"General Hipper, lead the First Battlecruiser Squadron into action. Since the British fleet has finally left Scapa Flow and is no longer hiding like a turtle, let us engage them in this final showdown!" declared Admiral Reinhard Scheer.
"Yes, Commander," replied Vice Admiral Hipper, eagerly anticipating this confrontation. Although the Royal Navy had been significantly weakened, their remaining fleet of several powerful vessels remained formidable. A decisive victory, or even the complete annihilation of the British Navy, could yield immense rewards.
"General Hipper, remember our standing orders: if you encounter the British main fleet, retreat and draw them towards our main forces. However, if you face a detached squadron, engage and destroy them. We must sink their capital ships to secure our triumph in this naval battle," Scheer instructed.
"Understood, Admiral." Hipper nodded. Though he commanded the formidable First Battlecruiser Squadron, consisting of three Mackensen-class battlecruisers, their total strength was still only six vessels. Engaging the entirety of the British fleet would be a daunting task.
"The British now have merely six battlecruisers left. If we can eliminate them all, our subsequent engagements will become considerably more manageable," Scheer continued.
The Royal Navy's remaining capital ships were indeed few in number, and while those battlecruisers were lightly armored, their speed was undeniable. Losing these vessels would significantly impair the British fleet's rapid response capabilities.
"I have already issued orders to Admiral von Spee. His Second Battlecruiser Squadron will abandon the assault on British coastal cities to support your operation. Ultimately, if we can decisively defeat the Royal Navy, the question of attacking those cities will be moot," Scheer stated.
"Indeed, Admiral. Once the Royal Navy is dealt with, our army can vanquish the Anglo-French forces and make landfall on British soil. At that point, we will occupy those coastal cities and leverage British shipbuilding capabilities to enhance our own naval infrastructure," Hipper responded.
Indeed, in terms of shipbuilding prowess, the British held a clear advantage over the Germans. Were it not for Qin Tian's strategic shortcuts in warship development, Germany would have struggled to match the Royal Navy. A victory over Britain would allow Germany to harness British shipbuilding expertise, positioning them as the preeminent naval power.
Half an hour later, Vice Admiral Hipper set sail with the six battlecruisers of the First Battlecruiser Squadron. Three Mackensen-class and three Blücher-class battlecruisers, accompanied by several light cruisers and destroyers, departed the immense fleet, heading northward. Based on intelligence reports, the British fleet had moved south after departing Scapa Flow. Thus, an encounter with the Royal Navy was anticipated by dawn.
Meanwhile, the Second Battlecruiser Squadron of the German Navy had also concluded its bombardment of Dundee. Vice Admiral Maximilian von Spee smiled upon receiving Admiral Scheer's telegram.
"The British have finally emerged. I shall no longer bear the ignominy of attacking their coastal cities!" he exclaimed, thrilled at the prospect of confronting the Royal Navy.
"Order the fleet to proceed north at full speed!" commanded von Spee.
"Yes, Admiral."
The three Derfflinger-class battlecruisers and three Moltke-class battlecruisers of the Second Battlecruiser Squadron swiftly advanced northward to confront the Royal Navy.
Both fleets recognized that this confrontation was inevitable, and neither sought to avoid it. With both sides eager for battle, the outbreak of this decisive naval engagement was thus assured.
On the morning of March 21, a German seaplane discovered the advancing British fleet in waters one hundred kilometers east of Fraserburgh. Six battlecruisers, shielded by a screen of light cruisers and destroyers, were making rapid southward progress. The seaplane promptly relayed this intelligence to the flagship while preparing to scout the surrounding area for additional British vessels.
However, they encountered interception from British seaplanes. Under assault from several British aircraft, the German seaplane was forced to withdraw from the area.
On board the British battlecruiser Tiger, Vice Admiral David Beatty wore a grave expression. The disadvantages they faced in this battle were significant, necessitating extreme caution in every move.
"Admiral, the German seaplane has departed," reported one of his staff officers.
"Have the Second Battlecruiser Squadron increase speed and maintain a distance of approximately twenty kilometers from us. The Germans have spotted us, and their fleet should be on the way. Let us hope they dispatch only a few battlecruisers to engage us," Beatty responded.
If the Germans sent merely a few battlecruisers, their strategy might succeed. In that case, the three Elizabeth-class battleships of the Second Battlecruiser Squadron could launch a surprise attack on the German fleet's flanks, potentially securing victory.
However, should all twelve German battlecruisers arrive, Beatty would be forced to retreat. Even with the three Elizabeth-class battleships, they would not stand a chance against the full might of the German battlecruisers. Having engaged German battlecruisers twice, Beatty was acutely aware of their formidable capabilities.
"Yes, Admiral."
Meanwhile, the First Battlecruiser Squadron of the German Navy received the same intelligence. Upon learning of the British battlecruiser squadron's location, Vice Admiral Hipper immediately ordered his squadron to accelerate.
"Prepare the fleet for battle; the British are less than two hours away. In one hour, we may very well be exchanging fire. Additionally, send a telegram to Admiral von Spee urging him to hasten his advance. We must encircle and eliminate the British battlecruisers together," Hipper commanded with excitement.