Late at Night, March 19, London, Downing Street
In the office of Prime Minister Asquith, the air was thick with smoke as a gathering of Cabinet ministers, each indulging in cigars, wore expressions of deep concern.
"Has the intelligence been confirmed, Lord Churchill?" Prime Minister Asquith inquired.
"Yes, Prime Minister, it has been verified. All of the German fleet's major warships departed from Wilhelmshaven several hours ago. I believe they are coming for us," Churchill replied.
"Prime Minister, it seems the Germans are more eager than we anticipated! They clearly intend to defeat the Royal Navy swiftly, followed by overwhelming the Anglo-French forces to secure victory in this war," remarked Sir Edward Grey, the Foreign Secretary.
"The longer the war drags on, the greater the cost for the Germans. Therefore, they wish to bring this conflict to a close as soon as possible," added Chancellor Lloyd George.
It was evident that the current situation was highly unfavorable for Britain. The German Navy's aggressive sortie signaled an impending confrontation with the Royal Navy, suggesting their confidence in victory. Otherwise, they would not be so eager for battle, which posed a considerable disadvantage to the British fleet.
"Gentlemen, what course of action shall we take? Should we send the Royal Navy out to engage the Germans?" Asquith asked.
Despite the dire odds against them, there lingered a glimmer of hope that, should fortune favor them, they might seize an opportunity for victory.
"Prime Minister, I will promptly issue orders for the Royal Navy to prepare for battle against the Germans. However, I personally believe we should hold off for a moment until the Germans reveal their intentions. After all, our strength pales in comparison to theirs," Churchill stated.
Asquith nodded in agreement. "Let those of you who are experts decide how best to proceed. The hopes of the British Empire rest upon your shoulders. I trust that the Royal Navy will strive with all its might to secure a victory in this crucial battle! This is our last chance."
Should the Royal Navy suffer defeat, the conflict would inevitably spill onto British soil. Surrendering to the Germans after such a loss was inconceivable; the prospect of German forces launching an invasion was grim.
Britain could never capitulate, especially after the unacceptable terms Germany had offered in their last encounter. To acquiesce would mean reducing Britain to the status of a third-rate power, a fate that neither the crown nor the populace would tolerate. For centuries, Britain had been a global hegemon, and neither monarch nor subject would allow such an outcome unless utterly defeated with no recourse.
Human nature dictates that, until the very end, hope remains alive; as long as there exists even a sliver of possibility, people will fight for it, even if that hope seems exceedingly remote.
"Prime Minister, the Royal Navy will give its utmost to achieve victory," Churchill declared with resolute conviction. He knew well that success would be extraordinarily challenging, yet this was their mission, and they would spare no effort in pursuit of triumph.
"Gentlemen, we have reached a pivotal moment that could determine the fate of the British Empire. May God bless us and help us navigate this crisis safely!" Asquith proclaimed.
"God save the British Empire!" came the solemn chorus from all present. Their expressions reflected the gravity of the situation; their fates were inextricably linked to that of the Empire. Should it fall, they would quickly transition from the powerful elite to mere commoners.
Scapa Flow, the home port of the Royal Navy's Grand Fleet, was now fortified far more robustly than during previous attacks by German submarines. Anti-submarine nets had been hastily deployed, making clandestine incursions nearly impossible.
Nonetheless, the atmosphere among the Grand Fleet was tense. The sailors sensed that, as the Royal Navy's strength continued to wane, the day of reckoning against the Germans loomed ever closer. Once confident in their status as the world's preeminent navy, the Royal Navy's personnel now faced a sobering reality. Though the decisive battle had yet to commence, many began to foresee a grim outcome: defeat at the hands of the German fleet. The Royal Navy not only risked losing its title as the world's foremost naval power but also faced the possibility of mortal peril.
Admiral John Jellicoe, commander of the Grand Fleet, and Vice Admiral David Beatty, his chief of staff, felt the weight of immense pressure, particularly after learning of Churchill's plans. Churchill had insisted that the Grand Fleet fight to the last, retreat being utterly off the table, and that they must strive to sink as many German vessels as possible. This knowledge brought home the brutal reality: should a battle erupt, unless fortune smiled upon them, their fate would likely be total annihilation—a prospect that was unthinkably harsh.
"Commander, Chief of Staff, a telegram from the Admiralty," reported the communications officer.
Upon receiving and reading the telegram, Admiral Jellicoe's countenance darkened significantly.
"What is it, Admiral?" Vice Admiral Beatty inquired.
"The main body of the German Navy has set sail, and they are likely targeting us. It appears our final confrontation with the Germans is imminent," Jellicoe sighed.
"Alas, Admiral. The Germans certainly will not squander this opportunity. It seems we are in grave trouble. Yet, this day was destined to arrive; there is no escaping it. We must give our all to secure a glimmer of hope for the Empire," Beatty replied.
Jellicoe nodded resolutely. "Prepare the fleet for departure! Upon receipt of Lord Churchill's orders, we will engage the Germans at once."
"Understood, Admiral," Beatty affirmed.