"Admiral Tirpitz, you have performed splendidly. I never imagined a single submarine could inflict such damage on five British battleships," exclaimed Kaiser Wilhelm II, his face beaming with joy. Initially, he had harbored doubts about the establishment of a submarine fleet, viewing submarines as mere vessels that could only launch torpedoes from beneath the surface, lacking the grandeur of surface warships.
However, as the war progressed, the effectiveness of submarines became evident, especially in disrupting British naval operations, much to Wilhelm's surprise. Yet, at that time, he believed their prowess was limited to such engagements.
Now, facing formidable surface warships, submarines had demonstrated formidable offensive capabilities. The fact that a single, modest submarine had severely crippled five British battleships left Wilhelm astonished and aware that he had underestimated their striking power.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. The potency of our submarines has far exceeded our expectations. With such powerful submarines and exceptional crews, the Imperial Navy will become even stronger," replied Grand Admiral Tirpitz.
The Kaiser nodded in satisfaction.
QinTian smiled silently, recognizing that this was merely a glimpse of the submarine's true capabilities. Limited by the technological constraints of the time, many of their features remained unrealized. The submarines of the future would indeed be true underwater predators, whereas the current models were simply submersible vessels.
"Dönitz is a remarkable talent; we must ensure his continued prominence," Wilhelm added.
"Indeed, Father. Dönitz has been promoted to the rank of Captain. He will now take on a more significant role within the Imperial submarine fleet," QinTian informed.
"Ah, right. With the British Navy so severely weakened, the time for our decisive battle has come, has it not?" Wilhelm inquired eagerly.
According to their operational plan, the Navy was to engage the British first, followed by the Army against the Anglo-French forces. With March already advancing into spring, delaying further would mean losing half a year.
"Your Majesty, we have completed our preparations. It is indeed time to confront the British Navy. The damaged battleships will require more than a month for repairs, making this the optimal moment for our engagement," Tirpitz asserted, his excitement palpable. The German Imperial Navy had long awaited this day.
Having developed over the past two decades, the German Navy was set on challenging the Royal Navy and dethroning the British from their maritime supremacy. Current circumstances suggested they were nearing the fulfillment of this strategic goal.
"Then we shall surely achieve victory in this battle?" Wilhelm asked.
"Your Majesty, our Navy possesses a substantial advantage in capital ships. Therefore, our chances of success are exceedingly high," Tirpitz replied confidently.
"Concerning capital ships, the British Navy now has only five Revenge-class battleships, three Queen Elizabeth-class, one King George V-class, three Orion-class, one Lion-class, three St. Vincent-class, three Bellerophon-class, and one Dreadnought-class battleship. Additionally, the British have unlawfully retained battleships built for the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Chile—specifically, the Agincourt, the Irish, and the Canada. Altogether, the British Navy has only twenty-three battleships left. In terms of battlecruisers, they possess one Tiger, two Lion-class, one Invincible-class, and two Indefatigable-class, totaling just six, which is only half the strength of our own battlecruisers. Thus, in both the number and capabilities of capital ships, the Imperial Navy holds an absolute advantage. Should the British Navy dare to venture into battle, we are fully confident in our ability to defeat them. Moreover, our Navy possesses secret weapons that will be deployed to ensure a decisive victory over the British," Tirpitz added.
"Secret weapons? What are they?" Wilhelm inquired. Since the strengthening of the German Navy, his attention had waned. Coupled with the Navy's desire to keep aircraft carrier developments confidential, Wilhelm was unaware of the specifics.
"Father, the aircraft carriers we have constructed are now fully trained and ready for combat. Although their aircraft can currently only carry lightweight aerial torpedoes with limited power, they can still penetrate the armor of British capital ships if struck consecutively. Furthermore, British capital ships are notorious for their weak armor. Even lightweight aerial torpedoes have a considerable chance of breaching their defenses," QinTian explained.
"Then our chances of victory are even greater," Wilhelm responded, clearly pleased.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. In this battle, the Imperial Navy is destined for victory—no one can prevent our triumph. Unless God himself intervenes!" Tirpitz declared confidently.
"God has abandoned the British; he will not concern himself with their fate," Wilhelm stated.
"Haha!" QinTian and Tirpitz could not help but laugh. Indeed, given the current situation, it seemed as though God had truly forsaken the British. Otherwise, they would not be facing such dire circumstances.
"However, Father, our greatest challenge lies in the possibility that the British may avoid battle. If so, we may be forced to employ certain measures to draw them out," QinTian noted.
"Oh? What do you intend to do?" Wilhelm asked.
"We shall bombard the British coastal cities, particularly targeting their shipyards, which will be our primary objective. Unfortunately, this will likely result in civilian casualties, which could tarnish the Empire's reputation," QinTian admitted.
Wilhelm pondered this for a moment before responding, "That is of no consequence; proceed without hesitation! As long as we can defeat the British, what does it matter if some civilians perish? Besides, it is their own fault for refusing to confront us at sea."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" QinTian nodded. With Wilhelm's authorization, everything became considerably easier.