What is this monster force that did this! - Kaiser Wilhelm II upon receiving news of the state of the fleet after the Jutland Massacre which was the first battle of the Great Siren War.
The Great Siren War, also known as the First Siren War, is a conflict that erupted during World War I on 31 August 1916 during the so-called Jutland Massacre. At 16:00 an enemy force later known as the Sirens appeared by surprise between the British and German fleets and without warning opened fire, sinking HMS Indefatigable and HMS Lion, killing Vice Admiral David Beatty on the British side and SMS Von der Tann and SMS Moltke on the German side. The other ships, on the other hand, suffered heavy damage or, as in the case of Lutzow, luckily escaped a last-minute hit. The initial chaos in the British fleet was quickly cleared up by the actions of the commander of the first cruiser squadron Rear Admiral Osmond Brock. On the German side, Rear Admiral Franz von Hipper ordered to quickly open fire on the new targets, and to inform Rear Admiral Reinchard Scheer of the situation.
Meanwhile, as a result of the Sirens, the British fleet was unable to inform its main forces of the new threat. Unaware of the chaos caused by the appearance of the Sirens, Admiral John Jellicoe led his Grand Fleet to the greatest defeat of the British fleet in the history of the Royal Navy. He himself fortunately or unfortunately survived, but for the rest of his life he remained mentally crippled and never went near the sea again. The scale of the carnage throughout the battle was so great that it was easier to list what survived of the ships than what was lost. Out of 151 ships sent by the British, only 19 ships survived. The lucky ships include the entire 5th Battleship Squadron, which by sheer luck did not sustain any damage during the battle and HMS Warspite alone is the only ship that managed to sink the Siren ship in the battle, HMS New Zealand's recommendation of native New Zealanders saved the ship. Another lucky ship is HMS Queen Mary which despite being damaged survived the battle, although she returned in a terrible condition. Another lucky survivor was the 6th Squadron of the 1st Battleship Squadron, which survived in its entirety despite being wounded.
Also surviving were HMS Iron Duke though with Admiral Jellicoe in shock, HMS King George V, and almost the entire 1st Destroyer Flotilla except HMS Lizard, HMS Fearless, HMS Attack, which sank covering the rest of the fleet as it began its retreat which was Admiral Jellicoe's last order before he froze.
List of surviving British ships:
1st Battleship Squadron,
HMS Marlborough, Captain George Parish Ross,
HMS Revenge, Captain Edward Buxton Kiddle
HMS Hercules, Captain Lewis Clinton-Baker
HMS Agincourt, Captain Henry Montagu Doughty
5th Battleship Squadron
HMS Barham, Captain Arthur William Craig,
HMS Valiant, Captain Maurice Woollcombe,
HMS Warspite, Captain Edward Montgomery Phillpotts
HMS Malaya, Captain Algernon D. E. H. Boyle
1st Line Cruiser Squadron
HMS Queen Mary, Captain Cecil Prowse
2nd Line Cruiser Squadron,
HMS New Zealand, Captain John F. E. Green
1st Destroyer Flotilla
HMS Defender, Lieutenant Commander Laurence R. Palmer
HMS Acheron, Lieutenant Commander Charles Gordon Ramsey
HMS Ariel, Lieutenant Commander Arthur G. Tippet
HMS Hydra, Lieutenant Francis George Glossop
HMS Badger, Lieutenant Commander Charles Albert Fremantle
HMS Goshaw, Lieutenant Commander Dashwood Fowler Moir
HMS Lapwing, Lieutenant Commander Alexander Hugh Gye
The German losses that day were lower than the British and it was thanks to Vice Admiral Hipper who quickly warned Vice Admiral Scheer who, seeing the ineffectiveness of the shelling, ordered a quick retreat of his remaining ships, the destroyers were withdrawn on Hipper's advice to avoid greater losses, Although experts on the Sirens claim that this was only because the Sirens were entirely focused on crushing the most powerful fleet of the day in order to break the morale of the British public and sow the seeds of a future British-German dispute.
