"General, it can already be determined that the three battleships belong to the British 'Queen Elizabeth Class', the latest additions to their fleet," an officer excitedly reported to Vice Admiral Spee.
"'Queen Elizabeth Class', you say? I must admit, I am quite curious as to how they came to be here!" A slight smile crept across Vice Admiral Spee's lips.
"Sir, the battlefield between our first battlecruiser squadron and the British battleship squadron lies to the north. It is evident that the British intend to launch a surprise attack on our first battlecruiser squadron with these three battleships," the officer chuckled.
"Ha! It seems fortune is on our side, as we have uncovered the British plot. The 'Queen Elizabeth Class' battleships represent the pinnacle of British naval technology; surely, our 'Derfflinger Class' battlecruisers are not inferior," Vice Admiral Spee inquired.
"Sir, according to the intelligence we have gathered, the British Navy's 'Queen Elizabeth Class' battleships are armed with four twin-mounted 381 mm guns with a 42-caliber length. In terms of armor, their main belt is a formidable 330 mm thick, with turret armor also at 330 mm and conning tower armor at 280 mm. However, the British 381 mm guns, despite their impressive capabilities, are less powerful than our 380 mm guns with a 50-caliber length on the 'Derfflinger Class' battlecruisers. In terms of defensive strength, the 'Derfflinger Class' boasts a primary armor thickness of 350 mm, superior to that of the British 'Queen Elizabeth Class' battleships," a staff officer elaborated.
"Therefore, it stands to reason that our 'Derfflinger Class' battlecruisers possess superior overall combat capabilities?" Vice Admiral Spee surmised.
"Yes, General. However, the margin is not substantial. The 'Queen Elizabeth Class' battleships will undoubtedly pose a significant threat to us," the officer replied.
Vice Admiral Spee nodded, "In that case, let us engage! Chase them down and intercept their fleet. We shall eliminate them swiftly, utilizing our six battlecruisers, with two taking on each of theirs!"
"Yes, sir!" the officers responded in unison.
The six battlecruisers of the German Navy's second battlecruiser squadron swiftly pursued. Although the 'Queen Elizabeth Class' battleships were not slow, they were still at a disadvantage against the superior speed of the battlecruisers.
Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Benjamin of the British Navy's second battlecruiser squadron was fuming.
"Damn it! How is it that we encounter six German battlecruisers here?" Rear Admiral Benjamin was exceedingly enraged. His mission had been to launch a surprise attack on the German first battlecruiser squadron. In his estimation, with the attention of the German battlecruisers diverted by his squadron, his ambush should have had a high likelihood of success. Yet, he never anticipated this turn of events.
"Sir, the German battlecruisers are closing in on us. What should we do?"
Rear Admiral Benjamin furrowed his brow even further. With the speed of the 'Queen Elizabeth Class' battleships, escape was certainly impossible. It seemed their only option was to fight with all their might.
"The German battlecruisers are formidable; they possess remarkable speed, powerful firepower, and terrifying defenses. But how could there exist such a perfect battleship? Even the British battleships must compromise on armor to maintain a balance of speed and firepower. Therefore, the German battlecruisers must also adhere to such principles. Our previous naval engagements failed to sink any German battleships primarily due to our insufficient firepower. Now, armed with 381 mm guns, the 'Queen Elizabeth Class' can surely pierce through the defenses of the German battlecruisers. Thus, even if the Germans hold a two-to-one advantage, we may still have a fighting chance," Rear Admiral Benjamin analyzed quietly.
Unbeknownst to him, the German battlecruisers had enhanced their speed while simultaneously bolstering firepower and defenses, primarily due to their new power equipment. The combination of heavy oil boilers and advanced steam turbines provided them with the necessary power to achieve high speeds.
"Send a telegram to Admiral Beatty informing him that we have encountered six German battlecruisers and that we are no longer able to reinforce him," Rear Admiral Benjamin commanded.
Given the circumstances, it was impossible for him to rendezvous with Vice Admiral David Beatty. Moreover, even if he could join forces, it would not alter their predicament; they remained at an absolute disadvantage. Only by defeating the German second battlecruiser squadron could his own squadron hope to turn the tide.
"Yes, sir."
"Order all ships to reduce speed and prepare for battle! Inform the valiant officers and men of the Royal Navy that escape is no longer an option. For the honor of the British Empire, we must engage the Germans. Only by defeating them can we seize a slim chance of survival!" Rear Admiral Benjamin commanded.
"Yes, sir."
With the orders given, the three 'Queen Elizabeth Class' battleships of the British Navy began to decrease their speed, forming a battle line.
The British Navy's actions pleased Vice Admiral Spee immensely.
"Order all ships to prepare for battle. Since the British are no longer attempting to flee, let us confront them openly!" Vice Admiral Spee commanded.
Regardless of the outcome, the German Navy held a significant advantage in this engagement. The combat prowess of the three 'Derfflinger Class' battlecruisers was already on par with that of the 'Queen Elizabeth Class' battleships, augmented further by the support of three 'Moltke Class' battlecruisers, placing them in an almost invulnerable position.
Although the armor of the British Navy's 'Queen Elizabeth Class' battleships reached a thickness of 330 mm, the 'Moltke Class' battlecruisers, equipped with 343 mm guns of a 50-caliber length, could still penetrate it.
As both sides prepared for battle, the two lines of battleships swiftly closed the distance, soon narrowing to fifteen thousand meters.
"Open fire!"
Once again, it was the German Navy that fired first. The three 'Derfflinger Class' battlecruisers unleashed a barrage from their 380 mm guns, hurling shells weighing over a ton toward the three 'Queen Elizabeth Class' battleships of the British Navy. The three 'Moltke Class' battlecruisers followed suit, joining the onslaught.