Chapter 0426: Clash of Battlecruisers

The squadron of battlecruisers from the Royal Navy, separated from the German Navy's First Battlecruiser Squadron by merely dozens of kilometers—approximately a two-hour voyage—would inevitably encounter each other within an hour, given their converging paths.

Both sides boasted six battlecruisers, yet the performance of the vessels in the German First Battlecruiser Squadron was evidently superior to that of their British counterparts, as had been demonstrated in previous naval engagements. Vice Admiral David Beatty's confidence stemmed largely from the three Queen Elizabeth-class battlecruisers; had it not been for the German Navy's surprise assault that severely damaged two of those ships, the British Second Battlecruiser Squadron would have consisted of five Queen Elizabeth-class vessels, greatly enhancing their chances of victory.

As time passed, the distance between the two fleets steadily diminished. By 9 AM, a German destroyer reported the sighting of the British battlecruiser squadron.

"Prepare for battle!" Vice Admiral Hipper promptly issued the readiness command.

The three Mackensen-class and three Blücher-class battlecruisers elevated their guns, poised to unleash their formidable firepower upon the British battlecruisers, sending them to the depths of the North Sea.

Simultaneously, the British battlecruiser squadron also detected the approach of the German fleet. 

"Sir, we have spotted six German battlecruisers. In ten minutes, they will enter our firing range," a staff officer reported to Vice Admiral Beatty.

"Excellent! We have indeed encountered only six German battlecruisers. God save the British Empire!" A flicker of elation crossed Beatty's face. Confronting merely six German battlecruisers was undoubtedly the best outcome. He believed that with his six battlecruisers, augmented by three Queen Elizabeth-class vessels, they could decisively overpower the German fleet.

"Hmph! The Germans are too overconfident, thinking they can vanquish us with just six battlecruisers. Soon, they will learn that the Royal Navy is not easily defeated," Beatty scoffed. Despite the overall unfavorable situation, he believed that if they could secure an early victory and neutralize several German battlecruisers, it would significantly bolster their odds. Moreover, he longed to avenge past humiliations.

"Order all ships to prepare for battle. Today shall be our day of reckoning. Additionally, direct the Second Battlecruiser Squadron to flank the Germans. This time, we shall leave all six German battlecruisers here!" Beatty commanded.

The Queen Elizabeth-class battlecruisers, capable of speeds up to 24 knots, while not matching the sheer power of the battlecruisers, were nonetheless sufficiently swift for this flanking maneuver. Equipped with 381mm main guns, their formidable firepower further bolstered Beatty's confidence.

However, Beatty remained unaware that reinforcements were not limited to his side. The six battlecruisers of the German Navy's Second Battlecruiser Squadron were also hastening to join the fray.

As the German First Battlecruiser Squadron and the British battlecruiser squadron drew closer, their ships formed a battle line. When they reached a distance of about ten kilometers, both sides simultaneously began to turn northeast, a maneuver executed by Beatty to close the gap with his main fleet.

Hipper, unperturbed, commanded his communications officer to relay this information to the flagship. Since the British intended to draw them toward their main force, he would allow the German main fleet to follow suit, ready for a direct clash.

In any case, the German Navy clearly held the advantage in this confrontation. Even in a major engagement, they would not suffer, but rather capitalize on the opportunity.

"Prepare for battle!"

As the distance narrowed to fifteen kilometers, hostilities commenced in earnest.

The German battle line was led by the Mackensen, followed by the Prince Friedrich, Friedrich Karl, Blücher, von der Tann, and Leopold.

The British line was formed by the Tiger, Queen Mary, Royal Princess, New Zealand, Invincible, and Indefatigable.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!" The flagship Mackensen initiated the first shots. Five of the three-gun turrets, armed with 380mm guns, unleashed their fire.

Heavy armor-piercing shells, each weighing over a ton, whistled through the air, crashing toward the British ships over ten kilometers away.

The other five battlecruisers quickly followed suit. However, the 305mm guns of the Blücher-class battlecruisers struggled to achieve accuracy at such a distance.

"Commence bombardment!" Beatty commanded. This time, he did not wait to close the distance before opening fire, for he was acutely aware that the German Navy's gunnery was no less competent than that of the Royal Navy, perhaps even superior. Despite the Royal Navy's well-trained personnel and centuries of tradition instilling a fierce fighting spirit, it would be immensely challenging for the German Navy to surpass them in terms of soldier quality.

Fortunately, with advancements in technology, the role of manpower in warfare had diminished considerably. While the German sailors might not match their British counterparts in quality, their advanced technology—such as cutting-edge targeting equipment and fire control systems—allowed them to hold their own, if not gain an edge, in artillery prowess.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!" The battlecruisers of both sides unleashed a ferocious barrage, their shells streaking toward the opposing ships.

Shells detonated on the surface of the sea, sending towering columns of water skyward, as the ocean itself seemed to boil with fury.

"God save the British Empire; we must prevail against the Germans in this battle!" Beatty silently prayed. This confrontation was of paramount importance to them. Even if they ultimately faced defeat, he hoped to inflict sufficient losses on the German Navy.