Chapter 638: A Reminder for the Germans
As time went on, the outcome of naval battles was no longer determined solely by battleships, but increasingly by who held control of the skies.
One key reason was intelligence.
Due to the curvature of the Earth, two fleets separated by around 40 kilometers could not see each other directly—the surface of the ocean curved away, hiding enemy ships from view.
The earliest solution to this was having sailors climb high masts with telescopes—see farther by standing higher. Later came balloons launched from ships for reconnaissance. Eventually, seaplanes became standard, deployed from battleships to expand surveillance range and relay enemy positions.
However, once aircraft became common in naval operations, air superiority became inevitable.
Enemy and friendly reconnaissance planes would clash in the air long before either could report on fleet positions. The side that won the skies gained the intelligence advantage—able to spot enemy formations, adjust tactics accordingly, and launch bombing runs as needed.
The losing side, blind and without information, could only suffer under relentless attacks, often unaware of where their enemy even was.
This evolution of naval warfare was the fundamental reason aircraft carriers rose while battleships declined.
The North Sea, in particular, had unique geographic features. It was around 643 kilometers wide at its broadest point. With auxiliary fuel tanks, the Caproni bomber's range could extend to cover most of this area. In essence, the entire North Sea could be brought under the wings of the Caproni.
Before suggesting this idea, Charles had asked himself a critical question:
If the British realized they could dominate the North Sea through aerial reconnaissance using Caproni bombers, would they still need the French Navy at all? Would they sideline France again?
In fact, Admiral Winter's very first reaction upon understanding the idea was exactly that.
By this point, Britain had already produced more than 200 Caproni bombers. While most were deployed on the Western Front, reallocating a few dozen for naval use wouldn't be difficult from a national strategy perspective.
So then, why involve the French Navy at all?
As these thoughts spun in Winter's mind, he glanced repeatedly at Charles, who immediately saw through his intent and smiled faintly.
"Admiral," Charles said, "I believe I must remind you: using the Caproni bomber for reconnaissance is not the same as breaking enemy codes."
"Code-breaking gives you direct access to German naval operations—plans, destinations, formations—completely unaffected by night or weather."
"Reconnaissance flights lack those advantages."
Winter considered this and realized Charles was right.
Knowing enemy plans in full and merely spotting ships were very different things. What's more, aircraft visibility would be greatly reduced during fog, rain, or nighttime operations.
In other words, without the French fleet's cooperation, it still wouldn't be enough.
Relieved, Admiral Winter felt no further need to find excuses to politely decline French participation. In fact, he now welcomed it.
Charles unrolled a large map and laid it on the table before Winter, pointing as he explained:
"Our aircraft can participate in reconnaissance as well. Our bombers can fly from Antwerp, patrolling the seas west of Heligoland Bay."
"Good thinking, Charles, excellent idea," Winter nodded repeatedly. That would certainly ease the burden on British reconnaissance forces, which were already stretched thin.
What Winter didn't realize was that Charles was laying a trap for the Royal Navy.
The British thought Charles's strategic coverage for the English Channel relied on three airbases—Brest in the west, Caen in the center, and Dunkirk in the east. These bases could cover most of the Channel.
But in truth, there was a fourth point—and a critical one at that: Antwerp.
Caproni bombers taking off from Antwerp could not only cover the Channel completely but also strike deep into the North Sea, even reaching Germany's naval ports if needed.
To be precise, Charles wasn't merely aiming to blockade the German fleet in their harbors—he intended to bomb them there.
Winter saw only reconnaissance potential. He couldn't imagine Charles's vision: upgraded Capronis carrying torpedoes and turning entire naval ports into fiery deathtraps. Even the mighty Royal Navy would find itself unable to enter the Channel without facing catastrophic losses.
But this was just the first layer of Charles's plan.
His true intention was to remind the Germans: You should be developing similar bombers too—and using them at sea.
…
In northwest Germany, nestled in the Jade Bay of the North Sea, sat the key naval port of Wilhelmshaven.
With a depth of 18 meters, year-round ice-free waters, and vast protected harbor space, Wilhelmshaven was home to the German High Seas Fleet.
Inside the naval headquarters, telegraph machines clicked non-stop. Sheets of reports piled up on Admiral Reinhard Scheer's desk, each bringing fresh news from the fleet.
Scheer's face showed a rare hint of satisfaction.
Recent sorties by the German fleet had achieved several small victories—not decisive, but a good start. If they could maintain this momentum, Germany might slowly close the gap with the British Royal Navy.
One day, Scheer vowed silently, we will break their blockade.
He also acknowledged—grudgingly—that much of the credit belonged to Falkenhayn. Or rather, to Charles, whose tactical insights Falkenhayn had adopted. Scheer found himself increasingly intrigued by this young Frenchman.
What kind of person must he be, Scheer wondered, if even second-hand exposure to his ideas had already turned the tide for Germany?
Just then, a staff officer approached with a report.
"Admiral, we've received intelligence. The French fleet has left Brest. It appears they're entering the English Channel to reinforce the North Sea."
Scheer frowned. "The French Navy?"
Colonel Maximi, another officer, offered his analysis: "Admiral, I don't believe the French Navy will change anything. They'll still expose weaknesses. One more fleet won't solve the larger problem."
But Admiral Scheer shook his head. "It's not just the fleet, Maximi. There's also Charles—and his new inventions."
Maximi fell silent.
A single fleet might not matter. But a fleet led by Charles, equipped with sub-chasing destroyers and advanced equipment, posed a much greater threat to the High Seas Fleet.
And this was just the beginning.
Soon after, a radio operator ran in, alarmed.
"Admiral! The Third Patrol Squadron reports sighting French bombers!"
"Bombers?" Scheer's face darkened. "Did they attack our ships?"
"No, Admiral," the operator replied. "They circled around the fleet."
Scheer froze—then his expression shifted.
Those bastards—they're using bombers as reconnaissance aircraft!
(End of Chapter 638)
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