The flagship moments after the action
The shape of the aircraft made them unmistakable. The newest of Northop’s maritime patrol bombers. Slung beneath their fuselage were almost certainly photographic equipment, and probably two lethal glide bombs that could punch their way through even the most hardened of armoured decks.
Their shape meant that shipboard radar hadn’t spotted them until they were just beyond visual range. And now, the four aircraft flying in close formation appeared in the washed out sky, visible to every lookout on each of the ships in the force. The fleet had, however, known from where their most likely aggressors would be flying. Between the transports and the aircraft was arranged the escort force, a screen of ships bristling wit heavy guns and a mixture of anti aircraft weapons, ranging from the powerful but slow firing 5.25inch gun to the newest guided weapon launcher.
The combat air patrol had been caught unawares however. The interceptors were on their way back to the single carrier covering the force just out of sight to the south, and their replacements were only now lifting off the carriers deck.
It wasn’t only the aircraft that were familiar. They were flown by crews whose Texan drawls and Rhotic r’s we’re familiar to every sailor on every ship in the Force.
The CinCs last words were deafening in the Admiral’s ears. “Any attempt by any power to interrupt this operation is to be repulsed in the most aggressive of manners.”
He couldn’t risk his ships being attacked now – leaving the transports defenceless.
The flagship opened fire.
Her heavy AA battery spoke first, soon joined by the main guns of the cruisers, firing at maximum elevation. One of the cruisers was fitted with the newest model of anti aircraft weapon, a missile that rode a radio beam between the ship and the target, powered by rockets. There was a loud tearing noise and a cloud of smoke, broken by a single rocket as it headed towards the aircraft. For most aboard the ships, it was the first time they’d seen a guided weapon fired and they stared as it climbed in vain towards the aircraft.
The flying wings began to turn away – discretion being the better part of valour. They were too quick for the CAP, who were still struggling to gain height as quickly as possible.