Post by Germany on Oct 19, 2004 16:53:17 GMT -5
Official declaration of war on Great Britain
-Presented by the German Ambassador to London.
The Imperial German Government have used every effort since the beginning of the crisis to bring about a peaceful settlement. In response to British imperialistic actions against Cuba and around the world, the German Emperor had undertaken the part of mediator between the British Empire and the United States. But Great Britain, without backing down, proceeded to a general mobilisation of her forces both on land and sea in the Caribbean against a Berlin Pact member; the United States. In consequence of this threatening step, which was not justified by any military proceedings on the part of Germany, the German Empire was faced by a grave and imminent danger. If the German Government had failed to guard against this peril, they would have compromised the safety and the very existence of Germany. The German Government were, therefore, obliged to make representations to the Government of His Majesty the King of Great Britain and to insist upon a cessation of the aforesaid military acts. Great Britain having refused to comply with this demand, and having shown by this refusal [this attitude] that her action was directed against Germany and her allies, I have the honour, on the instructions of my Government, to inform your Excellency as follows: --
His Majesty the Emperor, my august Sovereign, in the name of the German Empire, accepts the challenge, and considers himself at war with Great Britain.
***
NORTH OF ORKNEY ISLANDS
- - - - - -
SMS Bayern
The admiral barely believed it. He was given word that the Germans were invading Great Britain. Here these two nations were; in peace talks. Now the Germans are launching a major offensive against Great Britain. The Admiral was going to be conducting the battle of Scapa Flow; the main naval base of the British navy. He were to first attack the British line that is already mobilized protecting the Orkney Islands, which would be barely a few ships [OOC: you never really mobilized a force, so most of your ships should be in the base]. The U-boats would take care of that. Mines were already being laid to protect the fleet's flanks. The fleet is in columns moving parallel in line ahead. This formation was to present the minimum target to torpedoes. During the actual battle the fleet would deploy into a single line, crossing the path of the enemy column so that the maximum number of guns could be brought to bear, while the enemy could only fire with the front turrets of the leading ships. This classic manuvour is also known as 'crossing the T'.
***
U25
The Captian was looking through the scope. He could spot a British cruiser on patrol.
"British cruiser--type unknown. Target's bearing not changing." He said, studying the British ship. It wouldn't be long before they would spot the U-boat's preiscope. It was no doubt that they already spoted the large German fleet on the horrizen, but the German surface ships were still out of range for them to do anything. They were probably sending word to send reinforcements.
"Torpedoes loaded and ready skipper." Said one of his junior officers.
"Very well, torpedoes away." Said the Captian.
"Torpedoes away!" repeated the officer.
Just then, the German U-boat fired off 2 torpedoes at the British ship. One in direct path, and one to the side a little bit, just in case the ship were to try and dodge the inbounds.
OOC: for the size of the fleet, look at my latest post in "German fleet sets sail"; this would be the fleet from Iceland.
-Presented by the German Ambassador to London.
The Imperial German Government have used every effort since the beginning of the crisis to bring about a peaceful settlement. In response to British imperialistic actions against Cuba and around the world, the German Emperor had undertaken the part of mediator between the British Empire and the United States. But Great Britain, without backing down, proceeded to a general mobilisation of her forces both on land and sea in the Caribbean against a Berlin Pact member; the United States. In consequence of this threatening step, which was not justified by any military proceedings on the part of Germany, the German Empire was faced by a grave and imminent danger. If the German Government had failed to guard against this peril, they would have compromised the safety and the very existence of Germany. The German Government were, therefore, obliged to make representations to the Government of His Majesty the King of Great Britain and to insist upon a cessation of the aforesaid military acts. Great Britain having refused to comply with this demand, and having shown by this refusal [this attitude] that her action was directed against Germany and her allies, I have the honour, on the instructions of my Government, to inform your Excellency as follows: --
His Majesty the Emperor, my august Sovereign, in the name of the German Empire, accepts the challenge, and considers himself at war with Great Britain.
***
NORTH OF ORKNEY ISLANDS
- - - - - -
SMS Bayern
The admiral barely believed it. He was given word that the Germans were invading Great Britain. Here these two nations were; in peace talks. Now the Germans are launching a major offensive against Great Britain. The Admiral was going to be conducting the battle of Scapa Flow; the main naval base of the British navy. He were to first attack the British line that is already mobilized protecting the Orkney Islands, which would be barely a few ships [OOC: you never really mobilized a force, so most of your ships should be in the base]. The U-boats would take care of that. Mines were already being laid to protect the fleet's flanks. The fleet is in columns moving parallel in line ahead. This formation was to present the minimum target to torpedoes. During the actual battle the fleet would deploy into a single line, crossing the path of the enemy column so that the maximum number of guns could be brought to bear, while the enemy could only fire with the front turrets of the leading ships. This classic manuvour is also known as 'crossing the T'.
***
U25
The Captian was looking through the scope. He could spot a British cruiser on patrol.
"British cruiser--type unknown. Target's bearing not changing." He said, studying the British ship. It wouldn't be long before they would spot the U-boat's preiscope. It was no doubt that they already spoted the large German fleet on the horrizen, but the German surface ships were still out of range for them to do anything. They were probably sending word to send reinforcements.
"Torpedoes loaded and ready skipper." Said one of his junior officers.
"Very well, torpedoes away." Said the Captian.
"Torpedoes away!" repeated the officer.
Just then, the German U-boat fired off 2 torpedoes at the British ship. One in direct path, and one to the side a little bit, just in case the ship were to try and dodge the inbounds.
OOC: for the size of the fleet, look at my latest post in "German fleet sets sail"; this would be the fleet from Iceland.
