"General, the Germans have fled."
Upon detecting the acceleration of the German High Seas Fleet as it retreated northwestward, the British Navy aboard the *Tiger* battleship immediately reported the situation to Vice Admiral David Beatty.
"Damn it, the Germans have discovered our *Iron Duke*-class battleships," Beatty exclaimed, recognizing the gravity of the situation with a frustrated curse. He had originally intended to ensnare the six German battlecruisers with his nine, while the four *Iron Duke*-class battleships would launch an attack from another flank, aiming for a decisive blow against the German fleet and ideally annihilating them entirely. Even if they lost three *King George V*-class battleships in the process, such a victory would still be substantial.
However, it appeared that his scheme was doomed to failure. The German Navy had unraveled his plan. Yet, Beatty could not comprehend how the Germans had discerned his intentions so swiftly.
"Admiral, we have German seaplanes above us. Intelligence from the *King George V* has confirmed this," a staff officer reported with a pallid expression.
Beatty's countenance darkened, resembling the bottom of a blackened pot. Their operations were entirely under German surveillance; thus, any subterfuge was impossible, and they could only confront the Germans directly.
"Order the fleet to accelerate; we cannot allow the Germans to escape!" Beatty commanded.
"Yes, sir."
The nine British battlecruisers surged forward in pursuit of the German fleet, displaying an unwavering determination to ensure not a single vessel escaped.
Meanwhile, the four *Iron Duke*-class battleships readied themselves to intercept the German fleet. However, due to their speed constraints, the likelihood of success appeared exceedingly slim.
"Continue to accelerate, shake off the British battleships, and lead their battlecruisers in circles. Report the situation to Admiral Scheer; our *Dreifinger*-class battlecruisers should prepare for engagement," Vice Admiral von Scheer said, his face aglow with delight.
"Indeed! The British believe that by ambushing us with nine battlecruisers and four battleships, they can ensnare us. I am eager to witness their expressions when our *Dreifinger*-class battlecruisers make their appearance," Vice Admiral Hipper remarked, sharing in the enthusiasm. There was palpable confidence in the *Dreifinger*-class battlecruisers.
Indeed, the *Dreifinger*-class battlecruisers were undeniably the most formidable vessels in the world today. The only vessels that might surpass them were the yet-to-be-commissioned *Mackensen*-class battleships. With 380mm main guns, formidable armor, and a top speed of 27.5 knots, they rightfully claimed the title of the strongest battlecruisers. Compared to the British Navy's thinner-skinned battlecruisers, they enjoyed an overwhelming advantage. They were even capable of rivaling the British Navy's most powerful battleships, the still-uncommissioned *Queen Elizabeth*-class. This was why the German Navy, despite knowing it was walking into a British trap, dared to advance, confident in its ability to outsmart the British.
At this moment, outside the battlefield, the third battlecruiser squadron, composed of three *Dreifinger*-class battlecruisers and personally led by German High Seas Fleet Commander Reinhard Scheer, was rapidly advancing southward. As they had only recently entered service, the ships could fully leverage their performance. These colossal vessels had achieved a speed of 25 knots, with still more potential in reserve.
Admiral Scheer stood in the command tower, a smile gracing his face, clearly in high spirits.
How could he not be in good spirits? In this operation, the German Navy had gained a significant advantage. The raiding fleet had sunk three British *King George V*-class battleships at minimal cost while severely damaging another. For the German Navy, this was a rare victory. Before the formal confrontation between the two sides, the German Navy had already sunk four British capital ships and severely damaged one, thus narrowing the numerical gap in capital ships to a significant degree.
Moreover, the battle was far from over. He was confident that they would secure additional victories in the forthcoming engagements. At that point, the disparity between the two fleets would only widen further.
"As long as we can severely damage the British Navy in this naval engagement, we will completely gain the upper hand. It will be impossible for the British to maintain their dominance at sea," Admiral Scheer thought, exhilarated.
As the commander leading the German Navy to this success, his name would undoubtedly be immortalized in history. The very thought of it filled Admiral Scheer with excitement.
"General, Admirals Schepe and Hipper have communicated; they are leading their fleets northwestward in retreat. The British have deployed nine battlecruisers and four battleships to pursue them," a communications officer reported.
"Nine battlecruisers and four battleships. The British have committed all their battlecruisers. Which class of battleships do they possess?" Admiral Scheer inquired.
"Based on their appearance, they should be the British *Iron Duke*-class battleships," the officer replied.
"The *Iron Duke*-class battleships? Combined with the earlier *King George V*-class vessels, the British have truly mobilized their naval core! If all these capital ships are lost here, the British will have no hope in the decisive battle ahead," Admiral Scheer remarked, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Despite the current numerical superiority of the British vessels, the performance of the German ships far exceeded that of the British.
In Admiral Scheer's view, this was an extraordinary opportunity to further alter the balance of power; they could not afford to let it slip away.
"Send a telegram to Admirals Schepe and Hipper, instructing them to delay the British battlecruiser squadron. As for the British battleship squadron, we shall handle it ourselves!" Admiral Scheer commanded.
"Yes, sir."