Of the 99 ships of the Hochseeflotte, 60 survived, though mostly destroyers, which were quickly withdrawn after noticing the ineffectiveness of their British counterparts. Of the heavy ships that day SMS Lützow, SMS Friedrich der Grosse, SMS König, SMS Schleswig-Holstein, SMS Derfflinger, SMS Seydlitz, SMS Regensburg, SMS Rostock, SMS Kaiser survived.
List of Surviving German Ships, only heavy ships due to smaller ships having only numbers.
1st Battleship Squadron
SMS Friedrich der Große, Captain Theodor Fuchs,
2nd Battleship Squadron,
SMS Schleswig-Holstein, Captain Eduard Varrentrapp,
3rd Battleship Squadron,
SMS König, Captain Friedrich Brüninghaus,
SMS Kaiser, Captain Walter Freiherr von Keyserlingk,
1st Reconnaissance Group,
SMS Lützow, Captain Victor Harder,
SMS Derfflinger, Captain Johannes Hartog,
SMS Seydlitz, Captain Moritz von Egidy,
Command Ship of the Destroyer Group assigned to the Reconnaissance Group all lost destroyers are from this group
SMS Regensburg, Commander Bruno Heuberer,
Command Ship of the Destroyer Group assigned to the Hochseeflotte
SMS Rostock, Commander Otto Feldmann,
Information about the disaster, although initially kept secret, was released by the governments to remove rumors that began to grow as time went on and hiding the truth began to hurt more than admitting defeat. Public opinion in the UK, initially negative towards Admiral Jellicoe, changed when it became known of the Admiral's mental state and he was obviously relieved of duty and cleared of all charges, as were the other surviving fleet commanders. Vice Admiral Brock was blamed for not informing the rest of the fleet quickly enough about the situation. He was not demoted because of the death of most of his command persolen and for the speed with which he restored order to his battle group. Therefore, his form of punishment was to quickly restore the fleet to combat capability. What for many was not enough punishment, although anyone who could add 2 to 2 knew that it would in fact be a torment for the new Admiral.
The news of the defeat in Germany took longer to come to light than in Britain, and it was due to a simple mistake by Wilhelm's doctor who accidentally revealed the Kaiser's condition after the battle. It is said that upon receiving the answer as to who or what had destroyed the British and German fleets, the monarch suffered a heart attack. The news of the defeat and the condition of the Kaiser caused incredible fury in the German public and respect for the commanders for acting quickly and avoiding the fate of "those dumb Brits" for most of the German fleet. Not that the British fleet had any choice in the matter when it came to what happened during the battle.
The Jutland Massacre was a symbol and the beginning of future bloody battles of humanity against the Sirens. Although it was a massive blow, it was not until the dark raids of the Sirens in January 1917 that the impetus was given to sign a temporary truce between the warring parties and the formation of the Provisional Alliance Against the Sirens, more widely known as Azur Lane.
Akagi paused to read the book. She found it on the shelf along with many other interesting ones she had taken with her before heading to the cafeteria to see if there was anything more edible left. Its title was The Great Mermaid War Volume I by Norman Davies. It lay alongside many others such as Mechs of the Great War by Tadeusz Mroz, Tanks of the Great War by the same author, and KANSEN: Hood The True Story of the First KANSEN Ever Biography and Interview by George Orwell.
-(Something wrong Akagi?)- Akagi was asked by her captain Kiichi Hasegawa in fairy form. Akagi wordlessly took the cup of green tea she had made earlier into her mouth. The sewer system was surprisingly working. Just as surprising was the presence of green tea in the kitchen. She then replied -Nothing like that Captain, I just can't continue reading about it.- One of the fairies on the book suddenly grabbed her head and cursed loudly and then turned the others to what she had found. -(Holy crap, look at what she writes here. After much checking of reports from both sides I find that the number of siren ships in the Jutland Massacre was only 6 ships and only one of them was destroyed by Warspite thanks to luck)- After which he looked with horror on his face at the rest.
agi hearing this choked on her tea hearing this. And Captain Hasegawa said -(Can you tell us how many Siren ships were there?)- The sailor with horror in his voice repeated-(Six ships captain)- The captain to be sure he was not dreaming pinched his hand unfortunately it turned out that he was not dreaming. Then he grabbed his head and said -(It's a worse ratio of our own to the enemy than during the Bloody Week we suffered, what on earth are these Sirens?)- Another sailor shrugged his shoulders and said -(Something much worse than Abyssale it's for sure.)
