The scene returns to the night of August 2, 1914, at the Wilhelmshaven Naval Base.
Though it was already 10 PM, the entire base remained brightly illuminated. Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz had personally arrived to take command.
"Admiral, the fleet from Kiel set sail half an hour ago. They are expected to reach Wilhelmshaven in about two hours," reported Admiral Reinhard Scheer, commander of the German High Seas Fleet, to Grand Admiral Count Tirpitz.
"Good. Remind them to sail carefully at night and ensure absolute secrecy," Count Tirpitz nodded.
Although Germany had not yet declared war on Britain, Count Tirpitz decided to follow QinTian's advice and ensure the Navy was fully prepared. Should war break out, the German Navy could immediately strike and target Britain's maritime supply routes. Typically, Germany's naval forces were stationed at Wilhelmshaven and Kiel. Before the Kiel Canal was expanded, these large warships had to transfer by circumnavigating the Jutland Peninsula, which exposed them entirely to the threat of the British Navy. But now, by using the Kiel Canal, not only was the distance shortened, but the transfer was also far safer and more discreet.
"Are we about to go to war with Britain?" Admiral Scheer asked, barely able to contain his excitement. For the German naval officers, challenging the Royal Navy's dominance had long been a cherished ambition. And as Germany's naval strength grew, so did their ambitions, like wildfire in the wind.
"Although war has not been officially declared, it is now inevitable, unstoppable by any force, not even by God. We must be ready. His Highness predicts that we will declare war on Britain within the next day or two. Therefore, we must dispatch the fleet ahead of time. As soon as the war is announced, we will strike immediately," Count Tirpitz replied.
"Understood, Admiral!" Admiral Scheer nodded, aware that this was a strategy of preemptive action. Although the main strength of the Royal Navy was concentrated in Scapa Flow, making it a formidable opponent, this was not yet the time for a decisive battle. The initial task of the German Navy had been clearly outlined—to disrupt and destroy Britain's maritime supply lines.
"Are the submarines prepared?" Count Tirpitz inquired.
"Admiral, everything is ready. We have selected thirty well-conditioned submarines, all manned by experienced commanders and crews for this operation. Additionally, covertly armed supply vessels have already been dispatched ahead to ensure that each submarine can remain at sea for extended periods," Admiral Scheer replied.
Count Tirpitz nodded in approval. The use of submarines was still a relatively new tactic for the German Navy. They could only study and train based on the strategies QinTian had suggested, and it remained uncertain whether they would perform well in actual combat. However, Count Tirpitz had faith that submarines would prove to be a formidable weapon in the war. His confidence stemmed not just from their potential but from the immense trust and admiration he, along with the entire German Navy, had for QinTian.
Two hours later, three *Blücher*-class battlecruisers and three *Moltke*-class battlecruisers, which had been stationed at the Kiel Naval Base, arrived at Wilhelmshaven.
Count Tirpitz promptly convened a strategy meeting, attended by the key officers of the High Seas Fleet.
"Gentlemen, the war has begun. The conflict between us and Britain is about to erupt. Following His Highness the Crown Prince's advice, the Imperial Navy must strike first and be fully prepared for battle," Count Tirpitz declared.
The naval officers turned their eager gazes toward the Grand Admiral. Tirpitz could sense their excitement and fervor—yes, the German Navy had long awaited this moment.
"Admiral Scheer, give the men their operational orders," Count Tirpitz commanded.
"Yes, Grand Admiral," Admiral Scheer responded.
"Gentlemen, while war has not yet been officially declared, it is expected to break out soon, and we must be prepared. The objective of this operation is not to engage the main force of the British Navy but to target their maritime supply routes. All British-flagged merchant and transport ships, or any warships we encounter, are to be sunk on sight. However, should we come across the main British fleet, it is imperative that we retreat immediately. This is not the time for a decisive engagement with the Royal Navy," Admiral Scheer explained.
A burst of laughter erupted among the officers.
"Admiral Hipper, Admiral von Spee!" Admiral Scheer called out.
Vice Admirals Franz von Hipper and Maximilian von Spee stood up.
"You will each lead the 1st and 2nd Battlecruiser Squadrons. Set sail in two hours and proceed to the Atlantic off the western coast of Britain to begin your hunting mission!" Admiral Scheer ordered.
"Yes, Admiral!" Hipper and von Spee responded in unison.
"Admiral Hitterfels, thirty submarines will also be deployed for this operation. Your target remains the British sea lanes," Admiral Scheer continued, issuing further instructions.
"Understood, Admiral," replied Rear Admiral Hitterfels, the young commander of the German submarine forces.
"Those are the main objectives. Grand Admiral, do you have any further orders?" Admiral Scheer asked.
"I want to emphasize two points. First, our target is the British maritime supply lines, so avoid direct engagement with their main fleet wherever possible. We are only deploying six battlecruisers, and we do not yet have the strength for a full confrontation. However, if an opportune moment presents itself, such as an isolated British capital ship, do not hesitate to sink it. But in general, you must use your discretion. Second, preserve our forces at all costs. Every warship and submarine is a valuable asset to the Imperial Navy, and we cannot afford losses due to negligence," Count Tirpitz instructed firmly.
"Yes, Grand Admiral!" the officers responded in unison.
At midnight, under the cover of darkness, the German fleet began to leave the naval base, heading into the vast expanse of the sea.