The battleship "Derfflinger," armed with three triple-mounted 380mm guns of fifty-caliber, unleashed its firepower. With each synchronized barrage, eight shells weighing a ton each descended upon the port of Edinburgh. Each explosive detonation wreaked havoc upon the waters within the harbor, reducing buildings to rubble and creating a multitude of immense craters across the docks.
"Oh God! Run for your lives!" cried countless British citizens, scattering in all directions.
With a thunderous roar, a shell plummeted from the heavens, detonating amid the throngs of people. The explosion left behind a gaping crater in the ground, while the unfortunate souls in its vicinity were rendered completely untraceable, likely obliterated into dust.
The six battlecruisers of the German Navy's Second Battlecruiser Squadron rained down relentless fire, transforming the port of Edinburgh into a wasteland. Faced with this ferocious bombardment, the defenders of Edinburgh found themselves utterly incapable of mounting any counterattack.
Although the British had constructed coastal artillery and deployed shore defenses, the outdated guns had limited range. Confronted by advanced battleships with a range exceeding twenty kilometers, they could only stand helplessly as the German fleet methodically dismantled their port.
On the bridge of the "Derfflinger," Vice Admiral Maximilian von Spee maintained a stoic expression as he observed the destruction of Edinburgh's harbor. While he understood that such fierce bombardment would inevitably result in considerable casualties, including civilian lives lost amidst the chaos, he recognized this as the harsh reality of war.
"Maintain vigilance; there may be British submarines lurking in these waters. All ships, get underway—we cannot afford to give their submarines any opportunity," ordered Vice Admiral Spee.
The British Navy was indeed equipped with a number of submarines. Although their capabilities paled in comparison to those of the German Navy, a surprise attack from one of them could impose significant costs on the Germans.
"Understood, sir," replied the communications officer, relaying the vice admiral's orders to the fleet.
Despite the ongoing bombardment, the six battlecruisers sustained a speed of over ten knots, ensuring they could not be easily targeted by enemy submarines. Meanwhile, the surrounding light cruisers and destroyers prowled the waters, searching for any suspicious activity. In an era before sonar, anti-submarine warfare proved exceedingly challenging.
For nearly an hour, the Second Battlecruiser Squadron unleashed its fury upon the port of Edinburgh before making a conspicuous withdrawal. By then, the harbor had been utterly devastated; docks lay in ruins, and numerous factories burned with ferocious flames.
"General, the port of Edinburgh has been destroyed," reported a staff officer to Vice Admiral Spee.
"Order the fleet to retreat. Tonight, we must strike our next target. We will not cease our assaults until the British main fleet is compelled out of Scapa Flow!" Spee commanded.
"Yes, sir."
The Second Battlecruiser Squadron's next target was Dundee, located at the mouth of the Tay. This city was one of Scotland's significant urban centers, alongside Glasgow in the west, making it one of the largest cities in the region.
"I hope the British will be wise enough to dispatch their navy for a decisive confrontation! Otherwise, our bombardment will continue unabated," remarked Spee.
Attacking British cities with powerful warships was not the mission he desired. He longed for a direct confrontation with the British Navy, for such an encounter would affirm his identity as a soldier rather than a butcher.
The German Navy's assault on Edinburgh was swiftly reported to the British Cabinet. When Home Secretary McKenna informed Prime Minister Asquith of the situation, Asquith was enjoying his dinner. However, upon receiving the news, he lost all appetite.
"Oh God! Those damned Germans—are they intent on slaughtering our civilians? How can they be so despicable?" Prime Minister Asquith exclaimed.
While civilian casualties were an unfortunate reality of war, the open bombardment of a British port by the German Navy marked an unprecedented act of aggression.
"Gather the other cabinet members immediately to discuss this matter," Asquith instructed.
The prime minister's secretary promptly placed calls, and soon, cabinet ministers convened at the prime minister's residence. Their faces were grim, as they had all learned of the attack on Edinburgh on their way there.
"What shall we do now? The Germans have launched a bombardment against our port. Today it is Edinburgh; will it be London tomorrow?" Prime Minister Asquith asked, visibly angered.
"Your Excellency, we must denounce the Germans for their barbaric attacks on civilians. We must reveal their true nature to the world and garner sympathy and support from the international community," suggested Sir Edward Grey, the Foreign Secretary.
Asquith's lips twitched in irritation; when had the British Empire ever needed to seek international sympathy? Yet, given their current weakness, they had little choice.
"Let the Foreign Office handle this matter. Regardless, we must expose the Germans' cowardly actions," Asquith declared.
"Yes, Your Excellency," Sir Edward Grey nodded.
"Prime Minister, the Germans are doing this solely to provoke the Royal Navy into a decisive battle," Churchill interjected.
Asquith nodded, contemplating, "So, if we do not send our navy to confront them, their attacks will persist?"
"Precisely, Your Excellency," Churchill affirmed.
"Is the Royal Navy prepared for battle?" Asquith inquired.
"Yes, Your Excellency. The Royal Navy stands ready for action at a moment's notice," Churchill responded.
"In that case, order the Royal Navy to set sail! We can no longer evade this conflict, nor is there any reason to do so," Prime Minister Asquith resolved.