A 305mm shell fired from the *Blücher* battlecruiser struck the bow of the *Majestic*, creating a substantial breach. As the *Majestic* had focused its main firepower on the *Seydlitz*, the *Blücher* faced minimal resistance in its assault. This calm approach naturally enhanced the accuracy of its shots.
While the damage inflicted by this shell was not catastrophic, it nonetheless dealt a significant blow to morale.
The three battleships positioned behind the British line found themselves in the most precarious situation. Each vessel was besieged by two German battlecruisers. Even though the *Blücher*-class was equipped with 305mm guns, the combination of fifty-caliber artillery and capped armor-piercing shells was sufficient to penetrate the armor of the Royal Navy's *Orion*-class battleships.
In less than twenty minutes since the battle commenced, several Royal Navy ships had sustained hits. Though the damage was not severe at this stage, the potential for devastating losses loomed should the German fleet maintain its relentless assault. If the German ships continued to strike true, the Royal Navy would undoubtedly suffer grievous losses.
Despite the efforts of the Royal Navy's crew to return fire, their accuracy fell short in comparison to that of the Germans, inflicting only minor damage on the enemy vessels. This discrepancy stemmed not only from the formidable defenses of the German battlecruisers but also from inherent issues with the British artillery.
As time passed, the situation grew increasingly dire for the Royal Navy. The expressions of Admirals Jellicoe and Beatty grew increasingly grim.
"Admiral, we should be able to hold out for an hour, no matter the circumstances," Beatty remarked, though his words served merely as a form of comfort.
Jellicoe nodded in silence, his own anxiety palpable.
"Boom! Boom!"
At that moment, the *Thunderer*, at the rear of the line, was struck once more. A shell from the *Leopold* impacted the *Thunderer*'s flank, ripping a gaping hole in its waterline armor, allowing the sea to pour in violently.
Simultaneously, the German battlecruiser *Von der Tann* landed a hit on the *Thunderer*.
In a matter of minutes, the *Leopold* and *Von der Tann* unleashed a barrage of over ten hits on the *Thunderer*, reducing the ship to a battered wreck.
Ultimately, overwhelmed by flooding, the *Thunderer* succumbed and sank beneath the waves.
Following the sinking of the *Thunderer*, the *Von der Tann* and *Leopold* joined the assault on the *Majestic*, now besieged by four battlecruisers and in a precarious position.
"Admiral, the *Thunderer* has been sunk by the Germans. The *Majestic* is under attack from four German battlecruisers and is in dire straits," a staff officer reported to Jellicoe.
Regrettably, Jellicoe found himself at a loss. Their only course of action was to await the cover of darkness to retreat. Beyond that, there was little else they could do. He could only speculate on the potential losses his fleet would suffer in the meantime, perhaps praying to the heavens for mercy.
"Order all ships to continue the fight!" Jellicoe commanded, his face stern.
The *Majestic* could barely withstand the German onslaught, succumbing within five minutes after being struck by no fewer than fifteen shells. Even this massive vessel, displacing twenty-five thousand tons, could not endure such a relentless barrage. In the ensuing chaos, the *Majestic* was effectively torn to shreds before disappearing beneath the sea, taking with it over seven hundred British sailors, none of whom survived.
With the *Majestic* sunk, the focus shifted to the *Orion*, which faced an even grimmer fate, besieged directly by six battlecruisers.
As the *Orion* sank, the *Lützow* had already heavily damaged the British *King George V*. This ship, having narrowly escaped destruction in the previous central Atlantic engagement, was not so fortunate this time.
Other arriving battlecruisers swiftly turned their attention to the *King George V*, and it too soon fell victim to the relentless assault.
Thus, the Royal Navy was left with only four *Revenge*-class battleships struggling to hold the line, still under fierce suppression. With the loss of the *King George V* and three *Orion*-class ships, the British forces awaited inevitable annihilation.
Although darkness approached, the beleaguered British fleet paid a heavy price for survival.
The *Royal Oak* succumbed to flooding during the siege.
The *Dreadnought* suffered even worse, as a 380mm shell penetrated its aft ammunition magazine, causing a catastrophic explosion that tore the ship's stern apart. Ultimately, the *Dreadnought* sank stern-first into the frigid North Sea.
The *Revenge* and *Resolution* battleships also sustained severe damage but managed to maintain speed, eventually escaping the German pursuit under the cover of night.
Thus, the battle at sea drew to a close. After a full day of relentless combat, it concluded with a resounding victory for the German Navy.