"Boom!" A tremendous explosion reverberated aboard the British Navy's *Ramillies*, causing the entire vessel to shudder. A 380mm shell, fired from the *Sachsen*, struck the lofty superstructure of the *Ramillies*.
The 380mm armor-piercing round, with its formidable penetrative power, easily breached the outer armor and detonated within. The immense force obliterated the uppermost part of the *Ramillies*, igniting a fierce conflagration. Shrapnel rained down, injuring numerous British sailors.
Worse still, the targeting and range-finding equipment installed atop the superstructure was utterly destroyed. This catastrophic loss rendered the *Ramillies*' shooting accuracy intolerably poor.
Engaging in battle from over a dozen kilometers away, without any optical or range-finding instruments, and relying solely on the naked eye and experience, made hitting a target nearly impossible—unless divine intervention occurred.
"Commander, the *Ramillies* is now incapable of targeting the opposing vessels. Their fire is merely a waste of ammunition. If possible, I suggest withdrawing the *Ramillies* from combat to return to port and repair those instruments before resuming the fight," a staff officer proposed.
After all, the *Ramillies* had essentially become a mere bystander in this engagement. Withdrawing it from battle seemed the most prudent choice to preserve it. Otherwise, in the midst of fierce combat with the Germans, it could soon become a casualty, which would be a heavy loss.
However, Admiral John Jellicoe did not heed this advice. He understood that the staff officer's recommendation was made in the interest of the Royal Navy, yet he had his own plans.
"Let the *Ramillies* continue fighting. Even if it merely serves to draw the fire of a German capital ship, it will be worthwhile," Admiral Jellicoe commanded.
"Understood, sir." The staff officer, though puzzled, did not contest the order.
Admiral Jellicoe's directive stemmed from necessity. The Royal Navy already faced a numerical disadvantage against the German fleet. If the *Ramillies* withdrew, it would only amplify that disparity. Consequently, a German battleship could coordinate with others to encircle the Royal Navy's remaining vessels, putting them at significant risk.
What Admiral Jellicoe did not realize was that his command would soon determine the fate of the *Ramillies*.
"Well done! I never anticipated the *Sachsen* would perform so admirably in this naval engagement!" Admiral Reinhard Scheer expressed his satisfaction with the *Sachsen*'s prowess.
"Commander, Colonel Lohnhart requests to close the distance to the British *Ramillies*," a staff officer reported.
Admiral Scheer hesitated briefly before nodding in approval of Colonel Lohnhart's request. He understood that the intent was to capitalize on this opportunity by shortening the range to enhance hit probability and swiftly sink the *Ramillies*.
This tactic was undoubtedly sound. With the *Ramillies*' targeting and range-finding equipment in ruins, even if the *Sachsen* approached within ten kilometers, the *Ramillies* would struggle to return fire. However, if the *Sachsen* were to close in, it could risk being targeted by the other British battleships. After all, this was not a duel; it was a line battle, and the *Ramillies*' nearby *Dreadnought* and *Kaiser* would not overlook such an opportunity.
Yet, despite the risks, Admiral Scheer consented to this audacious strategy. In naval warfare, greater risks often heralded greater rewards. If the *Sachsen* could severely damage or even sink the *Ramillies*, it would significantly widen the advantage held by the German fleet, making British escape virtually impossible.
"Order the fleet to begin turning!" Colonel Lohnhart commanded upon receiving the flagship's response.
The *Sachsen* began to veer from its line, closing in on the *Ramillies*.
"Oh God! What are the Germans up to?" the British sailors aboard the *Ramillies* exclaimed, alarmed by the *Sachsen*'s unusual maneuver.
Other British battleships quickly recognized the situation.
"Damn it, the Germans are clearly overstepping! Do they intend to sink the *Ramillies* at once?" Vice Admiral David Beatty seethed with anger.
"Arrogant Germans! Their actions are tantamount to courting death. Command the *Dreadnought* and *Kaiser* to abandon their targets and focus on that foolhardy German battleship! Sinking it may just allow us to extricate ourselves from this predicament," Admiral Jellicoe promptly issued his orders.
However, altering the targets of two battleships and achieving a hit in such a short timeframe was clearly a formidable challenge. Repeating test shots, then transitioning to concentrated fire, required time. While the *Sachsen*'s proactive approach would improve hit rates, those procedural steps were essential.
In that window of opportunity, the *Sachsen* might just succeed in sending the *Ramillies* to the depths.
"Fire!"
From a mere twelve kilometers away, Colonel Lohnhart commanded the bombardment to commence.
The trio of triple-mounted 380mm guns unleashed a relentless barrage upon the *Ramillies*.
Simultaneously, the *Sachsen* continued to close the distance to the *Ramillies*, aiming to reduce the engagement range to a mere ten kilometers.