After the cabinet meeting concluded, Churchill responded to the Admiralty. Prime Minister Asquith had made the decision to order the Royal Navy to engage in battle with the German Navy. Thus, Churchill found himself with no alternative but to comply with this directive.
However, Churchill did not believe that now was the most opportune moment for such an action. The audacity of the German Navy to bombard British coastal cities in an effort to provoke the Royal Navy into combat left no room for retreat. Otherwise, the Germans might indeed raze all of Britain's coastal towns, rendering the war utterly pointless. Once these cities were destroyed, Britain would be unable to sustain itself any longer.
Moreover, the shipyards essential to British naval power were situated in these coastal areas. If these facilities were obliterated, Britain would find itself bereft of the means to continue the war, let alone stage a comeback.
"Send a telegram to the Grand Fleet, informing them of the bombardment of Edinburgh. Additionally, convey that the Prime Minister has issued orders for them to set sail and confront the Germans. I hope they can adhere to the planned course of action to secure a glimmer of hope for the British Empire," Churchill instructed his secretary.
"Yes, sir," the secretary replied, promptly dispatching the message.
"Have the despicable Germans truly exhausted every possible means to vanquish the British Empire? God save the British Empire; we must secure victory in this naval engagement!" Churchill silently prayed to the Almighty.
In a scenario where the odds were overwhelmingly stacked against them, invoking divine favor had become their sole recourse—a mere spiritual solace, indeed.
Scapa Flow, headquarters of the Royal Navy's Grand Fleet. Though it was late at night, the command center remained brightly illuminated. The departure of the German Navy had placed tremendous pressure on the Grand Fleet, for they were acutely aware that the Germans were targeting them. Failure to act could result in a catastrophic defeat, one that would besmirch the British Empire.
"Have we received any word on the Germans?" asked Admiral John Jellicoe.
"Sir, not yet. However, it is certain that the German fleet is not far from Scapa Flow. Their reconnaissance aircraft crossed over our waters this afternoon," replied Vice Admiral David Beatty.
"It seems the damned Germans wish to box us in here. If we venture out, we are certain to encounter them," Jellicoe cursed. The German strategy of containing them left little room for maneuver.
"Admiral, urgent telegram from London!" a communications officer hurried in.
Jellicoe swiftly took the telegram; upon reading it, his face turned ashen.
"Those wretched Germans are truly despicable!" he exclaimed.
"What is it, Admiral?" Beatty inquired.
"This evening, the Germans attacked Edinburgh. The entire harbor has been reduced to ruins. Not only have the shipyards been obliterated, but at least a thousand civilians have perished under the German bombardment," Jellicoe informed them.
"What? Those accursed Germans! How dare they? Do they not fear global condemnation?" Beatty reacted, stunned before his fury boiled over.
"Ha! The Germans will stop at nothing to defeat us. Why would they fear condemnation? It would have no bearing on them whatsoever," Jellicoe retorted.
"Damn it! If we could defeat the Germans, I would lead the fleet to obliterate their coastal cities!" Beatty declared through clenched teeth.
Yet, both he and Jellicoe knew the likelihood of that was exceedingly slim.
"Admiral, does London have any further directives?" Beatty asked.
"The Prime Minister has commanded us to set sail and confront the Germans, to prevent further attacks on our coastal cities. Churchill insists we execute our original plan and destroy as many German warships as possible to create opportunities for future actions," Jellicoe stated.
"It appears that our confrontation with the Germans is inevitable. They will not allow us to remain hidden in port, and after their bombardment of our coastal cities, we can no longer stay concealed," Beatty replied.
Jellicoe nodded, acknowledging the grim reality of their situation.
"Dispatch orders to all ships. In two hours, we set sail to engage the Germans," Jellicoe commanded.
"Yes, Admiral. However, I believe this order should be communicated via loudspeaker to all hands, along with news of the bombardment of Edinburgh, to incite their righteous anger. In such fervor, our fleet may exceed its usual capabilities. Perhaps a miracle might occur," Beatty suggested.
Jellicoe understood that Beatty was unwilling to forgo any opportunity for victory. Certainly, such an approach would also be advantageous for the Royal Navy. If they could leverage their strength to defeat the German Navy, it would be a remarkable triumph indeed.
Half an hour later, Jellicoe addressed all officers and men of the Grand Fleet via radio.
"Brave sailors of the British Empire, I must share with you a heart-wrenching report. This evening, the Germans dispatched their fleet to bombard Edinburgh, laying waste to the harbor and inflicting grievous civilian casualties. Their actions are aimed at compelling us to set sail and confront them. If we do not respond, they will undoubtedly continue to strike our coastal cities, leading to further devastation and loss of life.
While our strength may not match that of the Germans, we can no longer remain idle. We must rise to the challenge and face the Germans in battle. It is our duty. Even if it means falling to their onslaught, we must act. I believe all sailors of the Royal Navy are warriors, not cowards!" Jellicoe's words resonated through the broadcast, reaching every soldier in the Grand Fleet.
Instantly, an overwhelming surge of courage and fighting spirit erupted throughout the fleet.