On the evening of March 19, 1915, in Wilhelmshaven Naval Base, Germany, the Imperial leadership gathered for a momentous occasion. Emperor Wilhelm II, Crown Prince Qin Tian, Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow, Admiral Count Tirpitz, and Chief of the General Staff, Marshal von Falkenhayn, stood united in purpose.
Their singular aim was to bid farewell to the Imperial Navy's High Seas Fleet, which was poised to set sail for the North Sea in search of an opportunity to confront the Royal Navy. This battle would be pivotal in determining whether Germany could dethrone Britain from its position as a global hegemon.
The port buzzed with activity as warships prepared for departure, boilers heating to generate steam. Officers and sailors, clad in crisp white uniforms, lined the decks. This day marked a historic turning point for the German Navy, heralding a new chapter in its illustrious narrative.
"Brave sailors of the Imperial Navy, I am your Emperor. You are about to engage the British Navy in a decisive battle for the German Empire. I sincerely wish for your triumph in this encounter. The Imperial Navy has been nurtured over decades, enduring the yoke of British dominance. Now, we finally possess the strength to challenge them. I believe that divine providence shall be with us! Victory shall be ours!" Wilhelm II addressed the assembled fleet, his voice resonating with conviction.
Germany, as a leading world power, had long felt discontented with its status. The unification of Germany occurred in 1870, but by the time it rose, the world had already been largely partitioned by Britain, France, and others. Thus, despite its formidable capabilities, Germany possessed only a meager share of colonies, a stark contrast to its strength. Hence, Germany aspired to reclaim its place in the world through warfare.
Of course, this endeavor would greatly benefit the common people as well. A victorious campaign would yield immense gains for the nation, improving the lives of its citizens. Consequently, the populace supported the war, motivating the military to engage with fervor, all yearning for the glory that victory would bestow.
Wilhelm II's speech concluded, met with raucous cheers from the sailors. "Long live His Majesty! Victory for the German Empire!"
With the German Navy's increasing strength and consecutive victories over the Royal Navy, confidence soared among the sailors. Nearly all believed they would triumph in this upcoming battle.
The send-off ceremony swiftly concluded, and the High Seas Fleet began to sail out of the harbor in formation, heading into the North Sea. The sun dipped toward the horizon, casting a breathtaking glow upon the warships, a sight that stirred the soul.
Due to the considerable number of vessels, the High Seas Fleet had been organized into groups. The First Battleship Division comprised five 'Bavarian-class' battleships, commanded by Admiral Reinhard Scheer.
The Second Battleship Division, led by Rear Admiral Schmidt, consisted of five 'King-class' battleships. The Third Battleship Division, under Rear Admiral Ingelfart, was made up of five 'Kaiser-class' battleships. The Fourth Battleship Division, commanded by Rear Admiral Mau, included five 'Helgoland-class' battleships. The Fifth Battleship Division, led by Rear Admiral Burdick, consisted of four 'Nassau-class' battleships.
The First Battlecruiser Division was commanded by Vice Admiral Hipper, comprising three 'Mackensen-class' battlecruisers and three 'Blücher-class' battlecruisers. The Second Battlecruiser Division, led by Vice Admiral Spee, consisted of three 'Derfflinger-class' battlecruisers and three 'Moltke-class' battlecruisers.
In addition to the battleships, there were several cruiser and destroyer divisions, although the main striking force remained with the battleships and battlecruisers. The cruisers and destroyers primarily undertook reconnaissance and protective roles. However, they were also capable of launching torpedo attacks on enemy fleets, posing a significant threat with their heavy torpedoes, even if their artillery did not.
The total number of vessels in this expedition from the High Seas Fleet exceeded one hundred and twenty, surpassing numbers from previous times. Although this fleet was somewhat smaller than the Royal Navy's grand fleet, the German Navy had emerged stronger, having inflicted significant damage on its British counterpart. Despite the Royal Navy's losses, it remained a formidable presence. Moreover, in terms of smaller vessels, the British Navy held an advantage, albeit merely in numbers. The performance gap had significantly narrowed due to figures like Qin Tian, enhancing not only the main battleships but also improving the capabilities of smaller vessels.
After the High Seas Fleet departed Wilhelmshaven, two aircraft carriers, considered Germany's secret weapon, also set sail. They traversed the Kiel Canal, reaching Wilhelmshaven and, under the cover of night, ventured into the North Sea. These carriers carried twenty-four fighter planes and seventy-two torpedo bombers. While their immediate impact might be limited, this marked the first time aircraft carriers would see combat. As attention focused on the battleships and battlecruisers, Qin Tian envisioned carriers as the future of naval warfare.
The movements of the High Seas Fleet were keenly observed by nations worldwide. Despite the evening hour, German intelligence had intensified secrecy measures, yet news of the fleet's departure swiftly spread.
Consequently, nations grew tense, aware that a decisive confrontation between Britain and Germany loomed, determining the next maritime overlord.