North of the German High Seas Fleet's main force, a smaller fleet sailed southward at a cruising speed of 12 knots. This fleet, consisting of two aircraft carriers, four light cruisers, and six destroyers, appeared modest next to the main armada but was widely regarded as the true future of the Imperial Navy.
In the previous sea battle, the two carriers had launched successive waves of aircraft, delivering devastating torpedo strikes that crippled and sank British battleships, decisively tipping the scales in Germany's favor for the final showdown. Previously, carrier-based aircraft were considered mere toys, incapable of threatening the mighty battleships. But the results silenced every skeptic, proving that even the grandest battleships were vulnerable under aerial assault. Though battleships could be armed with anti-aircraft defenses, it was only a matter of time before carrier planes evolved into a nightmare for all surface vessels, armed with powerful bombs and torpedoes.
This time, the entire High Seas Fleet was mobilized. The carriers *Vanguard* and *Victory* were ready to make their mark once again, each crew eager to achieve even greater success. Although the number of aircraft remained at 48 per carrier, the enhancements were significant. In addition to the 12 fighters, each carrier now had 18 bombers and 18 torpedo planes—capable of carrying 250 kg bombs in dive attacks and 450 mm medium torpedoes, a marked improvement over the previous lighter armaments.
With these new advancements, the carrier crews were filled with confidence, anticipating even greater results than before. On *Vanguard's* island, Field Marshal Prince Heinrich held a cup of coffee, watching as his deck was lined with ready aircraft. Ground crews had spent the night refueling, arming each plane with bombs and torpedoes. Confident that the decisive battle with the British was imminent, he had ensured preparations were completed without delay.
Onboard the second carrier, preparations were similarly underway; all aircraft stood ready for launch.
"Field Marshal, orders from the flagship!" reported a staff officer, excitement evident on his face.
"Good news, I assume," said Prince Heinrich.
"Yes, Your Excellency. The flagship has ordered us to prepare for takeoff. Carrier-based aircraft will launch in an hour. The enemy fleet is roughly 150 kilometers south of us, comprising 36 capital ships—both British, and joined by the French and Italians!" the officer reported, barely able to contain his excitement.
"Thirty-six? So, the French and Italians have joined, even more than we anticipated. Still, this is an opportunity! With so many enemy capital ships, we'll see how many we can eliminate. Tell the flagship we are ready," Prince Heinrich replied, his blood stirred.
According to the time required for attacks, the carrier task force could launch up to two waves, deploying 96 aircraft in total. Excluding fighters, this would allow for up to 144 strike sorties. With some luck, they could potentially sink around ten enemy capital ships—an immense victory for the carrier force.
If the main fleet engaged the enemy in direct combat afterward, the carrier group could continue its assault, further expanding its success.
As the minutes ticked by, both German carriers stood poised, their crews envisioning the glory that awaited.
On the *Bavaria,* flagship of the German navy, Admiral Reinhard Scheer and his staff were finalizing tactics.
"My recommendation is that once the carrier force completes two strikes, the main fleet should engage the Entente fleet. After two rounds of carrier attacks, the enemy will likely lose at least five capital ships, giving us a considerable advantage," Vice Admiral Hipper suggested.
"Even once our main fleet has engaged, the carriers can continue their attacks. As long as they avoid our ships, they could conduct further bombing and torpedo runs—assuming the pilots can endure the strain," added Vice Admiral Spee. Operating aircraft in combat was physically and mentally taxing, but with some rest, a third wave would not be impossible.
Admiral Scheer nodded in agreement. "Let's proceed. After two waves, if capable, we'll authorize a third strike."
When Prince Heinrich received the message from the flagship, he was satisfied. Although multiple sorties would exhaust the pilots, proper rest would make it feasible, and this flexibility meant the carriers could fully commit to the assault.
At 8 a.m., Prince Heinrich issued the order for the carrier aircraft to launch.
From both *Vanguard* and *Victory,* the first wave of aircraft ascended into the morning sky, followed closely by the next planes, as the mighty German carriers unleashed their wings of war.