Against the Tide Imperial: The Struggle for Ceylon (The Usurper's War: An Alternative World War II B by James Young (story reading txt) 📕

“Take a right idiot to try and fly at night off a flattop,” Bellingsley replied. “I remember a few of their blokes did it back in the Indies, but I’d love to know how many of them crashed because of it.”

“Not enough,” Russell replied grimly. He noted that Wing Commander Hains stood atop one of the airfield’s 5-ton lorries. A Spitfire driver by trade, Hains had flown some missions in North Africa during the first phase of the war. From an upper class family, Hairns was surprisingly egalitarian in his treatment of the officers under his care.

Man looks like someone has shot his dog, Russell thought.

“Squadron leaders, do we have everyone?” Hairns called. Russell cursed inwardly, looking for his flight leaders.

“Gratham present!” Flight Lieutenant Badcocke called from somewhere to his left. That started a bedlam of other flight leaders following the man’s lead. Thankfully, most of 505 Squadron was near Russell.

“Jersey’s here, sir,” Flight Lieutenant Hibbert said, his distinctive Scottish accent setting him apart from many of the other voices.

“Baron Squadron present, sir,” Russell called.

The other fighter squadrons chimed in, and Hairns nodded grimly. Taking a deep breath, he looked over the gathered group.

“Gentlemen…” he began, then stopped to gather himself. “Gentlemen, it is with deep regret that I report Lord Winston Churchill died of his wounds approximately an hour ago in New York.”

There was a ripple of shock and anger that went through the gathered group. Russell himself had trouble taking a breath, swallowing past the bile that rose in his throat.

“I apologize for having to deliver you this news in this manner, but I wanted to make sure all of you heard things directly from me,” Hairns continued.

Churchill is dead. The Lion has laid down his burdens indeed. Although he had not been keen on politics, Churchill had been a presence in English society for his entire life. Russell’s father had served in the Royal Navy throughout the entirety of World War I. A great uncle had fought in the Boer War. Both men had held Churchill in high regard, and the man’s ability to recognize the Nazi threat for what it was had always been appreciated by the Wolford family.

Hairns let the men have their moments, many of the younger pilots openly sobbing or crying in response to the news. After about five minutes, the Wing Commander gestured for the men’s attention.

“I am afraid that we must carry on,” Hairns stated. “For the other news is that the Imperial Japanese Navy has been sighted in strength at various locations entering the Indian Ocean.”

This statement brought a response of a totally different sort from the gathered men. Suddenly the group became silent and pensive, looking at one another.

“Gentlemen, I do not believe I need to tell you what this news means,” Hairns said. “I can only assure you that all of our services shall be involved in making a concerted effort to keep Ceylon free.”

I think he just informed us that the Navy is taking steps to come meet the Japanese, Russell thought.

“I will need to speak with all squadron leaders after this,” Hairns finished. “I have spoken with the quartermaster and headquarters. Other than designated alert pilots, all duties for today are cancelled and the first round of drinks is on me. For the Queen!”

“For Her Majesty!” the gathered men thundered back before dispersing. Russell was headed for the Wing Commander Hairns when the unit adjutant intercepted him.

“Sir, mail for you,” the man said, handing over several wrapped letters. Russell recognized the scent on them even before he turned the envelopes over to see Maggie’s neat cursive.

This will have to wait. He tucked the post away as he headed for where Hairns clambered down off the truck. Russell watched the man struggle with his own emotions before adopting a closed expression. It took ten minutes, but eventually the five fighter squadron leaders stood alone before Hairns and his adjutant.

“The Navy liaison has informed me our old friend Ozawa is bringing his larger, angrier brother Vice Admiral Yamaguchi with him,” Hairns stated.

I guess we get our chance to see what the Japanese fleet carriers can do. I’m sure the Americans will be thrilled to find out that the Japanese decided Ceylon was more important than Hawaii.

He listened as Hairns detailed what they were facing. Five, perhaps six, carriers between the invasion force sighted leaving Staring Bay and striking element that had transited the Straits of Malacca. Likely accompanied by four battleships. The troops on transports were, at that point, a discussion of overkill.

“I will be frank,” Hairns said, grimacing. “The governor considered evacuation of all military forces before the Japanese get here.”

Russell bared his teeth in anger at that. Hairns nodded as he continued.

“Then Governor Sampson recalled ‘we were men charged with maintaining Her Majesty’s possessions.’ Furthermore, ‘he’d be damned if he was going to have to explain his actions to King George upon reaching the Pearly Gates.’”

There was a smattering of laughter at that.

“The expectation is that the Japanese will be here within a week,” Hairns said. “The Americans will, if they move expeditiously, arrive roughly two days after that. Our orders are to inflict as many losses as possible to the Japanese carrier groups in order to support the battle that will ensue.”

Hairns looked at the gathered group.

“I intend to do this by forming up into a wing before attacking the incoming enemy group.”

Have you gone bloody mad? Russell marveled. The First Battle of Britain had seen a very vigorous debate between proponents of wearing down the German escorts by attacking as squadrons came available and those who believed a large mass of interceptors did more damage than dribs and drabs. The Second Battle of Britain had put paid to the latter argument, as the Germans had turned their own escorts loose to hunt their British counterparts.

This is how one runs into a buzz saw of Japanese fighters and never gets near their bombers, Russell thought.

“Sir, does that include Baron Squadron?” he