-Lads let me go and check for something strong in the pantry- Akagi said and quickly flew to the kitchen to see if there was what she was looking for in it. The sailor fairies nodded their heads in agreement with their Kanmusu that it was impossible to take it sober.
Meanwhile, 10 minutes to arrival at target
1 Destroyer Division
16:45
The two hour trip to the destination was coming to an end for the young friends who, seeing that they were close to their destination, had modified their ships into rigging to be ready for any unexpected event such as a certain mean and crazy murderous Siren more widely known as the Purifer.
-Who do you think it will be?- Javelin asked in a cheerful tone. Ayanami looked at her friend and only answered after a short while. -We'll see-
Unsatisfied with the answer Javelin puffed up like a hamster- Anything more Ayanami?- the horned blonde looked at her friend without saying a word letting her know that it wouldn't work.
Javelin rolled her eyes and asked-Nimi and what do you think? -The thoughtful German blonde jumped -Huh? What did you say?-Javelin sighed loudly. -I asked you who you thought it would be. -Z23 nodded. -I don't know Javelin but I hope it's someone nice. -Javelin smiled when she heard the answer. -I hope so too and you Laffey? -She said to the white haired Rabbit on their team. Laffey shouldered her arms in a gesture of indifference. -Laffey doesn't care, Laffey wants to go back to bed and sleep. You and your sleeping Laffey really need to do something about you. Javelin thought.
After a few minutes the girls reached the shore and stepped onto the mainland without taking off their rigging for safety. -Well, let's go to the canteen, girls! -said Javelin raising her hand and jumping up. -Why should we go there? - Z23 asked surprised. Javelin turned to her and tilted her head supporting it with her hand. -Well, it's been a while since our guest arrived here, hasn't it?- the girls nodded, -So he probably went to a place where he can find food!- she said with a smile.
Z23 shook her head in disbelief -Sometimes I wonder why the commander appointed you division leader. But well, you're in charge. Do you know where the canteen is? - Javelin wordlessly pulled out her smartphone from her pocket and then opened the map of the base in the gallery that the commander had sent her. -Yes, the map, I knew I forgot something.- said Z23 tapping her head with her hand.
-To infinity and beyond!- said Javelin and she ran and followed her Ayanami, Laffey and Z23. Exactly in that order. Z23 shook her head again
-I knew that the show with all the parts of Toy Story will end like this.- Then the girls stopped in front of the wrecked Sherman tank that covered the street. Javelin looked at the map in the smartphone and then pointed with her hand to the right -This way! - And so the girls walked through the empty ruins of the base. They paid no attention to the destruction, remembering the many similar bases they had seen across the Atlantic. From time to time they bumped into an obstacle, which they avoided by taking a different route.
After keying between buildings they reached their destination. Then Javelin grabbing her javelin confidently opened the door. Behind her Ayanami entered looking around holding her sword ready to shield her more ranged teammates. Then Z23 cautiously walked in holding her cannon in her right hand and behind her Laffey groggily walked in with her pistols in her hands ready to cover any possible enemy with barrage fire letting everyone know why she earned the title of King of Dakka in the 20th Fleet.
Walking so slowly they didn't notice the little people who were hiding in different places. Or at least that's what the fairies thought. Suddenly Javelin stopped and gave a hand signal for the girls to do the same. Then she took a breath and said loudly -HELLO! IS SOMEONE HERE?- Z23 banged her head, and Ayanami wanted to hit her friend in the head with the hilt of her sword. But they stopped themselves when they heard a loud clang of something falling, and a quickly interrupted sound that sounded like someone's voice.
