North's Last Stand: Difference between revisions

From IDU Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
Line 19: Line 19:
| status      =  
| status      =  
| combatants_header = Beligerents
| combatants_header = Beligerents
| combatant1  = [[File:LOMFlag2019.png|30px]] [[Libertas Omnium Maximus]]
| combatant1  = {{flag|Libertas Omnium Maximus}}
| combatant2  = [[File:fakeflag-gg1-ao3-alt1-dy3.png|30px]] [[Bjeorgite]] Revolutionaries
| combatant2  = {{flagicon|Bjeorg}}[[Bjeorg|Bjeorgite Revolutionaries]]
| combatant3  =  
| combatant3  =  
| commander1  =  
| commander1  =  
| commander2  = [[File:fakeflag-gg1-ao3-alt1-dy3.png|30px]] Admiral [[William North]] ([[wikipedia:Killed in action|KIA]])
| commander2  = {{flagicon|Bjeorg}} Admiral [[William North]] ([[wikipedia:Killed in action|KIA]])
| commander3  =  
| commander3  =  
| units1      = two cruisers, one frigate, one corvette
| units1      = two cruisers, one frigate, one corvette
Line 31: Line 31:
| strength2  =  
| strength2  =  
| strength3  =  
| strength3  =  
| casualties1 = 35 Wounded, 15 Dead Sailors, Extensive Damage to Cruiser
| casualties1 = 35 wounded<br>15 killed<br>extensive damage to cruiser
| casualties2 = 152 Wounded, 84 Dead Sailors, Loss of Frigate, Extensive Damage to Corvette
| casualties2 = 152 wounded<br>84 killed<br>one frigate disabled<br>one frigate lost
| casualties3 =  
| casualties3 =  
| notes      =  
| notes      =  
Line 38: Line 38:
}}
}}


'''North's Last Stand''' was a naval confrontation during the larger [[Battle of the Strait of St. Peter]], between [[Maximusian]] and [[Bjeorgite]] forces. It was a precursory battle to the [[1991 Bjeorg Conflict]]. The confrontation took place in the early morning of July 28th, 1991. It is considered to be the last confrontation before the official start of the war. During the battle one ship was sunk and two were disabled. North's Last Stand was a victory for the Maximusians but proved to be a pyrrhic one as they encountered unexpectedly high resistance.   
'''North's Last Stand''' was a naval confrontation during the larger [[Battle of the Strait of St. Peter]], between [[Maximusian]] and [[Bjeorgite]] forces. It was a precursory battle to the [[1991 Bjeorg Conflict]]. The confrontation took place in the early morning of July 28th, 1991. It is considered to be the last confrontation before the official start of the war. During the course of the battle, one ship was sunk and two were disabled. North's Last Stand was a victory for the Maximusians but proved to be a pyrrhic one as they encountered unexpectedly high resistance and nearly lost their flagship.   


==Background==
==Background==


After declaring their independence from Libertas Omnium Maximus, the Bjeorg revolutionaries were left with very few military resources. They were only able to assemble a fleet of three small warships to blockade the north entrance of The [[Strait of St. Peter]]. Keeping the strait in control of the revolutionaries was a paramount objective in the fight for independency.
After declaring their independence from Libertas Omnium Maximus, the Bjeorg revolutionaries were left with very few military resources. They were only able to assemble a fleet of three small warships to blockade the north entrance of the [[Strait of St. Peter]]. Maintaining control of the strait was a paramount objective of the Bjeorgite insurgents, as it would prevent a Maximusian or [[Zamastan|Zamastanian]] amphibious assault.


After some skirmishing in the south portion of the strait, [[Zamastan|Zamastanian]] and the defending [[Eirian]] fleet was deadlocked in place. The fate of the territory remained contested. In response, the Maximsuians launched a small armada from [[St. Augustine]], consisting of two cruisers, one frigate, and one corvette, to break through the northern blockade.
After some skirmishing in the south portion of the strait, Zamastanian and the defending [[Eiria|Eirian]] fleet was deadlocked in place. The fate of the territory remained contested. In order to end the deadlock, the Maximusians launched a small armada from [[Saint Augustine]], which consisted of two cruisers, one frigate, and one corvette.


