Scapa Flow serves as a vital base for the Royal Navy, functioning as the home port of the Grand Fleet. In the wake of Germany emerging as Britain's primary threat, the British Navy established the Grand Fleet specifically to confront the German naval forces.
However, the Grand Fleet, having suffered grievous losses, now appears incapable of effectively countering the might of the German Navy. Although its strength remains commendable, it has significantly dwindled in comparison to its German counterpart.
Within Scapa Flow, a total of 24 capital ships of the Royal Navy are anchored, comprising 18 battleships and six battlecruisers. Among them are the formidable Queen Elizabeth-class and Revenge-class battleships, all ten of which are stationed here. Additionally, there are four King George V-class battleships, four Orion-class battleships, two Majestic-class battleships, and the Neptune.
As for the three St. Vincent-class and three Berwick-class battleships, they are docked at Wick, forming a strategic triangle with the main force at Scapa Flow. The pioneering dreadnought, HMS Dreadnought, remains stationed in the southern seas.
Inside the Grand Fleet headquarters, the lights blaze brightly. Although it is nighttime, many officers remain on duty. Admiral John Jellicoe, the fleet commander, and Vice Admiral David Beatty, his chief of staff, are essentially living in the office.
The current situation is decidedly unfavorable for Britain. As the commander and chief of staff of the Grand Fleet, the pressure on both men is palpable. Particularly for Vice Admiral Beatty, whose fleet has suffered two devastating defeats at the hands of the German Navy, leaving him with a profound sense of shame. Had it not been for Churchill's unwavering trust in him, despite his previous failures stemming from an insurmountable power disparity, Beatty might have long since lost his position as chief of staff.
"Sir, the movements of the German ships are becoming increasingly frequent. According to intelligence from our agents, their Derfflinger-class and Mackensen-class battlecruisers have returned to port for repairs. Now, only the Moltke-class and Blücher-class battlecruisers remain in the Atlantic. I have a premonition that the Germans are preparing for a decisive confrontation with us," Beatty reported.
Admiral Jellicoe nodded, sensing the urgency of their predicament. It felt as though a significant threat loomed ever closer. The formidable German Navy indeed exerted tremendous pressure on them.
"The strength of the German Navy is overwhelming. Our newly constructed battleships will require considerable time before they are operational. Churchill is correct; the Germans will not afford us any additional time," Jellicoe sighed.
"Nevertheless, even if the Germans possess greater strength, we have no option for retreat. This time, we must fight with all our might. Failure is not an option for the British Empire," Jellicoe asserted.
"Indeed, Admiral. This time, we must fight to the bitter end," Beatty replied, his eyes filled with resolute determination.
For Beatty, the previous defeats weighed heavily on him like a badge of disgrace, a constant reminder of his shame. To redeem himself, he believed he must defeat the Germans; even if they could not achieve victory, they must engage in a fierce struggle. Death in battle would be far preferable to the current ignominy.
"Chief of Staff, once hostilities commence, I need you to lead the battlecruiser squadron to engage the German battlecruisers. Buy time for our battleship fleet to engage the enemy. I understand this is a daunting task, but we have no other recourse," Jellicoe instructed.
"I comprehend, Admiral. I will exert every effort to fulfill this mission," Beatty pledged.
Should he successfully engage the German battlecruisers, it would provide the battleship squadron with a fair chance to confront their adversaries. If fortune favored them and they triumphed in the decisive battle, there might still be a glimmer of hope. Otherwise, defeat was inevitable.
Admiral Jellicoe acknowledged the daunting nature of Beatty's task. They were acutely aware of the combat capabilities of the German battlecruisers. Even if the other six German battlecruisers did not engage, Beatty would still face overwhelming odds. The prospect of being sunk was a very real possibility. If there were an alternative strategy, he would prefer to pursue it, but options were regrettably limited.
Meanwhile, within the narrow channels of Scapa Flow, a German submarine was navigating slowly. To avoid colliding with submerged rocks or reefs, its speed had been reduced to three knots. Yet, even at this pace, peril lurked around every corner.
Captain Dönitz was drenched in sweat, his forehead glistening as the humid air enveloped him.
Fortunately, after two hours of cautious navigation, they finally traversed the channel and entered Scapa Flow.
"Commander, we have successfully infiltrated," one of the crew members reported.
"Excellent. Now, slowly raise the periscope and observe the surroundings!" Dönitz commanded.
As the periscope ascended, Dönitz scanned the vicinity. He could discern the silhouettes of the Royal Navy's capital ships at anchor, though the darkness obscured details, rendering identification nearly impossible.
"The Queen Elizabeth-class and Revenge-class battleships are the largest, so we shall target them first," Dönitz decided.
The U-037 continued to advance, seeking the optimal position for attack.
Half an hour later, Dönitz was ready. The bow of the submarine was aligned with two massive battleships, while the two rear torpedo tubes were aimed at another.
At such close range, even if two torpedoes struck a single target, a hit would likely inflict severe damage. Therefore, Dönitz planned to target three vessels in the initial salvo.
"Prepare for loading!" Dönitz ordered.
All personnel, except the gunnery officer, hurried to assist with the loading, aiming to complete the task swiftly after the torpedoes were launched.
"Fire!"
"Bang! Bang!"
One by one, the torpedoes shot forth from the tubes, racing towards their targets.