Chapter 332： Taranto (1/2)
”Two battleships, two cruisers, I thought the Italians would gather all of their battleships.” Hipper said with contempt at the Italian fleet in the distance. If the naval officer of this era has the most practical experience, then Hipper said second, absolutely no one dares to say first! Participated in the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, watched the Spanish-American War, and violently beaten the French fleet in Africa. The tonnage of the warship that died in his hands was more than 50,000 tons! This record is enough for him to despise a second-rate navy.
”They have other warships in the port. We came 4, and the other side arranged four. We are 2 battleships and 2 cruisers. The other side is the same. The choice is quite satisfactory. There is no hostility or goodwill.” The prince put down his hands. Said the telescope.
”Mr. Commander, what flag do we fly? Is it your general's flag or the prince's marshal's flag?” an officer asked.
”It's better to hang the flag, I'm just a named marshal.” The prince thought for a while and said. Sometimes you can't go too far. If you catch the lining, then you can put aside the matter of face.
”Raise the flag of the Marshal. The other party is a duke, and it is said that there is also a prime minister who greets us. If we hang the flag, then we should fire the salute first. This is not very good for our plans below. You Say yes, Mr. Admiral?” Tirpitz said to Admiral Ball.
”Uh, that's the case. The Secretary of State of the Navy said that it is very reasonable. It is more appropriate to hang your marshal flag. After all, your marshal status is given by the empire. I can't overrule it.” Admiral Boll thought for a while and said. Not to mention that the prince is the honorary marshal, just to rush to the prince's huge domestic energy and influence on the navy. In this kind of face matter, it is necessary to give in. Of course, Admiral Ball should say this, and Prince Ruprecht cannot be allowed to speak.
(First of all, the author has very little regard for naval etiquette. It is customary for the party with a low rank to fire first, but I don’t know what rank the Duke of Abruzzi is. As for whether he also considers the identity of other personnel, the author is not very Clearly, how should I put it? This is what the plot needs to write--!)
”Mr. Prime Minister, what flag do you think the German fleet will fly?” When the German squadron gradually appeared on the sea level. The Duke of Abuqilu asked.
”They should be able to fly the marshal flag.” Luigi said without hesitation.
”He is just an honorary title. The Kaiser is really a casual person. He actually awarded the title of a navy marshal to a prince of a state so easily.” There was a sneer on the Duke's face.
”Hehe, the energy of this prince is much greater than that of a navy marshal. There is a popular saying in German politics that Prince Ruprecht is the future king of Bavaria and the invisible prime minister of the German Empire! In front of the Kaiser What he said is more effective than the Prime Minister of the Empire.”
”What's more, this time, the Germans are demonstrating, they can't fire a salute at us first.” Luigi said seriously.
”It seems that we can't get around the prince this time.” The Duke said helplessly. ”Your Excellency Commander, the other party raised the marshal flag!” said an officer next to him.
”Then follow the previous agreement and fire a 19-gun salute!” The Duke of Abuqilu ordered. The 21-gun salute corresponds to the head of state, and the 17-gun salute corresponds to the level of prime minister and prime minister, and the status of the prince is lower than the Kaiser and higher than the prime minister, so the 19-gun salute is also appropriate.