"Admiral Jellicoe, General Beatty, what is the Royal Navy's plan to address the threat posed by the German raider fleet and submarine forces to our maritime supply lines? The Prime Minister is losing patience, particularly given the current unfavorable circumstances facing the entire Allied effort. Thus, the Cabinet hopes the Royal Navy can swiftly devise an effective strategy," Churchill remarked, observing Admiral John Jellicoe and Vice Admiral David Beatty.
"Sir, to minimize the losses of our convoys, we are currently employing a strategy of assembling large fleets of merchant ships under naval escort. In the mid-Atlantic, we are gathering merchant vessels, for which the Royal Navy provides protection. Thus far, the results have been promising. We are assigning two to three capital ships to each convoy, effectively neutralizing the German raider fleet and ensuring the safe arrival of our merchant ships to British shores," Admiral Jellicoe explained.
Churchill nodded, recognizing that this approach could indeed resolve the issue. However, it necessitated the deployment of numerous capital ships for escort duties, which inevitably weakened the Royal Navy's overall strength.
"With our capital ships engaged in convoy escort duties, what do we have left to confront the German High Seas Fleet?" Churchill inquired.
"Sir, our capital ship numbers are critically insufficient, so we can only maintain vigilance against the German High Seas Fleet. We will assemble our forces if we detect any unusual activity," Admiral Jellicoe replied.
"That is unacceptable; such a strategy is far too inefficient. By the time our fleet is assembled, the Germans may have already launched an offensive. Protecting our maritime supply lines and defeating the German High Seas Fleet are of equal importance," Churchill asserted.
This left Admiral Jellicoe momentarily speechless. While the Royal Navy was indeed formidable, managing both tasks simultaneously was undeniably challenging.
"Sir, we are preparing a plan targeting the German raider fleet. If successful, it would deal a significant blow to their operations, thereby minimizing the threat they pose. It is even possible that we could resolve this issue once and for all," Vice Admiral Beatty declared confidently.
"Oh? What does this plan entail?" Churchill asked, clearly intrigued. He undoubtedly hoped to find a permanent solution to the threat posed by the German High Seas Fleet. Without this menace, Britain's maritime supply lines would remain unobstructed, allowing its wartime potential to thrive unimpeded.
"Sir, we plan to dispatch a substantial convoy from Canada to Britain. At that time, we will assemble a formidable escort fleet. The German raider fleet will undoubtedly attempt to attack this convoy. We will then have an elite fleet poised nearby. Once the German raider fleet engages, we will ambush them. This will undoubtedly allow us to inflict severe damage on the German High Seas Fleet," Vice Admiral Beatty asserted with confidence.
Churchill furrowed his brow, considering the apparent flaws in the plan. "Will the Germans take the bait? They are hardly fools," he expressed his skepticism.
"Sir, the Germans will certainly take the bait. As long as we prepare a sufficiently enticing lure, they will bite. Even if the first attempt fails, we can create additional opportunities. If the German raider fleet does not attack, we will still be able to transport significant quantities of war supplies to Britain," Vice Admiral Beatty replied.
Churchill nodded thoughtfully, "Indeed, this appears to be a mutually beneficial strategy. If the German raider fleet launches an attack, we will eliminate them. If they do not, our convoy will safely deliver supplies to Britain. In either case, we emerge victorious. This plan is quite commendable."
"Sir, we require further authorization. Preparations for this operation are already underway, but with your approval, the convoy could depart from Canada tomorrow," Admiral Jellicoe added, equally enthusiastic.
"I can grant you that authorization immediately. However, I expect you to ensure a victory for the British Empire," Churchill stated firmly.
"Indeed, sir. We assure you of our victory," both Admiral Jellicoe and Vice Admiral Beatty affirmed confidently.
Even before the sinking of the *Lion* battlecruiser, the Grand Fleet had begun seeking solutions to eliminate the threat posed by the German raider fleet. After considerable efforts over the past few weeks, they had finally refined their plan and were prepared to take action. All that remained was Churchill's authorization, which they had anticipated, knowing Churchill's inherent inclination toward a combative stance.
"May I inquire about the warships you have prepared for this operation?" Churchill asked.
"Of course, sir. While this plan may be confidential to others, you are entirely entitled to know its details," Vice Admiral Beatty assured him.
"For this operation, our fleet will be primarily divided into an escort fleet and an ambush fleet. The escort fleet will consist of four *King George V*-class battleships, while the ambush fleet will include three *Indefatigable*-class battlecruisers, three *Dreadnought*-class battleships, two *Lion*-class battlecruisers, the *Tiger* battlecruiser, and four recently commissioned *Iron Duke*-class battleships," Vice Admiral Beatty explained.
"Are you planning to deploy the entire strength of the Royal Navy in this endeavor?" Churchill inquired with a hint of concern.
"Sir, we are indeed preparing to dispatch the most formidable capital ships currently in the Royal Navy's possession. Aside from the battlecruisers, the four *King George V*-class battleships and the four *Iron Duke*-class battleships are the most advanced vessels in our fleet. Should the German High Seas Fleet take the bait, we will establish a tightly coordinated encirclement, ensuring they have no opportunity to escape," Vice Admiral Beatty asserted.
If not for the fact that the *Queen Elizabeth*-class battleships had yet to be commissioned, Vice Admiral Beatty would likely have insisted on including these powerful ships armed with 15-inch guns in this operation.