"Your Highness, the western seas of Britain are vast beyond measure. To establish a comprehensive blockade in these waters is nearly impossible. Particularly at night, visibility is impaired, which further complicates our efforts," remarked Admiral Count Tirpitz, the Minister of the Imperial Navy, to Qin Tian.
Qin Tian nodded, aware that in this era, radar technology was yet to be invented. Battleships relied predominantly on visual search for maritime targets. A single warship could monitor only a limited expanse of sea, typically within a few dozen kilometers. To ensure that the no-sail zone was not merely symbolic, the German Navy would need to commit substantial resources. Otherwise, the blockade would serve little purpose.
"What is the opinion from the High Seas Fleet?" Qin Tian inquired.
"The High Seas Fleet suggests utilizing a breakwater fleet as the primary force, supplemented by numerous destroyers and light cruisers to monitor the area. The destroyers and light cruisers, with their swift speed, can cover vast stretches of sea. The battlecruisers of the breakwater fleet are intended to engage enemy vessels. If the Americans do not exhibit the audacity to deploy their ships recklessly, the destroyers and light cruisers should suffice to address any issues. Naturally, we must remain wary of the British. Their 'Queen Elizabeth-class' and 'Revenge-class' battleships, armed with 381-mm main guns, pose a significant threat to our breakwater fleet," Count Tirpitz replied.
"Let us proceed as advised by the High Seas Fleet! However, I shall remind the submarine forces that they need only provide intelligence to the breakwater fleet and should not attempt to intercept merchant vessels," Qin Tian instructed.
The previous ambush set by the British against German submarines had resulted in severe losses. Qin Tian was determined not to allow such a misfortune to befall them again. The submarine forces were invaluable, and he would not tolerate their resources being squandered.
Although Germany's shipyards had received orders from the Navy to construct more submarines, the submariners themselves, especially those with combat experience, were their most precious asset. Qin Tian could not bear to see such invaluable personnel wasted.
"Understood, Your Highness," Count Tirpitz nodded in agreement.
The German Navy's breakwater fleet initially comprised nine battlecruisers. With the commissioning of the 'Mackensen-class' battlecruisers, the fleet was bolstered to a total of twelve. Among these, six were equipped with formidable 380-mm main guns. The strength of the breakwater fleet was second only to that of the British and German navies, necessitating a concentrated effort from the American Navy to contend with it. This underscored the might of the German fleet.
In addition to the battlecruisers, the breakwater fleet boasted a number of cruisers and destroyers, bringing the total to over fifty vessels. While this was a considerable force, achieving a complete blockade of the western British seas would undoubtedly prove challenging. Thus, the High Seas Fleet allocated more than twenty light cruisers and destroyers to reinforce the breakwater fleet, ensuring that the no-sail zone was not merely a facade but could genuinely intercept merchant ships heading to countries like Britain and France, particularly targeting American vessels.
Vice Admiral Maximilian von Spee was appointed as the commander responsible for intercepting merchant vessels within the no-sail zone, while Vice Admiral Franz von Hipper was recalled to the High Seas Fleet command. The decisive naval engagement between the German and British fleets was imminent. Admiral Reinhardt Scheer was also extremely busy, with Vice Admiral Hipper serving as his assistant to formulate various operational plans to ensure the German Navy emerged victorious in this critical confrontation.
A considerable array of German warships congregated in the western seas of Britain, forming an impenetrable line of blockade that rendered entry for foreign vessels virtually impossible.
However, the British were not intimidated by the no-sail zone established by the Germans. The British government placed substantial orders with the Americans, ranging from food and oil to minerals and munitions, catalyzing a rapid expansion of American industry. Furthermore, the British government employed American merchant vessels to transport these goods.
Despite many American shipowners being daunted by the German-imposed no-sail zone and reluctant to take risks, numerous others, driven by profit, were willing to gamble with their lives. After all, they were Americans, and the United States remained a neutral nation; these shipowners did not fear repercussions from the Germans. At worst, they would be intercepted and forced to return home, resulting only in a loss of fuel costs, which was a trivial concern compared to the potential profits of establishing a safe route.
The 'Statue of Liberty' was a large tanker capable of carrying 12,000 tons of crude oil when fully loaded. Since the outbreak of war, British consumption of oil had surged. Although Britain had oil fields in the Middle East, many ships of the Royal Navy had converted to oil-fired boilers, necessitating vast amounts of petroleum.
The world's largest oil producer was undoubtedly the United States, making American oil a primary import for Britain. Tankers crossing the Atlantic were predominantly American vessels.
However, following the establishment of the no-sail zone by the Germans, few tankers dared to continue transporting oil to Britain.
"Captain, tomorrow we will enter the no-sail zone designated by the Germans. What should we do if we encounter an interception?" a sailor asked.
"Foolish! We are Americans; what can the Germans do to us? The owner has already assured us that if we safely deliver this shipment of oil to Britain, each of us will receive an extra bonus," the captain replied, beaming with confidence.
"Rest assured, God will protect us; the Germans won't spot us. Even if they do, the worst we'll face is turning back. We will be perfectly safe," the captain stated with unwavering certainty.
Yet, his confidence was overly absolute.
The next day, the 'Statue of Liberty' tanker ventured into the no-sail zone established by the Germans. However, within just two hours, they were detected by a German destroyer.
"Stop your vessel and prepare for inspection!" the German destroyer immediately communicated via radio to the 'Statue of Liberty.'