Volume 1: The Battleship Yitian Changes into the Sino-Japanese War of 1894 Chapter 20: He Became the Head of the Torpedo Boat Team
When the fleet left Inchon, everyone was immersed in the atmosphere of victory, but Sun Gang did not seem as elated as others. Although the results of this operation could be called brilliant, there was nothing to be proud of. After all, there were only three light battleships to cover the landing of these poor Japanese army (he had just asked, and according to the rescued Japanese sailors, the other two Japanese ships sunk were the wooden cruiser "Musashi" with a displacement of 1,500 tons and the small steel-hulled gunboat "Oshima" with a displacement of 630 tons). The main force of the fleet has not appeared yet, but the dense and rapid artillery fire of "Yaeyama" and the Japanese army's fearlessness left a deep impression on him, and the performance of the Beiyang Fleet's torpedo boats did not make him happy. It was difficult to attack moving targets with torpedoes in this era, but the effect of attacking fixed targets could not but explain some problems. From Liu Buchan's attitude towards Cai Tinggan, it can be seen that the Beiyang Fleet's torpedo boat team should be quite unwelcome, and it is said that the torpedo boat team does not seem to be under the control of the Beiyang Navy Admiral! The deployment of torpedo boats has to be discussed with Gong Zhaoyu, the defender of Lushun ! Gong Zhaoyu seems to have a bad relationship with Ding Ruchang! I really don't understand what Li Hongzhang is thinking! This problem must be solved as soon as possible! Otherwise, the Beiyang Fleet may suffer a great loss in future wars!
How many things have gone wrong for the Chinese people because of internal disunity!
To rectify the personnel issues, let’s start with the torpedo boat team!
In the days after the fleet returned to Weihaiwei, it had been immersed in the joy brought by the victory. After all, the sneak attack on Fengdao was avenged double, which made everyone feel relieved. Li Hongzhang was very pleased after receiving Ding Ruchang's battle report. He reported to the court to request merits for the naval officers and soldiers, and all the soldiers who participated in the battle were rewarded.
Because of his contribution to the gunpowder formula, Sun Gang was also given a title of lieutenant general and a reward of 500 taels of silver. Ding Ruchang learned about Sun Gang and Ma Yue from Fang Boqian, and learned that his parents could not return to China (Sun Gang had no choice but to lie to him that his parents had settled abroad in their early years and were too old to come back), and he actually personally presided over his marriage in Weihai.
On the day of the wedding, all the navy ships fired six cannon shots in celebration, which really excited him. In his time, if you wanted to get married, you would just get some cars and parade around the streets to show off. He didn't expect that here, the warships would fire a salute to congratulate you. At that moment, he really felt that his fate was firmly tied to that of this fleet.
He was determined not only to make this fleet win the war, but also to make it truly strong for the country!
Due to the urgency of the military situation, he had to deal with both official and personal matters. These days, he not only took his bride to visit various places in the base (which could be considered a honeymoon), but also visited the torpedo boat team.
I learned a lot of unknown inside stories from the captains. The combat effectiveness of this combat formation with thirteen torpedo boats has been seriously reduced due to lack of funds and sufficient attention. The torpedo boats are also much slower than before due to aging steam engines and lack of maintenance.
Moreover, due to the low official positions of the commanders (the captain of the warship is either a general or a deputy general, Cai Tinggan is a dusi, and many of the other torpedo boat captains are garrisons), not only are their salaries much lower, but there is no public funding for daily maintenance. In addition, most of the officers and soldiers of the torpedo boat team are not from Fujian and are the ones who are squeezed out in the fleet. It is really not optimistic to expect them to play a role at the critical moment.
"Let's put aside other things. Since you, the Senator, are willing to take such pains to understand the situation, I am glad to make friends with you." Cai Tinggan looked at Sun Gang who was taking notes attentively, patted him on the shoulder and said.
"Master Cai's 'Fulong' runs fast and steadily, it's amazing!" Ma Yue has not yet recovered from the excitement brought by the high-speed running of the torpedo boat, "I have never been on such a fast ship!"
"Madam, you are too kind. In fact, if you take good care of it, it can run even faster." Cai Ting laughed dryly and said, "The fastest Japanese 'Yoshino' is about my speed."
"Brother Cai, rest assured. I will take care of the torpedo boat team." Sun Gang said, "I will have to rely on you to contribute to the country in the future."
"We definitely won't say anything, sir." A garrison officer said, "We just hope you can help us..."
"Don't worry, if he can't do it, I can help you raise the money." Ma Yue glanced at Sun Gang proudly and said.
"I heard that you have been with the torpedo boat team these days?" Ding Ruchang was in a good mood these past two days. He looked at Sun Gang and said with a smile: "What new problems have you found?"
"That's right. I think torpedo boats are flexible and fast, and their torpedoes are powerful. They can make up for the lack of firepower of our fleet's heavy artillery." Sun Gang chose his words and said, "Every time our ship's guns fire, the propellant will produce a lot of thick smoke. At present, we are in a hurry and cannot replace all of them. However, the smoke screen can also provide cover for our army. If the torpedo boats use the smoke screen to approach the enemy ships and launch torpedoes, it can also be regarded as a tactic. However, at present, the torpedo boats have no maintenance fees, so they are mostly rusted and their speed is not as good as before. I originally wanted to ask the military to send a boat to take me out to sea to investigate the enemy situation , but I am afraid that this will not be possible and will delay military opportunities, so I am very worried."
"You always think of things that others can't think of." Ding Ruchang smiled and said, "I am stupid and don't know much about the functions of torpedo boats. I thought that naval battles should be dominated by big ships and cannons. Moreover, our army already has such powerful new ammunition. But what you said is not without reason. In fact, although those Fujian people don't want to show weakness on the surface, I can see that they still admire you very much. This time, you offered the secret formula of gunpowder first, and anticipated the enemy's moves first, which enabled our navy to achieve this great success. You have contributed a lot, and Lord Zhongtang is also very pleased. Since you have this idea, there is no reason for me not to follow your advice."
Sun Gang handed him the written proposal. He looked at it and nodded. "Torpedo boats cost less than warships. This is not difficult. If you don't want to stay here peacefully, then you can lead the torpedo boat team for a while. I'll ask the Minister to talk to Lord Gong. I want to see what tricks you can get them to play."
"Ah?" Sun Gang was surprised. He was asked to lead thirteen torpedo boats? He had a headache for a long time managing a small savings bank with six people. He didn't know much about the business of such a large army. Was he kidding?
"What are you afraid of? When I was fighting the treasury, I led the cavalry. Now I lead the navy, but nothing went wrong. No one is born knowing everything. There is always a first time for a young lady to get into a bridal sedan." Ding Ruchang looked at Sun Gang and laughed, "I'm just afraid of the bride. It won't be easy for you."
