The Rise Of Australasia-Chapter 1274 - 935 The Jade Shatter Plan_2

Chapter 1274: Chapter 935: The Jade Shatter Plan_2

Chapter 1274 -935: The Jade Shatter Plan_2

More importantly, including the Island Nation Emperor and Prime Minister Konoe Fumimaro, the upper echelons of the government, all supported the surprise attack on Australasia.

The war had reached a stage they absolutely did not want to see, whether it was a psychological evasion of responsibility, or a genuine desire not to witness the Island Nation fail—regardless, they had resolved to continue resisting.

The good news was that, having received the Emperor’s support, the various conscription plans of the government faced little obstruction.

Currently, the Island Nation Army amounted to only about four million, far from the maximum military size the Island Nation could sustain. Based on the Island Nation’s population of over 70 million at maximum capacity, the total number of troops mobilizable could reach close to 10 million.

If the population from the Korean Colony was included, the Island Nation’s maximum military strength could indeed surpass 10 million—a truly terrifying figure.

Mobilizing an entire 10 million troops to defend their native land, at least in the eyes of the current Island Nation Emperor and Prime Minister Konoe Fumimaro, offered substantial hope of holding the current front lines, not necessarily of winning the war.

About one hour had passed when the Navy Secretary Minami Mitsumasa brought the news that Prime Minister Konoe Fumimaro least wanted to hear—the meticulously assembled United Fleet had indeed been defeated, leaving only about ten inconspicuous small warships that had been at the back of the fleet surviving.

Of course, perhaps a portion of the submarines had also survived. But the current problem was that, due to Commander Yamamoto Isoroku choosing to use most of the main forces of the United Fleet for a flanking maneuver, these submarines were positioned outside Tokyo Bay, making it very difficult to return to Port of Tokyo.

Besides, even if these submarines managed to escape, they were of little significance to the outcome of the war. Other than being able to attack Australasia’s civilian transport ships, submarines were virtually ineffective against mid-sized warships such as destroyers and large warships.

More crucially, Australasia’s submarine fleet far outnumbered that of the Island Nation. Even if submarine warfare was contemplated, the Island Nation simply couldn’t match Australasia.

After staying silently in his office room for half an hour, Konoe Fumimaro finally emerged and immediately convened a Cabinet Meeting, announcing the so-called “Emperor’s Order,” also known as the Kamikaze plan.

What is the Kamikaze plan?

To put it simply, it meant that rather than seeing the Island Nation and its colonies fail, they were willing to sacrifice the combined population of 100 million to fight Australasia to the death.

Because it was proposed by the Emperor and endorsed by the Prime Minister, it was almost unanimously approved in the vote by the Cabinet.

Of course, the orders for the arrest of United Fleet Commander-in-Chief Yamamoto Isoroku and Navy Secretary Minami Mitsumasa were also approved simultaneously.

Since the naval battle had already failed, it was inevitable to find one or two high-ranking officials to take the full responsibility for the defeat.

Only by allowing the people to vent their anger could the upcoming operations against Australasia gain public support.

While anxiously preparing for battle, the Island Nation’s Government also explored other methods to address the current crisis.

This chapter is updated by freēwēbnovel.com.

Frankly speaking, if it was simply a matter of combat between two armies, the Island Nation Army held no advantage. Other than having a relatively sufficient manpower at present, due to Australasia’s blockade, the Island Nation was in a crisis concerning mineral resources and industry, which had severely impacted military production.

Although it was often stated that the Island Nation’s population of 70 million could arm millions of troops, the current weapons and equipment could support at most about five million troops.

If there were more soldiers, domestic weapons production simply could not sustain the consumption of such a massive military, putting immense pressure on logistics.

Just as the Island Nation Emperor had stated, to defend their territory at all costs, the Army Department, while continuously conscripting, also approved several plans consecutively.

The first was about the experimentation and deployment of biological weapons. Although using biological weapons like the Australasia Army would result in international condemnation and fierce retaliation from the enemy, it was clear that there was now no choice.

Australasia had already gained complete superiority in naval and air forces; if no measures were taken concerning the army, the Island Nation’s defeat was only a matter of time.

Apart from biological weapons, the Island Nation also began researching weapons of greater lethality, even going so far as to utilize civilians as test subjects.

As the very essence of the Kamikaze plan implied, for the triumph of this war, all was to be sacrificed, including all Islanders.

On the other side, the victorious Australasia Pacific Squadron was indeed continuously searching for the remaining submarines of the Island Nation.

The number of submarines owned by the Island Nation was still substantial, with at least 20 vessels surviving even after the naval battle had ended.

If these submarines were not eliminated, they would continue to pose a threat to Australasia’s civilian vessels.

However, the search lasted less than one hour. After destroying about ten submarines, General Jon Odell did not order the fleet to continue the chase of those that had scattered but instead focused on the nearby Tokyo.

To commemorate the victory of this naval battle, it was essential to leave the Islanders with some mementos.

General Jon Odell’s Pacific Squadron had many things, but notably, the airplanes were well-stocked with missiles and bombs.

Naturally, freely gifting some missiles and bombs to the military and civilians of the Island Nation became the sole purpose of this commemorative action.

Not only were these gifts to be given for free, but they were also to be delivered directly to their doorstep. The aim was to allow as many Islanders as possible to witness firsthand the power of Australasia’s missiles and bombs, fitting the purpose of the commemorative action itself.

At the same time, General Jon Odell also relayed the news of a comprehensive victory in the naval battle back home, along with a report on the damage suffered by the Pacific Squadron.

This naval battle was an unprecedented major victory.

Based on the current tally of the battle, the engagement resulted in the sinking of six Island Nation battleships, seven aircraft carriers, and three battlecruisers.

As for smaller cruisers and destroyers, the exact details of the battle were not yet precise. However, it was certain that in the maritime area of Tokyo Bay, fewer than 20 of all the Island Nation warships that participated returned.

On the Australasian side, the losses were minimal, with only two outdated dreadnoughts, two battlecruisers, and one aircraft carrier truly sunk.

There were also three battleships, one battlecruiser, and two carriers damaged, though none suffered severe injuries and at least they could return without problems.

The more significant losses involved medium and small warships. At least twenty to thirty cruisers and destroyers were sunk, and the number of damaged warships reached dozens.

However, these losses were minor compared to those of the Island Royal Navy.

Especially in terms of major warships, most of the losses were older models of dreadnoughts and super-dreadnoughts, which were already near retirement; thus, being sunk did not constitute a significant loss.

Moreover, because of the naval victory, many navy soldiers who were forced to jump into the sea to escape were rescued.

Overall, this naval battle was an exhilarating victory, achieved with minimal sacrifice and resulting in a brilliant outcome.

When reporting the results of the battle, General Jon Odell’s facial expression was quite pleased, with a smile that he could hardly conceal.

Although winning with superior numbers seemed expected, the due credit was not diminished by any means. With these credits, General Jon Odell’s career advancements would move much more smoothly.

Becoming the Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Squadron was just a step away from the Navy Commander-in-Chief, the highest rank among the Ministry of Defense’s naval officers.

More importantly, this distinction could also enhance General Jon Odell’s prospects for a Title of Nobility.

While becoming a Duke might be unlikely, an earldom was almost certain. This could be a hereditary title, which for a commoner like Jon Odell, attracted even more allure than the so-called Navy Commander-in-Chief.

After all, it was a privilege that could benefit his descendants and elevate both himself and his entire family into the upper echelons of the Empire. Even if his children were not highly capable, inheriting his title and becoming well-off Nobility was still in reach.