Bremerhaven was founded in 1827 as a seaport for Bremen. Bremerhaven expanded Bremen’s trading capacities and grew to become a major port for fishing and international shipping. It was a shipbuilding city too. “The fastest and best ships came from Bremerhaven,” Herr Finkham said to anyone who would listen. “Also, the best shipbuilders,” he repeated ad nauseum, “not the British.”
Bremerhaven was the gateway to Nordsee. Directly to her left and facing her was Great Britain. Germany and Great Britain sat around Nordsee, like two children, squatting next to a big bucket splashing each other, competing for the biggest wave. The rivalry was old, as old as the four century, when the Saxons, crossed the North Sea to take Britain, conquering the Celtics.
In the summer of 1906, Herr Finkam was reading his newspaper when a story he read made him spit out his coffee.
“Shatz!” screamed Herr Finkham.
“What, my husband?”
“They did it. The Brits made a ship with 12″ guns and a minimum top speed of 21 knots. It has ten 12″ guns in five twin turrets. It is not so powerful. It can only bring eight of its ten guns to bear on a single target.”
“Well, that is something,” said Mutti.
“The ship is called the HMS Deadnouaght,” continued Herr Finkham.
“We will answer, by God,” said Herr Finkham, suddenly getting up from the table. “We will answer.” And, with that Herr Finkham ran out the door.
Mutti looked at Sarah, Bella and Agatha, eating breakfast.
“Where did Pappa go?,” asked Bella.
“Ah, boys with their toys,” said Mutti. “Herr Finkham left to play with toy ships. Splashing water across the big bucket.”