alternatehistory.com
Deaf and Blind
August 11, 1914. SMS Leipzig, Debris field of the former HMCS Rainbow.
Fregattenkapitän Johannes Haun stared intently out the shattered porthole of his cabin, clasping his hands tightly behind his back as he did. The steam launch had returned to the ship once again, towing multiple rowboats and their cloth covered cargo. The crew went about the grim duty of moving the recovered bodies from the boats into the ship before heading back out into the murk once again. It was rather humiliating; the majority of his small boats had been turned to splinters, forcing them to scavenge the intact vessels from their former enemy, once they had used them boats to collect the dead. For all of their trouble, those men did not deserve to be left at the mercy of the surf, they had more than deserved a proper burial. He would wish that for his own crew if they had exchanged roles, and they very nearly had. Haun cursed himself for allowing the Canadians to get the jump on him, he had underestimated what he thought was merely an outdated training cruiser. Here he was now, standing amidst the shrapnel and splinters of his office. The door leading into the room swung open, the Executive Officer quickly stepping inside, flashing a collection of papers he held in his hands. Haun was relieved that his second in command and very good friend had survived the battle, his scrupulous administrative abilities were rather useful especially in times such as these.
“I would offer you a seat Hartkopf but as you can likely see, we are somewhat lacking in furniture at the moment. I am guessing you have the damage report. Please, start immediately.”
Hartkopf clearing his throat before beginning, “I have compiled the various departmental damage reports into one document, I could not bring each of the department heads here to speak with you personally due to their workload but I can attest to the validity of this compilation. The overall damage to the ship has been tallied at 31 hits with only 6 shells properly exploding. Splinter, holing and blast damage to the hull is extensive. I have been warned sternly that if we enter a heavy sea state, we are going to receive flooding around and above the waterline. Chief Engineer Lehmann reports all machinery has been inspected and is completely operable. Multiple shells have impacted the armored deck but very few detonated and no penetrations have been found. The port electric dynamo was been damaged by a nearby shell impact but is projected to be back in service shortly. Sailors are attempting to remove unexploded shells from the affected compartments however, they are being hampered by the location of the coal bunkers. Splinter damage has affected the aft two funnels, but this should not impair the capacity of the vessel and will hopefully be repaired soon as well.”
The officer paused as he flicked to the next page in the stack, “Artillery Officer Langer has noted the pair of aft mounted 10.5cm guns received significant splinter damage from the detonation of a nearby shell. The shields likely saved the guns themselves, but they are damaged to the point that we must remove the armor plates in order use the guns again. The protective shutters for the below deck 10.5cm guns on the port side have both been destroyed by splinters, leaving those weapons unprotected from the elements. A pair of the port side 3.7cm ‘Pom Poms’ have been completely destroyed. Some spare parts were salvaged but the majority of the ammunition for both mounts were lost to fire. Due to promptly enforced fire discipline, total expenditure for the engagement was only 316 shells in total, leaving us with 1,184 shells remaining in our magazines.
“All things considered, those are both rather positive outcomes.” Haun stated as he scratched his chin, “We retain the ability to sail and fight fairly effectively while the ammunition expended was not unreasonable. Please continue with the report.”
Hartkopf nodded, “Sadly Fregattenkapitän, I believe that is the end of the positive news. The Chief Electrician states that the wireless antennae were shot away during the action and while they can be repaired, a shell also impacted the wireless room. One of the operators was killed and another wounded, the majority of the equipment within the compartment was destroyed. Even with the stock of spare parts we possess, we are unable to communicate effectively without a replacement set. The Chief Medical Officer also reports 42 total casualties. 17 men are dead, 10 are seriously wounded and the remaining 15 should be able to return to service if they recover. 5 of the ship’s boats have been lost in the battle, we have recovered 2 boats from the debris field, but this will restrict our ability to effectively refuel at sea or enact boarding actions. Quartermaster has stated that the fire in the storeroom has been brought under control successfully, but our stocks of fresh food and canned implements have been severely reduced. With strict rationing, his estimates put the food supply at just under 2 weeks at sea before we must restock.”
As his second in command finished his report with some various small details, Haun slowly rapped his fingers across the scarred sea desk in front of him. “I can imagine you have surmised a fair bit from those reports regarding our current situation. What is your view of our predicament?”
“Well sir, I believe that after the commendable actions of our crew this morning, we currently stand at an important crossroads. We have cut down one of the very few confirmed enemy vessels of war stationed on this coast and have emerged in full fighting trim, however we have been blinded and starved of vital supplies. Lacking a wireless set and with the superficial damage we have received, I believe attempting to rendezvous with elements of East Asiatic Squadron is exceptionally dangerous as of now.”
