Aboard the flagship of the German Navy's aircraft carrier fleet, the *Vanguard*, Marshal Prince Heinrich awaited the return of his aircraft. Although the carrier's air group had performed admirably during previous training exercises, he remained apprehensive; after all, this was a live combat situation, not merely a drill.
However, the debut of the German Navy's aircraft carrier fleet could only be described as flawless. Twenty-four fighter planes and seventy-two torpedo bombers launched from the two carriers had directly sunk six British battleships, all without incurring a single loss. The British fleet, lacking any effective anti-aircraft weaponry, had been rendered helpless, allowing the aircraft to depart with impunity after their attack.
An hour later, the first wave of returning aircraft began to land. Marshal Prince Heinrich also received news of the engagement. Upon learning that they had sunk the British battleship *Pellew* and heavily damaged the *Magnificent* and *Reckless*, the tension that had weighed upon him finally dissipated. The first wave comprised an equal mix of fighters and torpedo bombers, while the second wave consisted entirely of torpedo bombers. It was clear that the subsequent strike would yield even greater results.
As expected, before the second wave had returned, news of their achievements reached Prince Heinrich. Not only had they sunk the *Magnificent* and *Reckless*, but they had also dispatched three *Saint Vincent*-class battleships. This was undoubtedly a resounding victory for the carrier fleet.
Onboard the *Bavaria*, flagship of the High Seas Fleet, Admiral Reinhard Scheer wore a broad smile. "The Crown Prince was indeed correct; the combination of aircraft carriers and naval aviation is undeniably the future of naval warfare! Even now, with our aircraft limited to light aerial torpedoes, they have demonstrated such formidable effectiveness. Once we develop aircraft capable of carrying medium and heavy torpedoes, their power will only increase. Fortunately, the Imperial Navy has once again positioned itself at the forefront of global naval advancements. While others have yet to grasp this concept, we have already established the most sophisticated and powerful carrier group in the world," mused Admiral Scheer.
As the commander of the High Seas Fleet, Admiral Scheer held immense admiration for Qin Tian's foresight. The German Navy had become formidable under Qin Tian's leadership; without his vision, they would not have been poised to overpower the Royal Navy. Moreover, Qin Tian had charted a future course for the German Navy, ensuring its consolidation of maritime supremacy.
Once the German Navy boasted an even larger carrier fleet and more advanced aircraft, would any nation dare to challenge the maritime dominance of the German Empire? It seemed improbable.
While the German Navy currently operated only two aircraft carriers, four new carriers were already under construction. These new vessels would possess greater displacement, allowing them to carry more aircraft and thereby wield even greater offensive capabilities.
"Admiral, the Prince inquires whether we should launch a second strike with the carriers," reported a staff officer to Admiral Scheer.
"Inform the Prince that it is unnecessary for the moment. The British no longer possess many capital ships. Moreover, aside from the battleship *Hercules*, the rest are pre-dreadnoughts with superior defenses. Our light aerial torpedoes are unlikely to pose a significant threat. The upcoming battle will be left to us," replied Admiral Scheer confidently.
"Yes, Admiral," the officer responded promptly, relaying the message.
Admiral Scheer held another concern: if the British fleet were to be entirely sunk by the carrier's air group, what would become of their twenty-plus battleships? Would they return from this grand naval sortie against the British merely to have engaged in a leisurely cruise? Such a scenario would be a considerable embarrassment.
"Order the battlecruiser division to continue monitoring the British. The main fleet shall head south immediately, preparing for a decisive confrontation. The British are down to just fourteen battleships. The final victory will undoubtedly be ours!" Admiral Scheer declared with unwavering confidence.
Among the remaining fourteen British battleships were six *Revenge*-class ships, three *Orion*-class ships, along with the *King George V*, *Agincourt*, *Ireland*, *Canada*, and *Hercules*. While formidable, they paled in comparison to the might of the German High Seas Fleet.
Among the fleet's twenty-four battleships, five *Bavarian*-class and five *King*-class battleships were equipped with 380mm main guns, while five *Caesar*-class and five *Helgoland*-class battleships boasted 343mm guns, and four *Nassau*-class battleships carried 305mm guns.
The German Navy's High Seas Fleet enjoyed not only a numerical superiority in battleships compared to the Royal Navy, but also a decisive advantage in individual ship performance. Although the Royal Navy maintained a numerical edge in smaller vessels, it was naive to think that such ships could vanquish the formidable High Seas Fleet. Therefore, Admiral Scheer felt assured that victory in the forthcoming battles was all but guaranteed.
Under Admiral Scheer's orders, the main fleet of the High Seas Fleet began its rapid advance southward. The German sailors, brimming with enthusiasm, appeared ready to embrace a glorious victory that would elevate the German Navy to maritime supremacy.
Meanwhile, Admiral John Jellicoe of the Royal Navy's Grand Fleet awaited the inevitable confrontation. Although he understood that their remaining vessels stood little chance against the German Navy, he nonetheless hoped to engage them in a titanic struggle, ensuring that both sides would suffer grievous losses.
At noon, the main force of the German Navy's High Seas Fleet made its appearance on the battlefield.