"Father, Your Excellency Marshal, it just struck me that our navy requires a new class of warship. Building a batch of these vessels could significantly bolster our naval strength," Qin Tian interjected as the conversation neared its end.
"Oh? Oscar, what kind of warship?" Both William II and Marshal Count Tirpitz were intrigued, eager to enhance their navy's capabilities.
"A battleship designed for commerce raiding," Qin Tian replied.
"Commerce raiding? Your Royal Highness, you mean a warship targeting the British sea transportation line?" Marshal Earl Tirpitz inquired with a frown.
"Yes, Your Excellency Marshal. As the name suggests, a commerce raiding warship specializes in attacking the enemy's communication lines. This poses a grave threat to an island nation like Britain. Despite their advanced industry, the majority of their materials rely on sea transport. If our warships disrupt their sea lines, it could deal a severe blow. Their industrial products can't be shipped, resources can't be imported, and even food for their citizens would be impacted. Under such circumstances, can they sustain a prolonged conflict? A British Empire without adequate supplies would likely collapse," Qin Tian explained, a smile playing on his face.
Interdicting sea transportation lines is fatal for island nations. In history, both the German Second Reich and the Third Reich employed similar tactics. However, lacking suitable warships, they relied on submarines. If Germany could invest in destroyers to cut off British sea lines in this timeline, it could expedite victory.
"It's a sound idea, and the navy has considered it. However, Britain is close, and ordinary battleships and cruisers can handle this task," William II remarked, mindful of budget constraints.
"Father, while ordinary warships can carry out this mission, we shouldn't overlook the size of the British navy. Sending battleships and cruisers may lead us into a siege. Moreover, each battleship is precious; losing one would be regrettable," Qin Tian argued.
Both William II and Marshal Count Tirpitz nodded in agreement with Qin Tian's perspective.
"Your Highness, any suggestions then?" asked Marshal Count Tirpitz, acknowledging Qin Tian's persuasion.
"Your Excellency Marshal, we need a battleship with speed, firepower, and improved defense. This way, when attacking enemy sea lines, our warships can escape sieges with speed and repel pursuers with firepower. I propose calling this new type of destroyer a battlecruiser, positioned between a battleship and a cruiser—boasting battleship-like firepower, cruiser-like speed, and better defense than a cruiser," Qin Tian elaborated.
"Yes, such a warship would excel in commerce raiding," William II agreed.
"Father, a battlecruiser can outpace enemy battleships but outgun cruisers. It offers a strategic advantage," Qin Tian clarified.
"That's it. Our battlecruisers, though defensively weaker, surpass British battleships in defense due to their pursuit of firepower and speed. Ideally, they should avoid direct confrontations and focus on attacking sea lines and smaller enemy vessels," Qin Tian concluded.
"If deployed early in the war, German battlecruisers attacking British sea lines would weaken their war potential and morale, buying us time," Marshal Earl Tirpitz added.
King William II nodded, "Indeed, it appears a battlecruiser is a necessary addition to our navy."