Chapter 0607: The Final Battle

The speed of the *Von der Tann* and *Leopold* battlecruisers surged to 25 knots, nearing their theoretical maximum velocity. At this pace, the British fleet was simply unable to catch up.

Of course, the light cruisers and destroyers might have been able to pursue, but what good would that have done? The main guns of the two battlecruisers could easily reduce these smaller vessels to wreckage.

As for torpedo attacks, that was out of the question. The two battlecruisers were protected by German light cruisers and destroyers, making it impossible for anyone to close the distance and launch a torpedo strike. The notion of sinking either of these formidable ships was utterly implausible.

After chasing the German fleet for some time, Admiral Martin, leading the British forces, realized they would not catch up and reluctantly called off the pursuit.

"Damned Germans, they're running away!" Admiral Martin cursed as he watched the opportunity slip away. His teeth ground in frustration, but there was little that could be done. In a battle between battleships and battlecruisers, a decisive victory was never easily obtained. Once the battlecruisers sensed danger, they could use their speed to disengage. The battleships could only curse from a distance, powerless to change the course of events.

However, sinking one German battlecruiser was still a significant achievement for the British fleet. After all, in the previous showdown, despite suffering heavy losses, they had only managed to sink one German battleship.

"Send a telegram to the commander, inform them that we've sunk one German battlecruiser, but the other two managed to escape. We were unable to catch up. We will continue north according to the original plan!" Admiral Martin ordered.

Following the original plan, after eliminating the three *Blücher* class battlecruisers, Admiral Martin's fleet was set to continue northward and confront the remaining nine battlecruisers of the German fleet's convoy squadron, which was heading south. Though they had only sunk one battlecruiser, the other two had been driven off. The German fleet's main force, needing to regroup, would have to take a long detour, wasting valuable time. If fortune favored them, Admiral Martin's fleet might yet join forces with the main body of the combined fleet to wipe out the German convoy squadron.

Upon receiving the telegram from Admiral Martin, Admirals Jellicoe and Beatty remained silent for a long time. While the sinking of a German battlecruiser was undoubtedly a cause for celebration, the escape of the other two marred their victory. It also added considerable uncertainty to the impending final confrontation.

"Sir, it seems we have no other choice but to proceed with the original plan. If the German convoy continues southward, we may still have a chance to eliminate them. If not, we must prepare for a decisive battle with their main fleet," said Admiral Beatty.

Admiral Jellicoe nodded in agreement. "The Germans have lost one battlecruiser, and two others are temporarily out of action. That leaves only nine battlecruisers in their convoy. They are aware that we now possess twelve new battleships. Given our combined strength, they are unlikely to make any rash moves."

"But if their main fleet arrives, we'll be up against a formidable force of twenty-three battleships and eleven battlecruisers," Admiral Beatty added.

"Under such circumstances, our chances of victory would be slim," Admiral Jellicoe's face darkened.

Though the combined fleet would still enjoy a two-ship advantage in battleships, the overall performance of the German ships was superior. The combined fleet would remain at a disadvantage, and, perhaps more worrying, the Germans could deploy aircraft as well, further diminishing their chances of success.

"Regardless, this is a rare opportunity for us. If we let it slip, the Germans will be on guard, and defeating them will be impossible. We have little time left to delay; victory must be won quickly," said Admiral Jellicoe.

Admiral Beatty nodded in agreement. "In that case, let us proceed with the original plan. It would be ideal to eliminate the German convoy fleet first. Even if we cannot, we have enough strength to face the Germans in a final battle. Perhaps our luck will improve this time. With even a slight stroke of fortune, we might yet defeat them."

Admiral Jellicoe nodded in agreement.

The main force of the Combined Fleet had already entered the Atlantic, but they would not join Admiral Martin's fleet until they encountered the German convoy.

The escaping *Von der Tann* and *Leopold* had already reported the encounter with twelve American battleships to the flagship. The sinking of the *Blücher* battlecruiser was a great loss.

Upon hearing the news, Admirals Reinhard Scheer and Vice Admiral Hipper looked grim.

"Damned Americans! They've given all their active battleships to the British. Don't they fear an attack from us?" Vice Admiral Hipper seethed in anger.

"Of course, the Americans have nothing to fear. The Atlantic provides them with excellent protection, and they have already begun to expand their army. We cannot risk an attack on them. That is why they can support the British without concern," Admiral Scheer responded.

"Then, Sir, what should we do now?" Vice Admiral Hipper inquired.

Admiral Scheer thought for a moment. "The British fleet has now regained much of its strength. Twelve American battleships, along with their remaining ones, total nineteen battleships and one battlecruiser. If the convoy continues southward, it will likely fall into an ambush. Send a telegram to Vice Admiral Spee, instructing him to halt his southward advance and wait for the main fleet to arrive. This will be our final confrontation with the British, and we must utterly defeat them to secure the ultimate victory!"