v2 Chapter 152： The first naval battle (2/2)
At this time, the sound of the ship's request for firing gradually increased, and even Billy couldn't help looking at Zhang Heng, but the latter still said nothing.
Although Zhang Heng has participated in many battles on the Sea Lion, this is the first time he has personally led a sea battle. It was not the same as before. At that time, he basically only needed to protect himself and wait for the opportunity to solve the nearby threats. If he had the strength, he would save some companions in distress by the way, even if the task was exceeded.
Except for the need to pay attention to the situation on the field when grabbing the Scarborough, most of the time his vision was limited to a short distance around him, which is similar to his mode of action in the Soviet-Finnish war, but now he Commanding a whole ship, what needs to be considered becomes how to win the next battle with the least cost.
The firepower on Jackdaw is undoubtedly far better than the happiness on the opposite side, but the level of the gunner is exactly the opposite. This will be more obvious when shooting at a long distance, and the accuracy of the two sides can be improved as the distance approaches. The gap will be reduced, after all, as long as it is close enough, even a novice is difficult to miss.
Therefore, Zhang Heng chose to rush to the front of Happiness with the fire, but when the fourth wave of attacks fell on the deck, some people began to be injured. Zhang Heng himself was bruised by a flying piece of wood, but his face remained the same. Without any expression, he continued to hold the telescope to observe the movement on Happiness until he saw the opposite gunner quickly fill the shell into the barrel, preparing for the next round of salvo, and Zhang Heng finally issued a new order.
”The sails slowed down and the rudder was full.”
The pirates waited for this sentence for too long. After hearing the words, they immediately retracted the sails on the ship at the fastest speed. The Jackdaw avoided a new round of attacks by abruptly slowing down, and at the same time the hull also swung~ Eventually it became parallel to Happiness.
Although some sailboats of this era will also carry bow and stern guns, they are more often used in emergencies, and the firepower output is mainly based on side guns. Therefore, before launching an attack, you need to face the ship side to the target. This is why Zhang Heng must let the Jackdaw drive close enough to fight back.
Because once in combat, it is very difficult to adjust the distance again.
The pirates have been bombarded by the unilateral bombing of the fire on the Happiness long ago. When Zhang Heng gave the gunners an immediate counterattack, the artillery on the ship opened fire, although nearly half of the shells fell. Into the water, but the rest caused a lot of damage to Happiness.
One of the 24-pound shells also fortunately hit the lucky mast, which broke off, hitting the deck and crushing two sailors directly, and the sails on it also covered three artillery pieces.
After seeing the power of the artillery on the Jackdaw, the sailors on the Happiness were caught in a panic at this time. Although some people still tried to fight back, they were soon drowned by the overwhelming shells. The gunners on the ship were required to increase their angles, fearing that the Happiness would be hit hard after the second round of salvos.
The battle was similar to what was expected. After the two rounds of artillery, the opposite side clearly realized that the fight would only increase the casualties. Although they were still unwilling, they could only choose to surrender at the first time.
Zhang Heng wasn't as excited as everyone else on the boat, because he knew that the next most dangerous time would be. According to Karina's information, there were thirty sailors on Happiness, and even more troublesome was a group of ride-hailers. There are about twenty naval trainees, all of whom are strong young men.
Together they have surpassed the number of pirates on Jackdaw.