Admiral Reinhardt Scheer commanded the three "Derfflinger-class" battlecruisers to swiftly proceed southward, preparing to launch an assault on the four British "Iron Duke-class" battleships. Meanwhile, the nine battlecruisers of the British fleet would contend with the six battlecruisers of the German raiding squadron.
This arrangement effectively divided the naval battle into two theaters. However, in both instances, the German Navy was at a numerical disadvantage. Admiral Scheer found himself facing a ratio of 3 to 4, while Vice Admirals Spee and Hipper confronted a ratio of 6 to 9. Viewed solely from this perspective, the German Navy appeared to be at a distinct disadvantage.
Nevertheless, one must often look beyond mere numbers in naval warfare. The performance of the vessels is equally paramount. The "Derfflinger-class" battlecruisers represent the most formidable ships currently in the German Navy, boasting three formidable triple-gun turrets with 380mm caliber guns, while their defensive capabilities are equally impressive. The main armor belt, turrets, and conning tower boast armor thicknesses of up to 350mm, and their speed reaches an astonishing 27.5 knots. Conversely, the "Iron Duke-class" battleships, though also the strongest vessels in the British fleet, fall short in several key aspects. With a displacement of only 30,000 tons, they are equipped with five twin 343mm caliber guns and a maximum speed of merely 21.25 knots. Their armor is also inferior, featuring a main belt thickness of 305mm, deck armor of 64mm, turret armor of 280mm, barbette armor of 254mm, and conning tower armor of 280mm.
Typically, battleships possess superior defensive capabilities compared to battlecruisers. However, under the German Navy's design philosophy, which emphasizes defense and survivability, the defensive capabilities of the German battlecruisers exceed those of their British counterparts. In this context, even in head-to-head exchanges, the German Navy would not find itself at a disadvantage.
It is precisely for this reason that Admiral Scheer felt confident deploying three "Derfflinger-class" battlecruisers against the British "Iron Duke-class" battleships. He was certain that victory would be his.
Although there was a numerical disparity in the battlecruiser engagement as well, the British "Invincible-class" vessels were significantly weaker. Coupled with the German Navy's considerable confidence in the capabilities of its own battlecruisers, Admiral Scheer believed that his six ships could adequately contend with the nine British battlecruisers. Even if immediate victory proved elusive, he felt confident they could hold them at bay until the "Derfflinger-class" battlecruisers dispatched the "Iron Duke-class," after which they would be free to engage the British battlecruisers. At that juncture, the German Navy would hold a decisive advantage.
Upon receiving Admiral Scheer's orders, both Vice Admirals Spee and Hipper couldn't help but smile.
"Ha! I knew Admiral Scheer wouldn't let this opportunity slip away," Vice Admiral Hipper said with a broad grin.
"Yes, this is a chance to further widen the gap between us and the British Navy. If we seize this opportunity, victory is assured," Vice Admiral Spee nodded in agreement.
"Then let us create the opportunity for Admiral Scheer!" Vice Admiral Hipper declared.
"Indeed, order the fleet to increase speed. We must widen the distance between the British battlecruisers and battleships, then turn to engage the enemy. I am confident that our six battlecruisers can hold their own against the nine British battleships," Vice Admiral Spee issued his command.
The six battlecruisers of the German raiding squadron continued to accelerate, while the British battlecruisers relentlessly pursued them. However, the four British "Iron Duke-class" battleships lagged significantly, as their speed was far inferior to that of the battlecruisers.
"Damn it, do those Germans only know how to flee? They didn't run away when they were bullying the Second Battle Squadron," complained Rear Admiral Robertson, commander of the First Battle Squadron, aboard the "Iron Duke." He was incensed, particularly as the commander of the nearly annihilated Second Battle Squadron, Rear Admiral Carroll, was a close friend of his.
"Continue to force the boilers for maximum speed!" Rear Admiral Robertson commanded.
"Admiral, we've already reached maximum speed. Further acceleration could shorten the boiler's lifespan, even causing an explosion," the chief engineer cautioned.
Taken aback, Rear Admiral Robertson reluctantly relented.
He certainly did not wish for the four most powerful vessels of the Royal Navy to be reduced to mere floating coffins due to a boiler explosion; otherwise, Admiral Jellicoe would undoubtedly bring him before a court-martial.
"Let us hope that Admiral Beatty and his forces can catch those German battlecruisers and shred them to pieces. They are like rats; I long to crush them all," Rear Admiral Robertson fumed.
The German raiding squadron had already inflicted severe losses upon the British, with sunken merchant vessels causing the British considerable distress. Should they fail to eliminate the German raiding squadron and those damned submarines, the British merchant fleet would likely be utterly decimated, turning the British Isles into desolate wastelands.
At that moment, three massive warships appeared to the north.
The piercing alarm blared, sending everyone into a state of heightened anxiety.
"What's happening?" Rear Admiral Robertson inquired.
"Sir, we have detected German warships to the north."
"What?"
Rear Admiral Robertson grabbed a telescope and gazed toward the northern sea. As he beheld three vessels looming like mountains, their size seemingly dwarfing his own battleship, and their unusually thick gun barrels, he could not help but gasp in shock.
"My God! Those are German warships! Not only have they amassed those six battlecruisers here, but they also have three more powerful vessels. This is a German trap!" Rear Admiral Robertson bellowed.
"Quick, send a telegram to Admiral Beatty. We've walked right into the Germans' snare. They were prepared for us all along. We are encountering formidable German warships!" Rear Admiral Robertson ordered.