"General, do you believe the Germans will fall for the trap this time?" inquired a staff officer aboard the HMS Tiger, addressing Admiral David Beatty.
"The Germans should take the bait! If they wish to strike at the British Empire, they must first thwart our efforts to secure resources from our colonies. Otherwise, defeating the British Empire will prove exceedingly challenging," replied Admiral Beatty.
He had now emerged from the shadow cast by the sinking of HMS Lion. Although the loss of the Lion represented a stain on his record, Beatty was convinced that with the formidable resources of the British Empire at his disposal, he could rectify this blemish by vanquishing the German fleet. This conviction had always been steadfast.
The HMS Tiger, beneath him, was the mightiest battlecruiser of the Royal Navy, a continuation of the design principles established by the Lion class. However, numerous internal improvements had significantly enhanced the Tiger's performance over its predecessor. Consequently, this vessel, initially intended as the fourth of the Lion class, had been designated a separate class by the Royal Navy.
Yet, Admiral Beatty harbored concerns; even this formidable HMS Tiger might not rival the German Navy's Moltke-class battlecruisers. In their previous encounter, the Moltke had endured hits without sustaining significant damage, and its robust defenses had left Beatty profoundly impressed. Despite the Tiger's impressive capabilities, its defensive shortcomings were glaring. In this regard, it could hardly be compared to the German battlecruisers, and should a confrontation arise, this would likely become the Tiger's principal vulnerability.
However, there was little Beatty could do about it. The British Navy's shipbuilding philosophy prioritized firepower and speed while undervaluing defense. Even though he now recognized the severe consequences of this oversight, altering such entrenched doctrines was not an immediate endeavor.
"Humph! The Germans may possess strong defensive capabilities, but what of it? This time, victory is assured. With the Iron Duke and King George V-class battleships joining us, along with nine additional battleships, we have assembled a formidable force of seventeen capital ships. The Germans can only muster six battlecruisers against us. A threefold advantage guarantees our triumph!" Beatty mused inwardly.
"Victory shall undoubtedly belong to the British Empire. It is sheer folly for the Germans to challenge us," the staff officer concurred.
Clearly, the sinking of HMS Lion had been regarded as a national humiliation by these officers of the Royal Navy, who were incessantly consumed by thoughts of vengeance against the Germans. This occasion represented a rare opportunity for them.
"Order the Invincible and Indefatigable-class battlecruisers to spread out, maintaining a two-hour distance from us. They must remain concealed from the Germans. Additionally, instruct the Iron Duke-class battleships to increase their speed," commanded Admiral Beatty.
"Yes, sir," the staff officer promptly acknowledged and set about issuing the orders.
The British naval forces had divided into five squadrons: three battlecruiser squadrons and two battleship squadrons. Apart from the squadron composed of the four King George V-class battleships, which accompanied merchant vessels, the remaining formations were prepared to ambush the German raiding fleet upon its emergence.
To counter the German raiding fleet, the British Navy had indeed exerted all its efforts.
Across the vast expanse of the Atlantic, a sizable fleet was navigating the ocean. Over twenty large merchant vessels, albeit slow, occupied the center of the formation. At the forefront loomed four colossal battleships resembling small mountains, while British light warships patrolled other directions.
This convoy was en route from Canada to the British mainland, escorted by four King George V-class battleships of the Royal Navy.
A middle-aged naval officer aboard HMS King George V, cigar in mouth, was peering through a telescope at the sea ahead.
"Any sightings?" the officer inquired.
"Sir, nothing has been detected thus far. It appears the Germans have vanished without a trace," a staff officer replied with a smile.
"Ha! I knew it; the Germans are as timid as mice. They lack the courage to assault us. The King George V-class battleships are formidable, second only to the Iron Duke-class. If their battlecruisers dare to approach, we shall crush them to smithereens," the officer proclaimed with a disdainful smile.
"Sir, Admiral Beatty has sent a message inquiring whether we have spotted the Germans," reported a communications officer.
"Inform Admiral Beatty that we have yet to detect any sign of the Germans. I doubt we shall encounter them at all. This plan is likely to unravel, as the Germans simply lack the audacity to confront us," the officer chuckled.
"Yes, sir," the communications officer promptly replied.
The middle-aged officer, named Rear Admiral Carrol, was a senior figure in the Royal Navy. Although not young, he remained a staunch advocate of aggressive naval engagement. His pride in the Royal Navy's supremacy was unmatched.
However, Rear Admiral Carrol was unaware that less than half an hour after their fleet had set sail, a submarine had surfaced from the depths, revealing debris. Painted on the side of the submarine was its identification number—U-48.
The submarine transmitted vital information regarding the speed and course of the British convoy to the German Naval Headquarters, which swiftly relayed the information to the fleet in the Atlantic.
"Has the British bait finally surfaced? Send messages to the 1st and 2nd Battlecruiser Squadrons—the bait has appeared, and they are to launch an immediate attack. We must eliminate the four King George V-class battleships at the earliest opportunity," ordered Admiral Reinhard Scheer.
Considering that the British may still have hidden forces, it was imperative that the 1st and 2nd Battlecruiser Squadrons conclude the engagement swiftly. Only then would they possess sufficient strength to contend with any British ambush.