Part 21: 20:20 - 20:35
Ordersquote:
Friedrich der Große will maintain speed and heading, engaging targets of opportunity.
3. II Squadron : Let's regroup with the main fleet and see whatwe can dowhen night falls/if the enemy disengages.
I Scouting grp : Steer for the Horns Reef (155), 16 knots for now, let the fleet catch up.
II Scouting grp : Turn to starboard to heading 090, maximum speed.
2.IV Scouting: Turn North. Return fire if fired upon, engage the target to our NW if it's British and in range.
4.IV Scouting Group : Keep heading south, and try to stay out of trouble.
9.V Half-Flotilla : Maintain speed, continue going East.
10.V Half-Flotilla : Continue to move to rejoin the main battle group, and turn to match their heading and speed.
13.VII Half Flotilla : Heading: 280 degrees Speed: 20 knots.
20:21
The 17.IX Half-Flotilla continue begin their charge into the maw proper of the British fleet.
The damage to these ships begins to mount quickly, but can they draw enough fire off the fleeing Battleships?
20:23
The V27 is hit rapidly in succession, her captain is wounded twice by one hit to the bridge, and then killed by another. Its finally a 12 inch shell that breaks the back of this brave destroyer.
After that hits, only 2 of her crew of 85 remain alive. These shells are then followed by anotehr 12 inch and a 15 inch shell!
20:24
The cruiser Castor crosses the destroyers, and the S36 is hit by two torpedoes fired by her accompanying destroyers, and reported to be sinking.
20:29
The sun begins to set, and the sky turns blood red for a bloody day. The bulk of the German battleships can no longer see the enemy, and only 2.I sqaudron is in contact with them. Even they cannot fire on the British ships.
An eary queit decends over the sea, broken only with the death of the last two ships of the 17.IX.
20:33
The Cruiser Champion, which has been snooping around to our south for the whole battle, finally comes into range of our guns, and the entire battlefleet opens up on her.
20:35
The twilight leads to rapidly dropping visibility. Here is the full map for everyone, as at this point, it matters little.
As night falls, we will lose contact with the main British fleet - the one remaining ship in the 17.IX will not last much longer before going under, and then that large blob will go. Only the Champion will remain, and she is trying to get away at best speed.
Not much longer left in this one gentlemen.
Messages
9.V Half-Flotlla to all:
My boys didn't sign up to do nothing! The captain has a plan!
I Scouting Grp to Fleet:
Derfflinger is low on ammo. I'll lead the way home.
II Scouting to 5.III Squadron:
AM RETURNING TO BASE. HOPE THE KAISER WILL BE CONSOLED BY THE SAFE RETURN OF THREE LIGHT CRUISERS.