"Gentlemen, the British have set a trap to target our commerce raiding fleet. I must admit, this poses a significant threat. However, within this threat lies a hidden opportunity. Should we seize this chance, it will propel the Imperial Navy of Germany further ahead of the British. Our likelihood of victory in future naval battles would undoubtedly increase," Qin Tian remarked.
All eyes were fixed upon Qin Tian, as if awaiting his next words.
"According to the latest intelligence, the convoy escorting the British fleet consists of four 'King George V-class' battleships. These formidable dreadnoughts are equipped with five dual-mounted 343 mm main guns and undoubtedly represent the backbone of the British Navy. If we could decisively eliminate these four British battleships, it would inflict devastating losses on the British," Qin Tian continued.
"Yet, Your Highness, the British are certainly well-prepared. They will likely have other fleets lying in ambush, waiting for us. While our commerce raiding fleet has the capability to engage and defeat the four 'King George V-class' battleships, falling into a British ambush could spell serious trouble," Marshal von Pohl expressed with concern.
Qin Tian smiled, responding, "Let us continue our analysis. The British are aware that our commerce raiding fleet primarily consists of battlecruisers. They understand that the advantage of battlecruisers lies in their superior speed compared to battleships. Thus, if they are to set an ambush for us, the most likely choice would be to employ battlecruisers. Following the sinking of the 'Lion' battlecruiser, the British still possess nine remaining battlecruisers: three 'Invincible-class', three 'Indefatigable-class', and the two remaining 'Lion-class' along with the recently completed 'Tiger' battlecruiser. The 'Invincible-class' and 'Indefatigable-class' battlecruisers pose minimal threat to us; their thin armor cannot withstand the might of our advanced battlecruisers. Only the 'Lion-class' and 'Tiger' battlecruisers could stand a chance against us. However, prior naval engagements have already proven that the 'Lion-class' battlecruisers are still no match for our 'Moltke-class' battlecruisers, with their combat capabilities being comparable only to our 'Blücher-class' battlecruisers. Therefore, even if the British deploy battlecruisers to ambush us, the threat would be significantly diminished. For us, this presents a prime opportunity to deal a severe blow to the British Navy."
"Your Highness, what if the British send additional battleships to ambush us?" Count Tirpitz inquired. After all, Qin Tian's previous statements had merely speculated that the British would dispatch only battlecruisers against the German Navy.
Qin Tian nodded, "Indeed, that is a possibility. Thus, I propose that our concealed 'Derfflinger-class' battlecruisers be deployed. They will serve as reinforcements for our commerce raiding fleet in this battle. Should the British ambush fleet appear, they can launch a decisive attack, delivering a crushing blow to the British."
The 'Derfflinger-class' battlecruisers, in this timeline, differ significantly from their counterparts in another dimension. Here, they are equipped with three triple-mounted 50-caliber 380 mm main guns, boasting terrifying firepower. Their defensive capabilities have also been greatly enhanced compared to the previous 'Moltke-class' battleships. It can be said that in a head-to-head engagement with British battleships, the latter would be the first to falter. Until the introduction of the 'Mackensen-class' battleships, these would be the most formidable battleships in the German Navy and indeed the world.
Since their commissioning, the 'Derfflinger-class' battleships have been shrouded in secrecy. Despite the British's relentless efforts to ascertain the true strength of the German Navy, they have been unsuccessful.
While the annual investments in intelligence and counter-espionage have required substantial funding from Germany, these expenditures have evidently yielded returns. Now is the time to reap those rewards.
"Deploying the 'Derfflinger-class' battleships for combat? Your Highness, have you considered the implications? If we bring them into action, the British will surely learn of our new 380 mm main guns," Count Tirpitz remarked with a furrowed brow.
"There's nothing to be concerned about. Even if our 'Derfflinger-class' battleships remain undisclosed, the British will not slow their shipbuilding efforts. According to the latest intelligence, the construction speeds of the British 'Queen Elizabeth-class' and 'Revenge-class' battleships have significantly accelerated, with expectations for them to be commissioned next year. Therefore, there is no need for us to continue hiding. If we can inflict severe damage on the British Navy in this battle, it will all be worth it," Qin Tian asserted.
"Your Highness's plan is undoubtedly viable. If we can deal a crippling blow to the British Navy, even sinking just four of their battleships in this engagement would allow us to maintain an advantageous position over them. Such an outcome would significantly increase our chances of victory in future naval confrontations," Vice Admiral Reinhard Scheer remarked.
Even Marshal von Pohl, the Chief of Naval Staff, nodded in agreement, recognizing the soundness of Qin Tian's proposal.
Indeed, for the senior officials of the German Navy, their foremost ambition is to defeat the Royal Navy. However, the profound foundation of the British Navy necessitates a careful and measured approach. Every step must be taken with utmost caution. This plan, though somewhat audacious, undeniably holds substantial promise. In the worst-case scenario, should real danger arise, the German battlecruisers can leverage their speed to evade the enemy, for the superiority of the German Navy's battlecruisers far surpasses that of their British counterparts. If the British battleships dare to pursue, they would surely be courting disaster.
"Very well, if everyone concurs, we shall proceed with Your Highness's plan," Count Tirpitz concluded with a nod.
"Gentlemen, for the Imperial Navy, this represents a rare opportunity. Whether we can seize this chance rests upon each of you," Qin Tian stated, filled with anticipation for the undertaking ahead.