==The Confrontation==
==The Confrontation==
The Maximusian armada reportedly encountered North's fleet at 7:01 AM. Accounts of the incident maintain that the Maximusians opened fire without provocation, though this has been difficult to corroborate. North's fleet promptly began evasive maneuvers and prepared for a Maximusian broadside attack. In this initial salvo, the [[BNS Spjut]] was critically damaged.


===Opening Shots===
In order to give the [[BNS Kiln]], the Bjeorgite frigate, more maneuvering room, the Bjeorgite corvette, [[BNS Månsten]], navigated due west of combat, incidentally running into very shallow water. At 7:26 AM, a missile detonated after impacting on the BNS Månsten's stern deck. The detonation was sufficient to disable the vessel's starboard propeller, causing the ship to careen towards the Bjeorg shoreline. Before the captain of Månsten could regain control of the ship, the vessel collided with a sandbar became immobilized. The order to abandon ship was given, although the Månsten did not sink.
The opening shots of the confrontation were fired at 7:01 AM. Eye witness accounts hold the opinion that it was the Maximusians who opened fire first however within a matter of seconds all involved warships were firing. The second Bjeorg Frigate, the [[BNS Spjut]], went far to the east while the '''Månsten''' veered far to the west. This was in order to create a situation where all three vessels could broadside the Maximusians. This was an incredibly risky maneuver as it gave the Maximusians a much bigger target but is today considered by historians to be a brilliant move as it distributed damage quite well to each of the opposing ships. The Maximusians invariably unloaded on the ships and damaged the hull of '''Spjut''' critically. It was forced to move east of the combat.


===Disabling of the [[BNS Månsten]] ===
With the Månsten run aground and the Spjut seemingly disabled, all four Maximusian ships turned their attention to the BNS Kiln. In a last ditch effort to inflict further injury upon the Maximusian fleet, the Kiln realigned itself, despite taking on significant water and listing more than 15<sup>o</sup> to port side, and attempted to return fire upon the Maximusian fleet. This risky reengagement proved to successful, as the BNS Kiln was able to land a crippling blow to the Maximusian fleet's flagship. However, the Maximusian fleet quickly responded, launching another salvo against the Kiln. This salvo destroyed the Kiln's bridge, killing Admiral [[William North]] and most of his officer corps. The hull of the Kiln was also critically damaged as a result of the Maximusian volley and began sinking. Bjeorgite sailors began abandoning ship around 7:30 AM and the Kiln completely sank soon after.<ref>Because of the controversy surrounding the Bjeorg conflict, the Kiln was never refloated and the lost sailors' bodies have never been recovered. </ref>
In order to give the '''BNS Kiln''' more maneuvering room, the corvette '''BNS Månsten''' veered even further to the west side of the battle zone, running in very shallow water. At 7:26 AM a missile detonated after impacting the Månsten's lower stern. The missile's impact and subsequent detonation was sufficient to destroy the vessel's starboard propeller and the ship veered hard to the west. Before the captain could regain control of the ship, the Månsten collided with a sandbar and ran aground. Unable to reverse off the sandbar due to extensive engine damage as a result of an earlier missile, the ship was stranded and unable to further aid its fellow ships after they moved out of range in the following minutes.