Haun nodded, “Excellent observations as always, I agree wholeheartedly with your review of the situation. With the Japanese continuing to posture as if they will enter this war as our enemies, we will very likely be rounded up and put to the sword by a joint Anglo-Japanese squadron. I worry about the presence of Izumo in these waters, although what lurks out deeper in the Pacific worries me even greater. We are essentially marooned in this area for the time being, although I can think of many a worse place to be. Our next move should be to allow the crew to rest and perform repairs, I would very much like to meet with the Consul General in San Francisco and gather any recent news I possibly can. How goes the rescue efforts?”
“41 bodies and 5 survivors as of the last report, although it seems another boat has returned while we were speaking. That explosion seems to killed most of the crew, the strong tide and fog are making recovery efforts rather difficult as well.” Hartkopf stole a glance out the porthole as well for a moment, “Would you like me to call off the search sir?”
“No, continue for the next hour and then recall all of the boats.” Haun said, “Since we cannot call forward, we will have to send in the steam launch to notify the Consul General of our meeting, although he is likely already well aware of our presence. I would like to transfer any prisoners and bodies ashore alongside replenishing our pantries as much as can possibly be done. I will prepare a message for him shortly.”
As Hartkopf saluted and left the room, Haun turned and looked at the room around him. Glassware was smashed into pieces on the floor, the remains of the spare chairs were piled beside the door waiting for removal and the thick odor of charred material slowly crept its way in through the now open portholes. Their situation was made much more difficult as of now. This coast was relatively undefended now that the sole Canadian warship had been destroyed, only aging coastal batteries and a pair of similarly ancient Royal Navy sloops stood between his ship and unfettered access to merchants and the shore side war receptacles they drew from. It would take considerable time to divert more warships to this coast and with Admiral von Spee lurking in the Pacific, reinforcements might not arrive at all. The 'Cruiser Handbook' offered interesting insights on potential targets and worthwhile ventures but if they were to solidify his strategy regarding this area, they would need additional insight. This world moved fast and while German intelligence was top notch, things could change in a backwater like this with little outside knowledge.
As Captain and crew alike wondered on their futures, Leipzig herself was squarely setting course to sail off into the annals of naval history.
Fregattenkapitän Johannes Haun stared intently out the shattered porthole of his cabin, clasping his hands tightly behind his back as he did. The steam launch had returned to the ship once again, towing multiple rowboats and their cloth covered cargo. The crew went about the grim duty of moving the recovered bodies from the boats into the ship before heading back out into the murk once again. It was rather humiliating; the majority of his small boats had been turned to splinters, forcing them to scavenge the intact vessels from their former enemy, once they had used them boats to collect the dead. For all of their trouble, those men did not deserve to be left at the mercy of the surf, they had more than deserved a proper burial. He would wish that for his own crew if they had exchanged roles, and they very nearly had. Haun cursed himself for allowing the Canadians to get the jump on him, he had underestimated what he thought was merely an outdated training cruiser. Here he was now, standing amidst the shrapnel and splinters of his office. The door leading into the room swung open, the Executive Officer quickly stepping inside, flashing a collection of papers he held in his hands. Haun was relieved that his second in command and very good friend had survived the battle, his scrupulous administrative abilities were rather useful especially in times such as these.
“I would offer you a seat Hartkopf but as you can likely see, we are somewhat lacking in furniture at the moment. I am guessing you have the damage report. Please, start immediately.”
Hartkopf clearing his throat before beginning, “I have compiled the various departmental damage reports into one document, I could not bring each of the department heads here to speak with you personally due to their workload but I can attest to the validity of this compilation. The overall damage to the ship has been tallied at 31 hits with only 6 shells properly exploding. Splinter, holing and blast damage to the hull is extensive. I have been warned sternly that if we enter a heavy sea state, we are going to receive flooding around and above the waterline. Chief Engineer Lehmann reports all machinery has been inspected and is completely operable. Multiple shells have impacted the armored deck but very few detonated and no penetrations have been found. The port electric dynamo was been damaged by a nearby shell impact but is projected to be back in service shortly. Sailors are attempting to remove unexploded shells from the affected compartments however, they are being hampered by the location of the coal bunkers. Splinter damage has affected the aft two funnels, but this should not impair the capacity of the vessel and will hopefully be repaired soon as well.”
