C2053 Great Ceremony in Britain (1/2)
At the moment, Zai Chun could see that the fleet square formation was not a rectangle, but an irregular rhombus. The southernmost horn was facing the Zhiyuan Warship, and then the layers of warships were extended backwards.
All of the warships were stuck at anchor at sea, swaying slowly with the waves. Normally, even if the ships were to land at sea, they wouldn't be able to stand still.
It was not that the battleship did not move at all, but it was that the formation was as stable as a mountain and not the slightest bit chaotic.
From the diamond shaped horn, it was easy to see the Royal Fleet's square formation. Whether it was vertical or slanted, it was all a straight line, with perfect accuracy.
”What a strict fleet … Just like a machine! ” Tongzhi Emperor could not help but exclaim.
Even Xiao Letian was shocked, he knew how skillful and skilled this era's battleships were in setting up such an array, and how good the quality of these naval officers was.
Sail battleship s, including the Iron-armored Wooden Battleship, couldn't be compared with later generations of pure Steel battleship s at all. It was precisely because their weight was light that they couldn't suppress the waves, so maintaining a straight formation in the moving waves was easier said than done.
Duke of Newcastle smiled proudly. ”I am truly sorry, but this is only a temporary inspection of the ship. According to our plans, when Your Majesty is resting in London for three days, the Queen will accompany Your Majesty to the Portsmouth Military Port …”
”At that time, there will be an even bigger naval parade awaiting review!”
”It's even bigger …” Zai Chun's gaze was a little dazed. He really couldn't think of anything more grand than this. Everything in front of him had already caused him to temporarily lose the ability to think.
Just at that moment, the Victory battleships that were flying side by side with the Zhiyuan Warship, suddenly started to signal to the battle formation in front of them with their flags drawn. Very quickly, loud orders were transmitted out, and there were roars everywhere on the sea surface.
”Deer Hunters... ”We pay our respects to His Majesty the Emperor of Great Qing Kingdom and the leader of the Hua Clan.
”Holy Angel, Iceberg, Anglesey, Devonshire...” Salute the emperor! ”Fire the cannon...”
Battleship after battleship lit up the medicine bag, the sea was immediately filled with smoke, boom, boom … The sound of the ceremonial cannon was deafening.
Almost all the warships sent out their greetings flag language, the Cai Bixia of Zhiyuan Warship was in charge of the communication. Her voice was almost hoarse, the names of the warships spread to everyone's ears.
Until the very end, a signal came from the direction of the lighthouse on Huai Te Island: ”Portsmouth Military Port …” Welcome to His Majesty the Emperor and to His Excellency the Head of State... ”Fire the cannon...”
Boom! Boom! Boom! An even louder sound reverberated through the air. Smoke began to gush out from the embankment's defense cannon. The God of War had become the vanguard of the welcoming ceremony.
This kind of scene had already ignited the enthusiasm of all the Chinese soldiers present, and all of them including Xiao Letian stood at attention and saluted respectfully. Stand at attention! Salute! ”
Everyone raised their hands and their eyebrows raised. Their boots made a heavy sound when they hit the deck.
At that moment, even Zai Chun could no longer hold himself back, he also raised his hand and performed a new type of military salute, which he had practiced countless of times in the Ryukyu military camp. Unfortunately, he was not wearing a military uniform, but a five clawed gold dragon robe, this military salute was truly a little out of place.
Da Sixi wanted to go up and remind the little emperor, but when he saw Tongzhi Emperor's gnashing teeth expression, he did not dare to speak anymore and could only retreat in embarrassment.