It was a cool morning as four squadrons of powerful warships bore down on the island Kingdom of Oz. With the king recently killed at sea by a treacherous torpedo attack, foreign powers vied with each other to take what negotiations have failed to secure. Each of the four nations, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States, sent a squadron of two heavy cruisers and two battlecruisers to place Oz under its "protection." Of course the other powers were likely to object and a deadly fight in the calm waters around Oz was inevitable.
The German squadron of Scharnhorst, Gneisenau, Blucher and Admiral Hipper were first to penetrate the mysterious fog that surrounded the island kingdom. Moving swiftly and decisively from the southeast, the German commander sailed within the territorial limits of Oz and announced that Oz was now under the protection of the Reich. Dancing in mist-shrouded circles, the United States squadron of Alaska, Guam, New Orleans and Minneapolis purposely delayed their arrival in the combat zone to let the powers of Europe wreak havoc upon one another before sailing into harm's way.
Steaming at cruising speeds in the dense fog nearly led to disaster for the forces of France and Italy. The Italian battle formation of Caio Duilio, Guilio Cesare and Pola in a line abreast, followed by Fiume narrowly avoided the opening salvo from the French as both sides emerged from the fog at less than 2,000 yds. Luck or fortuna was with Pola as a full salvo from the lead French battlecruiser missed completely.
Daunted by the appalling lack of gunnery skills, the French squadron executed a right wheel and disappeared again into the mist led by Dunkerque, followed by Strasbourg, Dupleix and Suffren. Excited by the good fortune of their brush with destiny, the Italians increased speed and closed towards the waiting German battleline. Deployed in a column to meet the oncoming Italians, the Germans greeted the interlopers with devastating accuracy. Unwilling to evade, use smoke or change course to unmask their aft batteries, the Italians continued to close.
The lead German cruiser, Admiral Hipper, took the brunt of the Italian reply, but survived the on-slaught, although crippled and reduced to doing lazy starboard circles. As the smoke cleared from the ferocious action, both Italian battleships and Pola were sinking. The valiant Fiume continued to fire away, scoring hit after hit on the German ships and dodging amidst self-made smoke. The German line was temporally put asunder by the uncontrolled turn of Admiral Hipper and only expert shiphandling avoided collisions with the other three ships in the tight formation.
But the danger passed, and soon Fiume became the focus of the entire German force and joined the fate of the other three ships, so far from the sunny Mediterranean waters of home. Meanwhile to the southwest, the American battle squadron had made its appearance and steamed north towards the island. A wild ranging shot from Scharnhorst hit Alaska and seemingly forced the Americans to withdraw to the west side of the island, away from the Germans. Then came the French, steaming south out of the fog and headed straight for the oncoming Germans.
The first French ship to enter the field of battle was met with a massive barrage from the waiting German guns and was quickly turned into a funeral pyre that greeted the arrival of the rest of the French squadron. Rather than steam straight towards the Germans, the French made a right turn to the west - straight towards the Americans steaming north. The Germans executed a 180° turn to starboard and raced south, eventually setting on a west, southwest course. These maneuvers placed the French in a deadly crossfire between the American and the Germans. Eventually the Dunkerque found herself under fire from Alaska and Guam at close range and Scharnhorst and Gneisenau at medium range. Pounded unmercifully from both sides, the French battle-cruiser exploded with a deafening concussion, damaging her squadron with debris.
The French and Americans continued to close, firing volley after volley into one another. When the guns finally grew silent, only the wounded Alaska and unscathed Minneapolis remained. Circling exactly opposite the Americans on the other side of Oz were Scharnhorst and Gneisenau, also wounded, and crippled Blücher. Recognizing that discretion is sometimes the better part of valor, the Americans withdrew to the northeast, leaving the Germans in control of the island kingdom of Oz and all the riches it possessed.
Battle Tactics Review
In reviewing the battle tactics used by the four squadrons, it is apparent that victory went to the aggressor. By seizing the initiative and holding it, the Germans were able to engage all three other squadrons individually, at times of their choosing. Each of the other squadrons had to react to the Germans and seemed to suffer for it. Yet, had the French turned left instead of right, or the Americans chosen to pass to the east of the island instead of the west, the battle would have had a different outcome. Yet the fact remains that command of the sea remained with the navy who was able to maintain the initiative and shape the battle. Overall, everyone enjoyed themselves and Gunboat Diplomacy was a good time for all who participated. Congratulations to the winners and we hope they enjoyed their prizes awarded by Clash of Arms. It was great fun for Chris Carlson and myself as the referees as well. We both look forward to the Historicon and the next time warships sally forth on the great waters to fight for Command at Sea.
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© Copyright 1998 by Larry Bond and Clash of Arms.
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