===Destruction of the [[BNS Kiln]]===
With the battle lost, the BNS Spjut raised its white flag and began traveling in a holding pattern. The Maximusian fleet continued south, though their flagship, which had sustained heavy fire by the BNS Kiln, was required to turn back to the Saint Augustine naval base for repairs.  
After the '''Månsten''' was grounded and the '''Spjut''' damaged, all four Maximusian ships were able to quickly land decisive blows on the '''Kiln'''. In a last ditch effort to inflict further injury upon the Maximusian fleet, the '''Kiln''' realigned itself and attempted to break to the west of the Maximusian fleet. This was a highly successful maneuver as the Kiln was able to land a crippling blow to the Maximusian fleet's flagship. Eventually, however, the Maximusian frigate was able to broadside the '''Kiln'''. This salvo destroyed the bridge, killing Admiral [[William North]] and most of his officer. The hull was also critically damaged as a result of the salvo and ruptured soon after. The order to abandon ship was given at 7:31 and the ship sunk completely only five minutes later.


===Disengagement===
Seeing that the water was calm and the Månsten and Spjut were disabled close by, the Maximusian fleet did not engage in rescue operations to recover surviving sailors from the BNS Kiln. All stranded crew members were rescued by the Spjut or were able to swim to the stranded-but-intact BNS Månsten.<ref>BNS Spjut was later scuttled after limping its way back to Martin, beyond any hope of repair or refitting. BNS Månsten remained stranded on the sandbar until it was recovered and scrapped by a salvage operation in 1996.</ref>
With the battle lost, the '''Spjut''' raised its white flag and began traveling in a holding pattern. The '''Månsten''' also raised its white flag around the time of the '''Kiln''''s sinking. The Maximusian fleet, seeing that their flagship was damaged beyond repair, proceeded south on their original course after transferring officers and crew members. The damaged flagship slowly made its way back to St. Augustine.
 
Seeing that the water was calm and the '''Månsten''' and '''Spjut''' were in close proximity, the Maximusian fleet did not pick up the surviving sailors of the '''Kiln'''. All stranded crew members were rescued by the '''Spjut''' or were able to swim to the stranded-but-intact '''BNS Månsten'''.


==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==


With the north section of the Strait of St. Peter left completely unguarded, the Maximusian fleet was able to send for reinforcement ships and occupy the strait. With both exits blocked off, the Eirian fleet present in the center of the strait was trapped. This shift of control also made an [[wikipedia:amphibious landing|amphibious landing]] by the Maximusians feasible. On July 30th, 1991, the Maximusians did, in fact, carry out an amphibious landing in [[Battle of Martin|Martin]], Bjeorg.
With the north end of the Strait of St. Peter left completely unguarded, the Maximusian fleet was able to send for reinforcement ships and successfully occupy the strait. With both exits blocked off, the Eirian fleet present in the center of the strait was trapped. This shift of control also made an [[wikipedia:amphibious landing|amphibious landing]] by the Maximusians feasible. On July 30th, 1991, the Maximusians did, in fact, carry out an amphibious landing in [[Battle of Martin|Martin]], Bjeorg.
    
    
===Legacy===
===Legacy===


 
== Notes ==
<references />
[[Category: 1991 Bjeorg Conflict]]
[[Category: 1991 Bjeorg Conflict]]
[[Category: Battles]]
[[Category: Battles]]
[[Category: Confrontations of the 1991 Bjeorg Conflict]]
[[Category: Confrontations of the 1991 Bjeorg Conflict]]

Revision as of 21:35, 19 September 2023

North's Last Stand
Part of The Battle of the Strait of St. Peter, 1991 Bjeorg Conflict
DateJuly 28th, 1991
LocationNorthern Strait of St. Peter
Result Maximusian Victory
Beligerents
 Libertas Omnium Maximus BjeorgBjeorgite Revolutionaries
Commanders and leaders
Bjeorg Admiral William North (KIA)
Units involved
two cruisers, one frigate, one corvette two frigates, one corvette
Casualties and losses
35 wounded
15 killed
extensive damage to cruiser
152 wounded
84 killed
one frigate disabled
one frigate lost

North's Last Stand was a naval confrontation during the larger Battle of the Strait of St. Peter, between Maximusian and Bjeorgite forces. It was a precursory battle to the 1991 Bjeorg Conflict. The confrontation took place in the early morning of July 28th, 1991. It is considered to be the last confrontation before the official start of the war. During the course of the battle, one ship was sunk and two were disabled. North's Last Stand was a victory for the Maximusians but proved to be a pyrrhic one as they encountered unexpectedly high resistance and nearly lost their flagship.

