Chapter 0612: Astonishment

When the aircraft carriers launched their planes, the fighters took off first. Being the lightest, they required the shortest runway. Bombers and torpedo planes followed in succession.

The planes that launched first did not immediately fly away but circled above the carriers, awaiting the assembly of the entire squadron. Only after all aircraft were airborne and had completed their formation did they leave the carriers' airspace to embark on their attack mission.

One by one, aircraft lifted off from the *Vanguard* and *Victory* carriers, forming a dense formation that circled above—a sight both awe-inspiring and daunting. When the last aircraft had taken off and joined the formation, the squadron surged southward en masse.

"May God watch over these young men," murmured Grand Admiral Prince Heinrich, praying fervently. He hoped not only that these planes would inflict maximum damage upon British battleships but also that they would return safely.

Training a carrier-based pilot was no easy feat; each one was a treasure of the German Navy. In the previous battle, since the British fleet lacked anti-air weaponry, the pilots had dropped their bombs unimpeded, without fear of being shot down. This time, however, would be different. Having learned from their bitter defeat, the British had equipped their battleships with a substantial array of anti-aircraft guns and machine guns. Launching an attack and escaping unscathed would undoubtedly be a formidable challenge for the German pilots.

Yet, in war, death is inevitable. The only recourse is to secure victory at the smallest possible cost—a relentless goal for the German Navy.

As the German aircraft sped southward, the Allied fleet had also prepared for battle. Their reconnaissance seaplanes had detected the German High Seas Fleet to the north.

"The Germans are upon us, less than sixty kilometers away. At this pace, we'll engage in under two hours. The fate of the British Empire rests on this confrontation!" declared Admiral John Jellicoe.

Vice Admiral David Beatty nodded gravely. Any description of this battle's importance would fall short; the very survival of the Empire was at stake.

"The Germans are committing their entire fleet—23 battleships, 11 battlecruisers, a total of 34 capital ships. We outnumber them by just two ships. If only our previous plans to cripple the German battlecruisers had succeeded! We would be in a stronger position now," Beatty sighed.

"Indeed. But unfortunately, our plans fell short. The Germans have grown cautious, given the upper hand they've secured in this war. The German Navy has now supplanted the Royal Navy as the dominant force at sea. Naturally, they will proceed with even greater caution," replied Jellicoe.

In the Royal Navy's prime, safeguarding the Empire's supremacy had required him to command with the utmost prudence. After all, every order carried monumental weight, bearing on the fate of the Empire.

"It's futile to dwell on it now; we must ready ourselves for decisive battle. This time, if we fail, there will be no second chance. We must win," Jellicoe said resolutely.

Vice Admiral Beatty nodded, his expression determined.

They had exhausted every avenue to assemble a fleet capable of challenging the German Navy. No other nation, save Japan in the East, possessed advanced capital ships. Should Britain lose this naval clash, the opportunity to reverse their fortunes would be lost forever.

"Send word to Admirals Lamer and Paul. The battle will commence in two hours. There is no retreat this time. If we are to claim victory, we must fight with all we have," ordered Jellicoe.

"Yes, Admiral!"

Admirals Lamer and Paul had returned to their respective flagships. To achieve victory, they would need to work in flawless coordination. With each commanding their fleet, they were undoubtedly the best suited for the task.

The Allied fleet had divided its main force into five divisions. Vice Admiral Martin commanded the twelve American battleships, forming the 1st and 2nd Battleship Divisions. The remaining capital ships of the Royal Navy, including the battlecruiser *Tiger*, formed the 3rd Battleship Division. The French Navy's ten capital ships constituted the 4th, while Italy's six battleships made up the 5th Battleship Division.

Minute by minute, time slipped away. The Allied sailors remained unaware that the battle had already begun; German carrier-based aircraft were en route and would soon strike.

At 9 a.m., the German planes reached the skies above the Allied fleet.

The shrill sound of alarms echoed throughout the fleet as Admirals Jellicoe, Beatty, and others rushed out to survey the black dots on the horizon. Through binoculars, they saw the distinctive iron crosses painted on the wings of the planes, bombs or torpedoes suspended beneath their bellies. Both men's faces were marked with shock.

"Damn it, German planes! They're operational here in the Atlantic as well?" Jellicoe cursed.

In their last engagement, the British had suffered terribly at the hands of German carrier aircraft. They had assumed that combat in the Atlantic would spare them from this ordeal. Yet, here they were again, facing Germany's air power.

"It seems these planes launched not from land but from carriers at sea. Otherwise, they wouldn't have reached us here," Beatty replied, his expression grim.

Jellicoe nodded; understanding that now, however, offered no advantage.

"Order the fleet to prepare for anti-air defense! This time, we must prevent those toys from sinking our capital ships!" Jellicoe growled through clenched teeth.