Chereads / Blood and Iron Germany[Part One] / Chapter 434 - Chapter 0434: Scheer's Confidence

Chapter 434 - Chapter 0434: Scheer's Confidence

Onboard the flagship of the Imperial German High Seas Fleet, the battleship *Bavaria*, Admiral Reinhard Scheer listened intently to his aide's report on the unfolding battle. 

"Admiral, the First Battlecruiser Squadron has successfully sunk three British battlecruisers: *Invincible*, *Indefatigable*, and *New Zealand*. They are currently besieging the remaining three British battlecruisers. Although the Royal Navy is holding on, it appears they cannot withstand much longer," the aide informed.

Scheer nodded, a faint smile breaking across his face. For the German navy, the situation was undeniably turning in their favor. With each British capital ship they dispatched, they drew closer to ultimate victory. At this rate, it would not be long before triumph was theirs.

"What of the Second Battlecruiser Squadron?" Scheer inquired.

"Admiral, the Second Battlecruiser Squadron is engaged in a fierce assault against three *Queen Elizabeth*-class battleships. They encountered this British force to the south of the First Battlecruiser Squadron, indicating that the British intended to launch a surprise attack against us, which was thwarted by the Second Battlecruiser Squadron. While they have yet to sink any enemy vessels, they have gained the upper hand and we can expect good news soon," the aide replied.

"Excellent, splendid. It seems the Imperial Navy has completely seized the initiative in this battle. Should we eliminate the remaining British battlecruisers along with the three *Queen Elizabeth*-class battleships, our chances of victory will increase significantly," Scheer said, his confidence swelling.

"By the way, do we have any updates on the main British fleet?" Scheer asked. The British main fleet still possessed over twenty capital ships, which posed a substantial threat to the Germans. Defeating the Royal Navy would inevitably require a confrontation with their main fleet.

"Admiral, we have yet to receive news of the British main fleet, but their battlecruiser squadron and the three *Queen Elizabeth*-class battleships are in dire straits. Surely, their main fleet cannot stand idly by!" the aide speculated.

Scheer nodded thoughtfully. "That is a sound analysis. Indeed, if the British main fleet remains inactive, they will have no choice but to witness the destruction of their remaining battlecruisers and the *Queen Elizabeth*-class battleships. Such a loss would deal a devastating blow to them, leaving them no hope of reversing the tide."

"Order the fleet to accelerate and converge with the First Battlecruiser Squadron. If the British main fleet appears, it will signal the commencement of our decisive engagement," Scheer commanded.

"Yes, Admiral," the aide responded promptly.

"Also, where is our aircraft carrier group?" Scheer inquired. The German navy's two aircraft carriers were also engaged in this operation. However, details of these new vessels and tactics had been tightly guarded, known only to a select few commanders. Scheer had personally witnessed the carriers' drills, instilling him with faith in their combat capabilities.

"Admiral, the carrier group is currently positioned approximately one hundred kilometers to our east," reported a staff officer.

"Inform the carrier group to launch an immediate strike upon sighting the British main fleet. They must inflict as much damage as possible. This will greatly enhance our chances in the impending clash with the British," Scheer ordered.

In Scheer's view, as long as the aircraft could damage the British capital ships, that would suffice. The remaining capital ships, such as the *Revenge*-class battleships, could be left to the might of the Imperial Navy's primary fleet, including the newly commissioned *Bavaria*-class battleships, which were eager to prove themselves on their inaugural battlefield. Furthermore, the *Kaiser*-class battleships, equipped with 380 mm guns, would outclass the *Revenge*-class in overall capability.

From the current assessment of both fleets' strengths, it was clear that the German navy held the upper hand. The prospect of decisively defeating the British and claiming victory in the forthcoming naval confrontation seemed increasingly attainable.

"Yes, Admiral."

"Come on, British! In this battle, the Imperial Navy will utterly cast you from your pedestal," Scheer declared, brimming with confidence about the impending engagement. He believed wholeheartedly that the Imperial Navy would not disappoint him. With each British capital ship sunk, the likelihood of German victory grew ever brighter.

The German fleet began to accelerate towards the battlefield, despite being somewhat distant from the action. 

On the front lines, the First and Second Battlecruiser Squadrons of the German navy continued to maintain firm control over the battlefield, inflicting increasingly severe losses on the British battlecruiser squadron and the Second Battle Squadron under their relentless siege.