Background

After declaring their independence from Libertas Omnium Maximus, the Bjeorg revolutionaries were left with very few military resources. They were only able to assemble a fleet of three small warships to blockade the north entrance of the Strait of St. Peter. Maintaining control of the strait was a paramount objective of the Bjeorgite insurgents, as it would prevent a Maximusian or Zamastanian amphibious assault.

After some skirmishing in the south portion of the strait, Zamastanian and the defending Eirian fleet was deadlocked in place. The fate of the territory remained contested. In order to end the deadlock, the Maximusians launched a small armada from Saint Augustine, which consisted of two cruisers, one frigate, and one corvette.

The Confrontation

The Maximusian armada reportedly encountered North's fleet at 7:01 AM. Accounts of the incident maintain that the Maximusians opened fire without provocation, though this has been difficult to corroborate. North's fleet promptly began evasive maneuvers and prepared for a Maximusian broadside attack. In this initial salvo, the BNS Spjut was critically damaged.

In order to give the BNS Kiln, the Bjeorgite frigate, more maneuvering room, the Bjeorgite corvette, BNS Månsten, navigated due west of combat, incidentally running into very shallow water. At 7:26 AM, a missile detonated after impacting on the BNS Månsten's stern deck. The detonation was sufficient to disable the vessel's starboard propeller, causing the ship to careen towards the Bjeorg shoreline. Before the captain of Månsten could regain control of the ship, the vessel collided with a sandbar became immobilized. The order to abandon ship was given, although the Månsten did not sink.

With the Månsten run aground and the Spjut seemingly disabled, all four Maximusian ships turned their attention to the BNS Kiln. In a last ditch effort to inflict further injury upon the Maximusian fleet, the Kiln realigned itself, despite taking on significant water and listing more than 15o to port side, and attempted to return fire upon the Maximusian fleet. This risky reengagement proved to successful, as the BNS Kiln was able to land a crippling blow to the Maximusian fleet's flagship. However, the Maximusian fleet quickly responded, launching another salvo against the Kiln. This salvo destroyed the Kiln's bridge, killing Admiral William North and most of his officer corps. The hull of the Kiln was also critically damaged as a result of the Maximusian volley and began sinking. Bjeorgite sailors began abandoning ship around 7:30 AM and the Kiln completely sank soon after.[1]

With the battle lost, the BNS Spjut raised its white flag and began traveling in a holding pattern. The Maximusian fleet continued south, though their flagship, which had sustained heavy fire by the BNS Kiln, was required to turn back to the Saint Augustine naval base for repairs.

Seeing that the water was calm and the Månsten and Spjut were disabled close by, the Maximusian fleet did not engage in rescue operations to recover surviving sailors from the BNS Kiln. All stranded crew members were rescued by the Spjut or were able to swim to the stranded-but-intact BNS Månsten.[2]

Aftermath

With the north end of the Strait of St. Peter left completely unguarded, the Maximusian fleet was able to send for reinforcement ships and successfully occupy the strait. With both exits blocked off, the Eirian fleet present in the center of the strait was trapped. This shift of control also made an amphibious landing by the Maximusians feasible. On July 30th, 1991, the Maximusians did, in fact, carry out an amphibious landing in Martin, Bjeorg.

Legacy

Notes

  1. Because of the controversy surrounding the Bjeorg conflict, the Kiln was never refloated and the lost sailors' bodies have never been recovered.
  2. BNS Spjut was later scuttled after limping its way back to Martin, beyond any hope of repair or refitting. BNS Månsten remained stranded on the sandbar until it was recovered and scrapped by a salvage operation in 1996.