The night had fully descended, cloaking the North Sea in darkness. A few burning warships illuminated patches of water, but overall, the sea had succumbed to the enveloping night.
German vessels, their searchlights blazing, scoured the waters for survivors. Regardless of whether the overboard sailors were from the German Navy or the British, each was rescued without hesitation. Although they had been adversaries moments before, the battle had concluded, and the duty of a soldier was to render aid in times of need.
Meanwhile, the British, as the vanquished, had already fled. They had neither the inclination nor the resources to assist the unfortunate souls adrift. Out of dozens of capital ships that had ventured forth to face the German fleet, only four battered vessels managed to return. Such a defeat was unacceptable for the Royal Navy, marking a dire turning point; their dominance at sea had crumbled.
The German Navy had secured victory at a minimal cost, signifying that Germany had ascended to the status of a new maritime power, eclipsing Britain.
"Admiral, I regret that we could not prevent the British capital ships from escaping; the Revenge and the Resolution were heavily damaged, yet they slipped away under the cover of night," lamented Vice Admiral Hipper.
"General Hipper, you have performed splendidly. We have triumphed in this engagement!" exclaimed Admiral Reinhard Scheer, a broad smile gracing his face.
Perfection is an elusive goal; the German Navy's ability to achieve victory with minimal losses satisfied him greatly. In this confrontation, they had lost one battleship, while three more battleships and one battlecruiser sustained severe damage. The losses among light cruisers and destroyers numbered seven and fifteen, respectively. Though not negligible, these figures paled in comparison to their hard-won success.
The Royal Navy faced devastating losses: twenty-two battleships and five battlecruisers sunk, alongside three battleships and one battlecruiser heavily damaged, with even graver casualties among cruisers and destroyers. It could be said that a significant portion of the Royal Navy's elite force had been eradicated by the Germans, leaving the remainder to cower within their ports, utterly defenseless against German offensives.
"Admiral, the British still retain seven battleships and one battlecruiser. Although these vessels are nearly crippled, their shipbuilding capacity will allow them to repair them swiftly. This remains a potential threat," noted Vice Admiral Maximilian von Schpeeh.
Reinhard Scheer nodded in acknowledgment. "Regardless, we have eliminated their primary fleet. The remaining ships will be much easier to handle. I believe our Imperial Navy can deal with those left. From this point on, we shall restore our blockade against Britain; no supplies must flow to them. Without resources, constructing new warships will become exceedingly challenging for the British. Once our army has dealt with the Anglo-French coalition, we shall land on British soil. At that juncture, the British will be utterly defeated."
"Yes, Admiral," both Hipper and Schpeeh affirmed.
"Relay news of our victory to the homeland. The situation has become urgent," Reinhard Scheer instructed.
Hipper and Schpeeh exchanged smiles; the German public was deeply concerned about the outcome of this decisive battle that could determine Germany's rise as a maritime power. Years of meticulous preparation had culminated in this moment of triumph.
In Berlin, within the imperial palace, Emperor Wilhelm II, Crown Prince QinTian, Chancellor Bernhard von Bülow, Foreign Minister von Kidderlen-Waechter, Grand Admiral Tirpitz, and Chief of the General Staff Marshal von Falkenhayn gathered in Wilhelm II's office.
Since the outbreak of hostilities, they had anxiously awaited the outcome. Despite reassurances from QinTian and Grand Admiral Tirpitz that the German Navy held the upper hand, uncertainty lingered. Though the German advantage was considerable, no one dared to guarantee that unforeseen circumstances wouldn't arise during the battle. Such an eventuality could snatch victory from their grasp.
As time passed, from morning into the afternoon, the sun set without word from the fleet, further heightening their anxiety. Though they understood that prolonged naval engagements were commonplace, the unease in their hearts was palpable.
After sharing a modest meal, Wilhelm II continued to wait for news. The servants had brought coffee, yet without the final results, the prospect of sleep eluded them.
At 8 p.m., Chief of Naval Operations Marshal von Paul arrived at the palace to deliver urgent news.
"Did we win?" asked Wilhelm II, his gaze fixed eagerly on von Paul, though apprehension gnawed at him. The British maritime supremacy was not easily challenged; numerous nations had faltered in their attempts to rival the British over centuries. Although Germany stood on the cusp of victory, a sense of trepidation lingered.
"Your Majesty, we have won. Our High Seas Fleet has defeated the British," von Paul announced.
"Won? We won?" Wilhelm II stood frozen, momentarily stunned by the good news.
Cheers erupted among the assembly. They understood all too well the monumental significance of this victory for Germany.