On the night of March 20, Scapa Flow was aglow with light. Powerful searchlights illuminated the bay, casting it in a brilliant radiance. Inspired by Admiral John Jellicoe's stirring address, the officers and sailors of the Royal Navy courageously navigated their warships in formation, emerging from the waters of Scapa Flow and entering the North Sea.
Despite the fact that the Royal Navy's capital ships were outnumbered by their German counterparts, and their individual capabilities paled in comparison, they remained steadfast in their belief that victory in this naval confrontation was within reach.
The vessels of the Grand Fleet had been reorganized into new formations. The battleships formed several battalions, including the First Battleship Division, comprising five Revenge-class battleships, the Second Battleship Division, consisting of three Queen Elizabeth-class battleships, and the Third Battleship Division, featuring the King George V and three Orion-class battleships. The second ship of the G3 battlecruiser class, HMS Hercules, along with the battleships Agincourt, Ireland, and Canada, made up the Fourth Battleship Division. The Fifth Battleship Division was anchored at Scapa, consisting of three St. Vincent-class and three Berwick-class battleships. The remaining six battlecruisers formed a dedicated squadron.
In addition to these capital ships, the Royal Navy deployed a considerable number of cruisers and destroyers, bringing the total size of their fleet to over 150 vessels, approximately 30 more than the German High Seas Fleet.
Of course, despite their numerical superiority, these smaller vessels were unlikely to fundamentally alter the course of the battle. The outcome would ultimately hinge upon the confrontation between the capital ships, which was of utmost importance.
"Admiral Beatty, you will lead the battlecruiser squadron to intercept the German battlecruisers and prevent them from launching another assault on our coastal cities. If possible, defeat them," ordered Admiral Jellicoe.
"Understood, Admiral. However, this will be exceedingly challenging. Even if the Germans do not deploy all twelve of their battlecruisers and only half are engaged, we may still struggle to prevail. Nevertheless, I will do my utmost to hold them at bay," replied Vice Admiral Beatty.
"Admiral Beatty, I intend to assign the Second Battleship Division to your command. With the strength of three Queen Elizabeth-class battleships combined with six battlecruisers, you should be equipped to contend with the German battlecruiser division. As long as we do not face all twelve of their ships, we stand a chance," Jellicoe elaborated.
A glimmer of hope flickered in Beatty's eyes. To engage the German Navy's twelve battlecruisers with only six British battlecruisers would offer no realistic prospect of victory; the disparity in numbers and ship performance was too great. However, with the addition of three Queen Elizabeth-class battleships, the situation might indeed change. These vessels represented the pinnacle of British naval power. While they may not match their German counterparts in class, they would certainly hold their ground against battlecruisers. As Jellicoe indicated, facing fewer than the full complement of German battlecruisers would enhance their odds significantly.
"Commander, why have you altered the plan?" Beatty inquired.
Previously, Jellicoe's strategy involved having Beatty engage the German battlecruisers, while his own battleship squadron would confront the German battleships, striving to sink as many as possible.
"The Germans' surprise attack cost us two Queen Elizabeth-class battleships, an Orion-class battleship, a G3 battlecruiser, and HMS Neptune, inflicting severe losses upon our fleet. If we were to pit our battleships against their forces head-on, the odds would not be in our favor, and we would likely suffer a humiliating defeat. Hence, I have decided to first engage their battlecruisers. With the three Queen Elizabeth-class battleships, we might prevail against the German battlecruiser division. This way, we can avoid being entirely at a disadvantage. We must sink their capital ships, regardless of whether they are battleships or battlecruisers," Jellicoe asserted.
"Indeed, Admiral. I shall give my all in this endeavor!" Beatty vowed, understanding the immense responsibility resting on his shoulders as Jellicoe placed his hopes for victory upon him.
Jellicoe nodded. "For the sake of the British Empire, we have no recourse but to fight to the bitter end. Even if we perish, we must ensure the Germans pay a steep price."
Beatty nodded gravely in agreement.
Though they both felt that Churchill's plan was ruthlessly cold, they recognized it as their only opportunity. Should the Grand Fleet inflict significant casualties on the German Navy, there remained a chance for Britain to turn the tide. Otherwise, there would be no hope left.
Although the Royal Navy departed Scapa Flow under the cover of night, they could not escape the pursuit of the German Navy. No sooner had the Grand Fleet set course southward than a submarine surfaced.
News of the British Grand Fleet's departure was immediately relayed to the Admiralty, which promptly communicated the intelligence to the High Seas Fleet.
"The British have finally taken action. The decisive battle between us and the British is imminent. The Imperial German Navy is destined to tread upon the corpses of the Royal Navy as we ascend to our rightful place as the sovereign of the seas," declared Admiral Reinhard Scheer, brimming with confidence regarding the impending naval conflict. He firmly believed that victory was assured given their overwhelming advantage.