On the afternoon of March 20, 1915, in the waters two hundred kilometers southeast of the Orkney Islands, a vast fleet was leisurely maneuvering at low speed. At the core of this armada lay the heavily guarded capital ships, while the periphery was encircled by cruisers and destroyers. Numerous submarines also prowled within this maritime expanse.
Following the German Navy's resolve to confront the British Royal Navy in a decisive battle, they began to consolidate their forces. Not only had the surface vessels completed their assembly, but submarines also densely populated the North Sea. These submarines could not only launch surprise attacks on British surface ships but also form an intelligence network, ensuring that as soon as the Royal Navy's main force departed from port, they would be swiftly detected and reported back to the flagship, allowing the fleet to prepare for the engagement.
Undoubtedly, the seaplanes carried by the capital ships would serve as primary scouts during this naval confrontation.
Aboard the flagship of the High Seas Fleet, the battleship *Bavaria*, Admiral Reinhard Scheer, Vice Admiral Franz von Hipper, and Vice Admiral Maximilian von Spee were engaged in discussions regarding the current situation.
"Undoubtedly, our fleet departed Wilhelmshaven last night. The British are surely aware of this. However, according to the intelligence we have gathered, the Royal Navy's main force remains anchored in Scapa Flow. Clearly, they do not intend to engage us in battle," Admiral Scheer stated.
The objective of the German Navy in this conflict was to utterly defeat the British Royal Navy. If the Royal Navy's main force continued to remain ensconced in Scapa Flow, the strategic aims of the German Navy would be thwarted.
"Can we be certain that the Royal Navy's main force is indeed in Scapa Flow?" Vice Admiral Hipper inquired.
After all, the German Navy's grand sortie could not have gone unnoticed by the British. If they remained indifferent to such a development, it would be exceedingly disappointing, given their former status as maritime sovereigns. It was difficult to believe they had lost the courage to confront the German Navy.
"We can confirm that the British main force is still in Scapa Flow. We have stationed multiple submarines in the crucial waterways surrounding Scapa Flow. Additionally, we dispatched seaplanes to conduct reconnaissance over Scapa Flow, and all conclusions indicate that the British main force remains in port," Admiral Scheer replied.
"It appears the British are frightened by us, too intimidated to venture out and engage in battle. The once-great maritime power has indeed diminished," Vice Admiral Spee scoffed.
Admiral Scheer and Vice Admiral Hipper nodded in agreement, both convinced that the Royal Navy was genuinely daunted by the German fleet. Faced with such a formidable adversary, they believed the Royal Navy felt it had no chance of victory and thus opted for avoidance.
"However, it cannot be a viable strategy for the British to remain hidden in Scapa Flow indefinitely. Should we not consider a direct assault on Scapa Flow? That would play into the British's hands," Vice Admiral Hipper suggested.
As the home port of the British fleet and a crucial base for blocking the Germans, Scapa Flow had seen significant fortification over the years. The entire bay was almost encircled by coastal artillery, boasting formidable defenses. Even with dozens of capital ships from the High Seas Fleet, an attack would likely yield little advantage. Moreover, within Scapa Flow lay two to three dozen British capital ships, capable of using their heavy guns to retaliate from the safety of the harbor. Should conflict erupt, the German Navy might not only fail to defeat the British but could suffer a catastrophic defeat.
Moreover, attempting another submarine raid would likely prove fruitless. The British had learned from their previous losses and would undoubtedly reinforce underwater defenses in Scapa Flow. The German submarines would find it exceedingly difficult to penetrate the bay undetected.
"Gentlemen, since the British are evading battle, we cannot afford to prolong this standoff indefinitely. Maintaining such a vast fleet at sea incurs astronomical fuel costs daily. Furthermore, to facilitate this operation, we have diverted key elements of the blockade fleet, which creates significant vulnerabilities in our blockade of the British. They will certainly seize this opportunity to transport various supplies back to their homeland. Thus, we cannot delay any longer," Admiral Scheer asserted.
Vice Admiral Hipper and Vice Admiral Spee nodded in agreement. The German Navy's blockade of British shores had been notably successful, inflicting devastating damage on British industry and significantly undermining their war potential, even spawning numerous social issues. If the diversion of the blockade fleet rendered their efforts moot, it would mean all previous endeavors had been in vain.
"Commander, it seems we have no alternative. If the British refuse to come out and fight, we must find a way to compel them to do so. Let us proceed according to the established plan!" Vice Admiral Spee declared.
"Vice Admiral Spee, as per the established plan, your squadron of battlecruisers is tasked with attacking British coastal cities to force their hand into battle. This could significantly impact your personal reputation," Admiral Scheer replied.
Vice Admiral Spee smiled slightly. "Commander, as long as the Empire secures victory in this war, my personal reputation is of no consequence."
Admiral Scheer nodded in agreement. Indeed, not only Vice Admiral Spee but any commander would not shy away from such responsibilities. While personal reputation held importance, winning the war for the Empire was paramount. As soldiers of the German Empire, they would willingly sacrifice their lives for the nation's interests, let alone their personal honor.
"Very well, let us execute the plan! Vice Admiral Spee, you will lead the second battlecruiser squadron to launch an attack on Edinburgh this evening, aiming to obliterate it, particularly the port and shipyards. Let the British know that if they continue to evade battle, we shall raze their coastal cities to the ground," Admiral Scheer commanded.
"Yes, Admiral!" Vice Admiral Spee replied with a nod.
With that, Vice Admiral Spee set forth with the second battlecruiser squadron.