The 'Invincible-class' and 'Bellerophon-class' battlecruisers, as the earliest designs of their kind in the Royal Navy, epitomized the philosophy of prioritizing firepower and speed over defensive capabilities.
However, naval combat has demonstrated that the importance of defense and survivability in warfare is immense. Insufficient defensive strength often results in catastrophic damage or even sinking upon a single hit.
Yet, the British Navy finds itself in a predicament with no viable alternatives. Aware of the dire circumstances, they press on resolutely.
"Fire!"
At a distance of fifteen thousand meters, the German Navy took the initiative, opening fire first. The three 'Moltke-class' battlecruisers and three 'Blücher-class' battlecruisers unleashed a barrage upon their respective targets. The 'Moltke-class' battlecruisers aimed at the 'Tiger' and the remaining two 'Lion-class' battlecruisers, while the 'Blücher-class' battlecruisers focused on the 'Bellerophon,' 'Australia,' and 'Dreadnought.'
The German fleet, hoping for a swift victory from the 'Blücher-class' battlecruisers, was well aware that, although their enemies possessed considerable firepower, their defenses were alarmingly inadequate. A single hit could inflict severe damage, and a critical strike might even lead to instant sinking. Despite the 'Blücher-class' battlecruisers carrying only 305 mm guns, the impressive 50-caliber artillery delivered devastating performance, easily breaching the defenses of even the 'King George V-class' battleships, let alone the relatively fragile battlecruisers.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Accompanied by a thunderous roar, shells screamed down upon the opposing vessels.
After the German Navy commenced their assault, the British Navy refused to yield, with all nine battlecruisers opening fire in response. They endeavored to close the distance, hoping to enhance the armor-penetrating capabilities of their shells, aware that their defenses fell short compared to the enemy's. This tactic might help them reverse their unfavorable position.
Regrettably, the German Navy remained unperturbed; maintaining the engagement distance between twelve and thirteen thousand meters, which favored them significantly. At this range, the British Navy struggled to penetrate the German armor, while the German artillery could easily pierce the British ships' defenses. Thus, the German Navy gained a clear advantage, effectively nullifying the British numerical superiority. After all, sheer numbers are meaningless without the ability to strike the target and inflict damage; otherwise, it merely amounts to wasteful expenditure of ammunition.
At 11:45 AM, the German 'Von der Tann' battlecruiser gained the upper hand in this naval encounter with a cross-shot. When a 305 mm shell detonated in the waters adjacent to the 'Australia,' hundreds of crew members collectively gasped.
"Damn it, when did the Germans become this formidable?"
Countless British sailors found themselves plagued by this question. While they had previously heard tales of the four 'King George V-class' battleships' grim fate, it was only upon confronting the German Navy that they realized the true extent of their opponent's strength.
The 'Von der Tann' quickly shifted to concentrated fire, unleashing its three triple-mounted 305 mm guns at maximum rate against the 'Australia.'
"Boom!"
A shell crashed into the ocean, exploding and sending towering plumes of water skyward. As the spray fell back down, it splashed against the surface, echoing like the sound of an impending storm.
The fierce engagement between the numerous battlecruisers transformed the seas into a boiling cauldron of conflict.
Meanwhile, another battlefield unfolded as the three 'Derfflinger-class' battlecruisers of the German Navy engaged in a ferocious clash with the four 'Iron Duke-class' battleships of the British Navy. The formidable 380 mm guns of the 'Derfflinger-class' unleashed their wrath, each shell causing spectacular explosions and towering columns of water upon impact.
The British sailors could only grit their teeth and stand firm against the onslaught. They were acutely aware that, despite their battleships' classification, their thin armor rendered them exceedingly vulnerable; a single 380 mm shell could inflict devastating damage.
This naval engagement was of paramount significance to both the British and German navies, potentially determining the outcome of the broader conflict. To say that the decisive confrontation had arrived prematurely would be no exaggeration.
Initially, the British sought merely to obliterate the German fleet, ensuring the safety of their maritime supply lines. However, they were blindsided by the German Navy's cunning strategy, which nearly annihilated their bait fleet. Consequently, the British Navy faced another catastrophic setback, leaving Admiral David Beatty in a precarious position.
To retreat now would render their losses in vain, making recovery exceedingly difficult. Thus, Beatty pinned his hopes on the forthcoming battle; if the Royal Navy could achieve a resounding victory over the German fleet, they might yet turn the tide. Conversely, if the British failed and suffered defeat, victory in the war would be all but impossible.
The German Navy shared a similar stake in the outcome. Crown Prince QinTian had regarded this operation as a crucial step toward securing victory. A win here would establish a solid foundation for future naval engagements, virtually ensuring success in the ultimate showdown to come.
Both sides recognized the critical importance of this battle; whoever triumphed would gain a significant advantage in the impending conflict. However, from the current perspective, the German Navy appeared to have the upper hand.