The confrontation between Germany and Britain in this world war primarily revolves around naval supremacy. The German navy seeks to challenge the dominance of the British fleet. Kaiser Wilhelm II harbors ambitions to lead the German Empire in usurping the British Empire's status as the preeminent world power.
Thus, in this conflict, the outcome of naval engagements becomes paramount, with all other considerations serving this purpose. Even though the German navy was fully aware of the trap laid by its British counterpart, it boldly pressed forward, hoping to seize the opportunity to deliver a crushing blow to the Royal Navy, thereby gaining a decisive advantage for the final showdown.
Under these mutual intentions, the two naval forces engaged in yet another fierce clash.
The **King George V-class** battleship, displacing over 25,000 tons, is armed with five twin-mounted 343 mm main guns of 45 calibers, achieving a maximum speed of 21 knots. This represents a quintessential line-of-battle ship, designed for firepower deployment during fleet engagements. While its speed is not remarkable, its firepower is formidable, and its armor offers considerable defense.
Nevertheless, the British approach to shipbuilding has historically prevented their vessels from achieving the defensive capabilities of the German navy. Even when faced with the German battlecruisers, the British battleships find themselves at a disadvantage regarding protection.
The waterline armor of the **King George V-class** battleship measures a maximum thickness of 305 mm, with deck armor ranging from 25 mm to 102 mm, turret armor at 280 mm, barbettes at 254 mm, and conning tower armor also at 280 mm. Such defensive attributes, while adequate, do not compare favorably against their German counterparts. This explains why British warships can withstand larger caliber naval guns despite their relatively lighter displacement.
"Advance! Let the damned Germans see the might of the Royal Navy! Let them know that maritime supremacy belongs to the British Empire, and none shall usurp it!" roared Rear Admiral Carroll.
The four **King George V-class** battleships formed a battle line, charging toward the German navy.
"Prepare for battle!" On the other side, the German navy readied itself for combat. Three **Moltke-class** battlecruisers and three **Blücher-class** battlecruisers aligned in a battle line.
"Begin allocating combat tasks: the 'Moltke' shall engage the British 'King George V,' the 'Goeben' shall contend with the 'Barham,' the 'Seydlitz' and 'Blücher' shall face the 'Courageous,' while the 'Von der Tann' and 'Leopold' shall confront the 'Ajax.' Sink the British battleships in the shortest time possible and secure victory in this naval battle!" commanded Vice Admiral von Scheer.
All vessels received the orders and began to adjust their positions. With six battlecruisers in the German fleet, a numerical advantage allowed several ships at the rear of the line to engage in a two-on-one scenario.
Although the **Blücher-class** battlecruisers are equipped with 305 mm main guns, the penetration capability of their 50-caliber guns is not inferior to that of the British 343 mm 45-caliber guns. Moreover, due to the differences in ammunition, they could even suppress the British 343 mm guns. Thus, even if the **Blücher-class** battlecruisers exchanged fire with the **King George V-class**, they would not be at a disadvantage, especially given their numerical superiority.
However, the sole uncertain factor remains the timing of the British reinforcements' arrival on the battlefield. Should they arrive before the German fleet can severely damage the four **King George V-class** battleships, the situation would become less favorable for the Germans. Therefore, prior to launching their assault, the German navy deployed reconnaissance seaplanes to ensure that no British warships were within an hour's sailing distance. The outcome of the naval battle could hinge on this critical hour.
Before initiating the attack, Vice Admiral von Scheer refrained from consulting Admiral Reinhard Scheer. The four **Derfflinger-class** battlecruisers patrolled two hours north of the raiding fleet, awaiting their moment.
As the battle lines of both fleets converged, the German battlecruisers, with their superior speed, sought to secure advantageous firing positions. However, Rear Admiral Carroll was not an inexperienced commander but rather a seasoned tactician. He understood that if the engagement were purely a matter of speed, the **King George V** battleships would be no match for the German battlecruisers. Thus, he often had to maneuver ahead of the enemy's plans, thwarting the German fleet's attempts at positioning.
After a series of probing maneuvers, Vice Admiral von Scheer had no choice but to abandon the pursuit of advantageous positions. He recognized that if the situation continued, it would become increasingly difficult to find the right opportunity. Time was slipping away, and he was certain that British reinforcements were rapidly approaching. The longer the engagement dragged on, the more unfavorable it would be for the German fleet.
"Order the fleet to maintain course and prepare to fire. Seaplanes, ensure accurate targeting for the fleet," Vice Admiral von Scheer commanded.
The High Seas Fleet of the German navy no longer sought to seize advantageous positions, and the speed of the fleet began to decrease. Excessive speed would cause greater turbulence aboard the ships, adversely affecting their accuracy.
"Humph! It seems the Germans are becoming prudent." Seeing the German navy's actions brought a slight smile to Rear Admiral Carroll's face, as if he had just emerged victorious in their earlier skirmish.
"Order all ships to prepare for battle. Use your naval guns to sink the German vessels and let them understand the might of the Royal Navy!" Rear Admiral Carroll declared with fervor.
"Long live the Royal Navy! Sink the German ships!" the officers and crew of the Royal Navy shouted in unison.
The battle lines of both fleets drew nearer, soon closing to within 15,000 meters.
"Fire!"
Vice Admiral von Scheer issued the command to open fire. Although the distance was somewhat long, especially for the 305 mm naval guns, the lighter shells at such ranges would significantly diminish accuracy against distant targets.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The **Moltke** battlecruiser fired the first shot, its three 343 mm guns of 50 calibers initiating a test barrage.
The other five battlecruisers soon followed suit, unleashing their ordnance.