Without a word, the girls lined up in battle formation ready to attack in case of hostility. Then they stood like that and Javelin said loudly -GET OUT SOFTLY, WE DON'T INTEND TO HARM YOU!- Ayanami rolled with her eyes, Z23 shook her head and Laffey did nothing. She focused on the side where the sound came from ready to fire if there was trouble.
They heard whispers that must have been conversations, albeit strange-sounding ones. Namely, they heard only Desu, Desu, and normal speech. The girls looked at each other strangely but said nothing. Then a young woman with long brown hair and Asian beauty came out the door leading to the kitchen, exuding the calmness of a kind older sister. She had her hands up and said in English with a distinct accent -Don't shoot. I have no evil intentions.-
-Who are you?- asked Javelin lowering her weapon though showing her hand behind her back to make sure the other girls were alert and didn't do so. After a long moment she got a sincere answer -JDS Akagi former IJN Akagi of the Maritime Self-Defense Force of Japan, rebuilt from a cruiser of the line Akagi class aircraft carrier, I have no ill intentions just want to know where I am.- Javelin at this smiled and cheerfully said -Good day, Akagi! I'm Javelin, a J-class destroyer from the Royal Navy!-
Without showing it Akagi sighed in spirit. Thanks to Kami, her first meeting was with someone nice. And Javelin gave the order to lower her weapon with her hand. The girls reluctantly lowered their weapons, remembering their bad memories of other people with that name and their frequent penchant for intrigue. -So what do you want to know?~- Javelin asked with a smile and tilting her head. Akagi in turn asked -What year is it and does the war with the Sirens continue?"~ Javelin put her javelin down on the table and then sat down on a chair and encouraged Akagi to do the same with her hand. As Akagi sat down, the other girls took chairs as well and Javelin began -Actually, it is 1978 and we are in the Third Siren War and we are part of Operation Atlantis to...
13 May 1978
Naval port of 20th Fleet Azur Lane in the northwest Atlantic
20:31
Azur Lane commander's office
Akagi politely sat on a chair in front of the commander. Commander? Where's the admiral? Akagi thought, then took tea from the girl known as Belfast and thanked her. I have a strange feeling that I have seen this outfit before. Then the commander finished reading what he had in his hand and asked -So Miss Akagi, how was your journey? I hope the Sirens didn't bother you too much? - Akagi shook her head slightly - Fortunately not Commander, apart from meeting them in my world and that for a short while I didn't see them.- The Commander nodded with satisfaction - You have and I hope that your friends will also be lucky not to die in the first battle with the Sirens - Akagi looked at the commander - You mean the Jutland Massacre?
The commander looked at her and said a bit gloomily -And not only that, not only that.- After which he smiled -But there is no such thing as a good thing, you are here in relative safety and among allies who are willing to help -Akagi looked at the commander with a poker face and then smiled in response -You are right Commander- and in her head she was bouncing in relative safety. Well this is war, nowhere is safe with an enemy like the Sirens. -Clev have you found a room for Akagi?
The red-eyed blonde lifted her hand with a thumbs up behind the computer monitor -Clear Commander, room 256 is vacant. It is located in the Eagle Union dormitory, I can take her there.-The commander looked at Akagi -You heard the lady, Clevuś will take you to the room.-In response she gets a shout from Cleveland not to diminish her name in front of strangers. Akagi giggled at this.
Then Cleveland got up after turning off the computer and went to the locker looking for the key container. And after a long search she found the one she needed.-Okay, Akagi come with me,-And to the commander she said-And you commander don't sit too long!-The commander giggled in response while drinking tea from Belfast. -Eh, what a role model I have for you.- Said Cleveland.
She then led Akagi to her room. -Breakfast is from 8:00 to 10:00 but I advise you to come earlier than later or they'll take the best away- And don't worry about the other girls in our fleet, the faction divisions in the dormitory are more about the style of the rooms and the building than who sleeps there. And good night Akagi! - after which Akagi said the same and went into the room. -(Strange and hard day, isn't it Akagi?)- the Captain asked her. -Some how- after which Akagi laid down on the bed.-But it's time to go to bed-