On March 16, 1915, in Berlin, at the Naval Ministry, the Imperial Crown Prince QinTian, Grand Admiral Tirpitz, Chief of Naval Staff von Paul, Commander of the High Seas Fleet Admiral Reinhard Scheer, Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Franz von Hipper, and Commander of the Commerce Raider Fleet Vice Admiral Maximilian von Spee gathered at the Naval Ministry.
Today, their mission was to select a viable operational plan from among the numerous strategies prepared.
"Gentlemen," QinTian addressed the senior naval officers, "the upcoming battle will be our decisive confrontation with the Royal Navy, directly determining our ability to defeat the British and ascend as the dominant maritime power. For decades, the Imperial Navy has been preparing for this moment. Now, the time has finally come."
Indeed, to dethrone the British Navy, the German Navy had long been in preparation. Especially after the ascension of Wilhelm II, who provided unwavering support to Grand Admiral Tirpitz, the German Navy began to surpass its British counterpart. The arrival of QinTian further addressed the developmental shortcomings of the German Navy, allowing it to outpace the British in just over a decade.
"Through a series of naval battles, we have established absolute superiority. Now, it is time to convert that advantage into victory. This battle will surely be ours. I hope everyone shares this confidence," QinTian continued.
"Your Highness, we have all awaited this day. Given our substantial advantage, it would be unacceptable to lose. I firmly believe we shall not," Grand Admiral Tirpitz responded.
The others echoed their sentiments, expressing unwavering confidence in the German Navy's impending triumph.
"General Scheer, has the specific operational plan for the High Seas Fleet been finalized?" QinTian inquired.
"Your Highness, after thorough discussions, we have established our battle plan. In three days, on March 19, the main force of the Imperial Navy's High Seas Fleet will depart from Wilhelmshaven, heading directly for Scapa Flow. If the British have the audacity to confront us at sea, all the better. Should they hesitate, we will compel them to engage. The entirety of the Commerce Raider Fleet will return to support the High Seas Fleet in this endeavor. Generals von Spee and von Hipper will each lead six battlecruisers. General von Spee will launch an assault on the British cities along the northern coast to force their navy into battle, while General von Hipper will closely monitor British movements, launching immediate strikes upon spotting their battlecruiser formations. Once the British main force emerges to face us, the High Seas Fleet will engage them decisively in the North Sea. The battlecruiser formations will join at the opportune moment to attack the British flanks, ensuring victory for the Imperial Navy. Additionally, our aircraft carriers will also be deployed to strike at the British capital ships, further weakening their naval strength," Admiral Reinhard Scheer detailed.
The operational plan chosen by the German Navy's High Seas Fleet was straightforward—utilizing overwhelming strength to directly crush the British Navy, devoid of cunning strategies.
QinTian found this approach commendable. After all, with such significant advantages, what need was there for subterfuge? Their sheer power would suffice to dominate the British.
"What if the British continue to avoid battle? We cannot simply wait indefinitely," Chief of Staff von Paul posed.
"If the British persist in evasion, we will systematically destroy their coastal cities from north to south, even targeting London itself. I am confident that the British will no longer be able to hide. Even if they wish to retreat, their populace will not permit it. Moreover, if their coastal cities are razed, how will they sustain the war?" Admiral Reinhard Scheer asserted.
The most vital British cities were predominantly located along the coast, with London positioned at the mouth of the Thames. Once the German Navy's main fleet neutralized the coastal fortifications, they could commence bombardment of London. How could the British Navy continue to cower if their capital was under siege? Furthermore, annihilating the coastal shipyards would further cripple the British Navy's war potential.
Though the prospect of obliterating British coastal cities seemed excessively brutal, each officer understood that achieving victory warranted any cost, even turning enemy cities to ruins.
"Does anyone have further questions?" QinTian inquired.
"Your Highness, excessive civilian casualties could prove detrimental," von Paul cautioned.
"Indeed, too many civilian deaths may impact the Empire's reputation. However, when weighed against the imperative of securing victory, even a tarnished reputation is a price worth paying," QinTian replied.
Von Paul nodded, choosing to say no more. He understood the immense effort the German Empire had expended for this victory, and now, the time had come to reap the rewards, regardless of the consequences.
"Gentlemen, in this battle, we must not only defeat the British but also achieve victory with minimal cost. After all, our enemies extend beyond just the British. The Americans, though currently retreating, will not remain passive forever. If we suffer excessive losses in our confrontation with the British, they will undoubtedly seize the opportunity to emerge," QinTian emphasized.
"Understood, Your Highness," the assembly replied, nodding in agreement.
The German Navy was stronger than the British; however, it lacked overwhelming numerical superiority in capital ships. Therefore, it was vital for the German Navy to minimize losses in this battle. Otherwise, such setbacks would hinder the consolidation of naval power in the future.
Defeating the British Navy was merely the first step in securing maritime dominance. Subsequently, the German Navy would need to contend with other naval forces. Any miscalculation could jeopardize the hard-won supremacy of the seas.