The heat of battle between King George V and Bismarck's defense fleet has reached its climax.
Despite Iron Blood's heavy defensive lines plus air support, King George V's fleet still marches forward as if they never saw those defenses. King George V's fleet does pack quite a firepower burst as the HE shells quickly dismantle Z23's vanguard fleet, the first line of defense.
The Royal Navy could not completely eliminate the destroyers since they move fast and are proficient at dodging. Regardless, they continued their marching formation and engaged with the light-cruiser fleet.
King George V takes a brief look at the sky of her east and west. The sky is clear, nothing to be noted. Normally, her fleet's current position makes them the perfect target for battleship barrages from the sides. Since she does not see anything coming from the side, it means that Ark Royal and Illustrious are doing their job well.
The HE shells worked well against light cruisers too, King George V's fleet managed to break through the second defense line.
However, she noticed her fleet already lost some momentum and took moderate damage from enemy barrage and airstrikes. Even if they manage to break the last defense line. She fears they may not be able to face Bismarck.
Should King George V call for a short break? But if she does, Iron Blood will have enough time to reinforce the last defense line.
No, she shakes her head. Since she complied with Arthur's strategy, it is her duty to follow it until the end of the operation. Fortunately most things have been working well for the Royal Navy so far, but in any warfare, no one knows anything for certain.
Though it probably shouldn't hurt for just a few minutes of delay.
"Everyone, slow the pursuit. Eat our instant ration."
Every unit must carry an instant ration. It is a snack bar that includes a balanced amount of protein, sugar, and carbohydrates. This snack provides 4-5 hours of energy. It only takes less than five minutes to finish eating.
Her fleet follows her order. The snack bar tastes slightly sweet but King George V misses Howe's cookies. Howe herself is here but of course she cannot bake cookies in the middle of an operation.
Feeling slightly energized, they resumed their marching.