and soldiers. You have passed every battle."
, making the enemy fearful and frightened, now you are getting closer to the enemy's lair, are you afraid?"
"Not afraid."
The deafening shouts at this time expressed the inner thoughts of the officers and soldiers of the combined fleet. For their defeated generals, although the enemy's strength had recovered, they were stronger. The familiar battleships behind them gave them sufficient confidence, and the most tall and majestic
The fierce Roman class is an existence that the enemy cannot match.
General Yagir was satisfied with the answers of the officers and soldiers. At this time, he continued to speak loudly. "You are excellent soldiers. You have defeated the arrogant British. Now we have to chase the enemy's lair and give them a heavy blow to make them
Know that the Mediterranean is not the place they should be, let them get out, the Mediterranean is our sea."
"Long live!"
When the Italian officers and soldiers present heard that the Mediterranean Sea had been turned into ours, they were all excited. The last time the Mediterranean Sea was turned into our sea was back in the days of the Roman Empire.
Let Italy return to the glory of the Roman Empire, this is something that many people dare not even think about. Now that it is said from the mouth of a senior official, who can not be excited.
Admiral Yagier was very satisfied when he saw the excited fleet officers and soldiers. The Italian officers and soldiers were excited for this goal, and the Austro-Hungarian officers and soldiers were also excited because of the sharing of benefits.
For Austria-Hungary, the Mediterranean interests are quite small. It shares the Mediterranean interests with Italy. Although it will divide the majority, the small part that falls on it is enough to make Vienna excited. At that time, as the vanguard of protecting interests, the navy will also inevitably
will grow, and this is also an opportunity for the Austro-Hungarian navy to grow.
Think about how the four dreadnoughts came about. Archduke Ferdinand traveled to various regions and made many promises, so there were four combined force battleships. As long as Austria-Hungary has enough overseas interests, then Vienna and Budapest will not dare
Ignore the navy.
At this time, all the officers and soldiers of the combined fleet were persuaded by Admiral Yagir. At this time, they only wanted to defeat the enemy's combined fleet and let themselves enjoy the benefits of the Mediterranean Sea.
After seeing that the officers and soldiers of the Combined Fleet were moved by the speech, Admiral Yagir was very satisfied. Then, amid the sound of military music, the officers and soldiers of the Combined Fleet lined up and returned to the battleship.
Of course, not all members of the combined fleet have boarded the ship, at least the officers at the fleet command level have not yet boarded the ship.
"I won't talk about your transfer to Tobruk this time. You already know it very well, and there is no need for me, an old man, to mention it. You are all very good generals, but I still want to mention it here.
One sentence."
As he spoke, Admiral Yagir looked at the senior leaders of the fleet in front of him and said, "You must also know how important this Egyptian battle is to the navies of our two countries. So you need to try your best to ensure the size of the fleet. We also have to go to India to see
."
When faced with the admiral's words, the three giants of the fleet immediately replied, "Don't worry, we will definitely not risk the fleet."
The words of the three of them would satisfy Admiral Yagir. The previous series of battle performances had demonstrated the outstanding abilities of the three of them.
"Gomez, as the vanguard of the fleet, you occasionally have to perform missions alone. I hope you can be more steady while ensuring alertness. I know there is some conflict between these two personalities, but I still hope you can do it.
."
Faced with the general's expectations, Gomes was unwilling to live up to his good intentions. "General, I will not live up to your expectations and I will definitely do it."
As for why he told Gomes alone, it was because he had a positive tendency to take risks. Admiral Yagir was afraid that he would follow in Betty's footsteps, so he specifically mentioned it to him.
The former commander of the local battle patrol formation made a serious mistake during the duel between the main forces of the British and German navies on Dogger Sandbank, which forced the main force of the fleet led by Jellicoe to respond. Therefore, he was relieved of his duties when the responsibility was investigated.
He held the position of commander of the battle patrol formation and was assigned to the Strait Fleet as commander.
This is a fleet composed of cruisers, destroyers, minelayers, etc., whose main responsibility is to guard the English Channel.
The navy previously had high hopes for this man, who thought he could reach the heights of Nelson. But now he can only lead a small fleet to guard the English Channel. Things are really unpredictable.
And this also shows the painstaking efforts of Admiral Yagir.
After a few brief explanations, several people from the fleet also boarded the ship. At this time, the combined fleet was ready, and under the eyes of Admiral Yagir, it slowly left the port of Taranto.
The leader was the cruise formation led by Lieutenant General Gomes. 5 battle cruisers, 9 cruisers, and 12 destroyers left the port in a mighty manner. Behind them were the main force of the fleet, 13 battleships, leading nearly a hundred warships of various types.
and more than ten transport ships.
Moving is definitely not easy. There are so many bottles and cans, and you definitely need to take them all with you.
The leading cruise formation speeded up all the way after leaving the port. They still had a mission to do. Instead of traveling with the main force of the fleet, they were going to Crete.
As for the reason, it was to provide support to the Republican Army and get the British and Greek troops off the island.