The officer paused as he flicked to the next page in the stack, “Artillery Officer Langer has noted the pair of aft mounted 10.5cm guns received significant splinter damage from the detonation of a nearby shell. The shields likely saved the guns themselves, but they are damaged to the point that we must remove the armor plates in order use the guns again. The protective shutters for the below deck 10.5cm guns on the port side have both been destroyed by splinters, leaving those weapons unprotected from the elements. A pair of the port side 3.7cm ‘Pom Poms’ have been completely destroyed. Some spare parts were salvaged but the majority of the ammunition for both mounts were lost to fire. Due to promptly enforced fire discipline, total expenditure for the engagement was only 316 shells in total, leaving us with 1,184 shells remaining in our magazines.
“All things considered, those are both rather positive outcomes.” Haun stated as he scratched his chin, “We retain the ability to sail and fight fairly effectively while the ammunition expended was not unreasonable. Please continue with the report.”
Hartkopf nodded, “Sadly Fregattenkapitän, I believe that is the end of the positive news. The Chief Electrician states that the wireless antennae were shot away during the action and while they can be repaired, a shell also impacted the wireless room. One of the operators was killed and another wounded, the majority of the equipment within the compartment was destroyed. Even with the stock of spare parts we possess, we are unable to communicate effectively without a replacement set. The Chief Medical Officer also reports 42 total casualties. 17 men are dead, 10 are seriously wounded and the remaining 15 should be able to return to service if they recover. 5 of the ship’s boats have been lost in the battle, we have recovered 2 boats from the debris field, but this will restrict our ability to effectively refuel at sea or enact boarding actions. Quartermaster has stated that the fire in the storeroom has been brought under control successfully, but our stocks of fresh food and canned implements have been severely reduced. With strict rationing, his estimates put the food supply at just under 2 weeks at sea before we must restock.”
As his second in command finished his report with some various small details, Haun slowly rapped his fingers across the scarred sea desk in front of him. “I can imagine you have surmised a fair bit from those reports regarding our current situation. What is your view of our predicament?”
“Well sir, I believe that after the commendable actions of our crew this morning, we currently stand at an important crossroads. We have cut down one of the very few confirmed enemy vessels of war stationed on this coast and have emerged in full fighting trim, however we have been blinded and starved of vital supplies. Lacking a wireless set and with the superficial damage we have received, I believe attempting to rendezvous with elements of East Asiatic Squadron is exceptionally dangerous as of now.”
Haun nodded, “Excellent observations as always, I agree wholeheartedly with your review of the situation. With the Japanese continuing to posture as if they will enter this war as our enemies, we will very likely be rounded up and put to the sword by a joint Anglo-Japanese squadron. I worry about the presence of Izumo in these waters, although what lurks out deeper in the Pacific worries me even greater. We are essentially marooned in this area for the time being, although I can think of many a worse place to be. Our next move should be to allow the crew to rest and perform repairs, I would very much like to meet with the Consul General in San Francisco and gather any recent news I possibly can. How goes the rescue efforts?”
“41 bodies and 5 survivors as of the last report, although it seems another boat has returned while we were speaking. That explosion seems to killed most of the crew, the strong tide and fog are making recovery efforts rather difficult as well.” Hartkopf stole a glance out the porthole as well for a moment, “Would you like me to call off the search sir?”
“No, continue for the next hour and then recall all of the boats.” Haun said, “Since we cannot call forward, we will have to send in the steam launch to notify the Consul General of our meeting, although he is likely already well aware of our presence. I would like to transfer any prisoners and bodies ashore alongside replenishing our pantries as much as can possibly be done. I will prepare a message for him shortly.”
As Hartkopf saluted and left the room, Haun turned and looked at the room around him. Glassware was smashed into pieces on the floor, the remains of the spare chairs were piled beside the door waiting for removal and the thick odor of charred material slowly crept its way in through the now open portholes. Their situation was made much more difficult as of now. This coast was relatively undefended now that the sole Canadian warship had been destroyed, only aging coastal batteries and a pair of similarly ancient Royal Navy sloops stood between his ship and unfettered access to merchants and the shore side war receptacles they drew from. It would take considerable time to divert more warships to this coast and with Admiral von Spee lurking in the Pacific, reinforcements might not arrive at all. The 'Cruiser Handbook' offered interesting insights on potential targets and worthwhile ventures but if they were to solidify his strategy regarding this area, they would need additional insight. This world moved fast and while German intelligence was top notch, things could change in a backwater like this with little outside knowledge.
As Captain and crew alike wondered on their futures, Leipzig herself was squarely setting course to sail off into the annals of naval history.
- RelativeGalaxy7
- Word Count: 1.5k