Admiral John Jellicoe and Vice Admiral David Beatty's expressions darkened to the point where one could almost feel the weight of their anger. The fact that Admirals Lamé and Paul were even considering retreat was utterly unacceptable! Though the French Navy still had five battleships and the Italian Navy only two, these were irreplaceable assets to the British fleet.
If the French and Italian navies withdrew, the British fleet would be reduced to a mere 20 capital ships. Facing the German fleet's 34 ships, the outcome was all too clear, even to the dullest of minds.
"Admiral Lamé, Admiral Paul," Vice Admiral Beatty said, his voice steady but fierce, "While the German air attacks have inflicted considerable losses upon us, this battle has only just begun. We are not yet defeated. With a bit of luck, we may still have a chance to triumph over the Germans. This is our nation's last opportunity. We cannot let it slip through our fingers. Retreat now, and we lose the war for certain."
"We cannot let the Germans destroy our country," Admiral Jellicoe added, his voice firm with resolve.
The two French and Italian admirals fell silent, deeply troubled. Indeed, their governments had sent them into this battle with the hope that they might strike a decisive blow against the Germans and prevent their nations from being overwhelmed. But now, witnessing the strength the Germans had shown in naval combat, their faith in victory wavered.
"The Germans are undeniably formidable," Admiral Jellicoe continued, "or they would not have inflicted such heavy losses on the Royal Navy. But if we yield to fear, then this battle is already lost. I believe that, though the Germans are powerful, their ships are not invincible. Just as we sank their 'Blücher' battlecruiser before, we can strike them again. Our forces may be weaker now, but I trust that God will guide us. We still have a good chance to win."
Admirals Lamé and Paul nodded. Although their concerns had not fully dissipated, they knew there was no turning back. For the sake of their nations, they had to press on. If they failed, France and Italy would be utterly defeated.
"Boom!"
Suddenly, a harsh alarm blared, cutting through the tension. Admiral Jellicoe and the others immediately stiffened.
"It seems that even if we wanted to retreat, it's too late now. The Germans' main fleet has arrived. Prepare for battle!" Admiral Jellicoe ordered.
Admirals Lamé and Paul nodded grimly before leaving the *Revenge* battleship and boarding their respective command vessels to direct the fight.
After the second wave of attacks from the German naval aviation, the High Seas Fleet's main body accelerated southward, prepared to engage the Allied fleet in a final confrontation.
The German aircraft had already crippled the Allied fleet, sinking ten of their capital ships. This significant blow was a huge boost for the High Seas Fleet. With 38 capital ships against the remaining 26 of the Allies, the result seemed all but certain.
"This will be our final showdown with the British. If we win this time, they will have no chance of recovery!" Admiral Reinhard Scheer declared.
"Indeed, Admiral. But it has not been easy to wrest the title of maritime supremacy from the British," Vice Admiral Franz von Hipper responded.
The Germans had fought numerous large-scale battles against the Royal Navy, each culminating in victory, eventually securing their position as the dominant naval power. Yet, despite this, the British still resisted with fierce determination.
"However many times the British fight back, we will defeat them! As long as we continue to win, they will have no chance," Vice Admiral Hipper added, a confident smile creeping onto his face.
Admiral Scheer and Vice Admiral Hipper exchanged knowing glances before Hipper returned to his flagship, the *Mackensen*, to oversee the battle. Usually commanding the battlecruiser division, Hipper was now tasked with directing the German battlecruiser fleet during this decisive battle.
Following the sinking of the *Blücher*, the German Navy's battlecruiser fleet had been reduced to only 11 ships, but their strength had not been diminished. These ships were now organized into two divisions, with 23 battleships divided into four groups.
"Send a message to Vice Admiral Hipper. Have him lead the battlecruiser division around the British fleet's rear. One, to encircle them, and two, to prevent their escape!" Admiral Scheer ordered.
He hoped that, in this final confrontation, they could not only secure victory but also destroy the enemy's entire capital fleet. That would ensure the British would never again pose a threat to the German Navy.
"Yes, Admiral," Vice Admiral Hipper replied, nodding.
"By the way, Admiral, Prince Heinrich has informed us that the pilots need rest. They will not be able to launch a third attack until two hours from now," Vice Admiral Hipper continued.
Admiral Scheer nodded. "No problem. In two hours, the aircraft will launch their attack, and that should help us to decisively defeat the British."
The German High Seas Fleet sprang into action. The 11 battlecruisers began to accelerate, preparing to maneuver behind the Allied fleet. The remaining 23 battleships pressed southward, closing in for the final showdown.
"Damn Germans, they're trying to annihilate us!" Admiral Jellicoe immediately realized the Germans' strategy. This was bad news for the Allied fleet. Should they lose this battle, few ships would manage to escape.
"Order all ships to prepare for battle! Since the Germans plan to encircle us, we will first strike at their main fleet! Before their battlecruisers can surround us, we must defeat them! If we do that, we will win!" Admiral Jellicoe ordered.