Chapter 0261: Strangling the British
"Surely the strength of the Imperial Navy has now completely surpassed that of the Royal Navy?" Emperor Wilhelm II inquired.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. In both the number and combat effectiveness of our modern capital ships, we have outstripped the British. Of course, if we consider the pre-dreadnought battleships, the British still possess the largest number in the world. However, those outdated vessels hold little combat capability in modern naval warfare," replied Admiral von Tirpitz.
The German Navy also possesses over twenty pre-dreadnought battleships, yet with dreadnoughts and super-dreadnoughts taking center stage in naval combat, these earlier ships are relegated primarily to coastal defense roles. Following this war, their dismantling is all but certain.
The new capital ships of the German Navy include four Nassau-class battleships, five Helgoland-class battleships, five Kaiser-class battleships, five König-class battleships, three Blücher-class battlecruisers, three Moltke-class battlecruisers, and three Derfflinger-class battlecruisers, totaling nineteen battleships and nine battlecruisers. Additionally, five Bavaria-class battleships and three Mackensen-class battlecruisers are under construction. Once completed, the German Navy will boast twenty-four modern battleships and twelve battlecruisers.
In contrast, the British Navy currently possesses one Dreadnought battleship, three Bellerophon-class battleships, three St. Vincent-class battleships, one Neptune-class battleship, two Orion-class battleships, four King George V-class battleships, two Invincible-class battlecruisers, one Indefatigable-class battlecruiser, two Lion-class battleships, and one Tiger-class battleship, summing to fourteen battleships and six battlecruisers. Naturally, the British Navy also has five Queen Elizabeth-class battleships and five Revenge-class battleships soon to enter service. Once operational, this would grant the British Navy a total of twenty-four battleships and six battlecruisers.
However, unbeknownst to Germany, the British have requisitioned two battleships being constructed for the Ottoman Empire and one for Chile, thereby augmenting the British battleship count by three.
Consequently, both sides are nearly equal in the number of capital ships. Nevertheless, the combat strength of the German Navy's capital ships has been validated through naval engagements.
"Gentlemen, may we now initiate a decisive confrontation with the British Navy? If we were to engage them at this juncture, our chances of success should be considerable!" Wilhelm II proclaimed.
"Your Majesty, while our odds of winning a decisive battle against the British Navy are indeed favorable, the British are hardly foolish. They will not engage us at this time. Were I in command of the British Navy, I would consolidate all forces within the harbor, awaiting the completion of the yet-to-be-commissioned ships before taking action. Thus, even if we wish to confront the British, they would not comply. They would rely on their fortified coastal defenses to stand against us. In such a scenario, we would gain little advantage," Admiral von Tirpitz responded. To assault fortified coastal defenses with battleships would be an act of folly, unless one possessed overwhelming superiority; otherwise, no one would dare to attempt it.
Wilhelm II furrowed his brow. "Are we to simply watch as the British restore their strength? If so, the hard-won advantage we have secured may gradually slip away."
He appeared somewhat reluctant to accept this notion.
"Father, it is not so easy for the British to regain their strength. Although they have ten formidable battleships across two classes set to enter service soon, the Imperial Navy can still maintain an advantage. Should the British choose to engage us in battle, it would be ideal. If they are unwilling to fight, we must continue our strategy of disrupting their maritime communications, severing their sea transport lines until they are slowly strangled into submission. In such a case, they will have no choice but to confront us," Qin Tian remarked.
Wilhelm II hesitated before turning to the naval commanders. "General Scheer, what is your perspective?"
"Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince's suggestion is excellent. In the event that the British are averse to a decisive battle, we must adopt a strategy of disruption. Even if the British attempt to restore their strength through extensive shipbuilding, they will find it unfeasible. Once their maritime supply lines are severed, they will lack the requisite war materials to support the construction of those ships. They may not even have enough food. What then will the British possess to challenge us?" Admiral Reinhardt Scheer asserted.
Wilhelm II nodded in agreement. He was not a naval expert; if the commander of the High Seas Fleet believed this was the course to take, he was willing to proceed, trusting it would be highly advantageous for the German Empire.
"Then let us continue the blockade against Britain, sinking all their merchant vessels and feeding them to the fish of the Atlantic," Wilhelm II declared.
"Understood, Your Majesty," came the unified response.
As it was quite late, Wilhelm II departed early. Qin Tian remained behind to discuss the upcoming tactics with the naval commanders.
"Admiral, how has the submarine force performed?" Qin Tian inquired.
"Your Highness, the submarine force has demonstrated exceptional prowess. In recent times, they have sunk more British merchant ships than our commerce raiders. They have even taken down some British warships—though only small ones, it is nonetheless commendable," Admiral von Tirpitz replied with a smile.
Initially, he had dismissed submarines as inconsequential, believing they could not alter the course of the war. Yet, as the German submarine fleet launched a relentless offensive against British merchant vessels, gradually severing their maritime supply lines, Admiral von Tirpitz began to recognize the true might of submarines.
"The role of submarines will extend far beyond this; further development is imperative. As we advance our submarine capabilities, we must also develop anti-submarine weaponry. This way, even if other nations pursue submarine warfare, we will be equipped to counter them," Qin Tian emphasized.