Das letzte Schlachtkreuzer.

Chapter 2.

It wasn't long that my ship would see proper action in the War. Our Yorck was to be part of the III Scouting Group,and provide cover for Admiral Hipper's Battlecruisers. I learned that we were to provide reconnaissance,and support his ships in the event of a British Counterattack. I was ready, my men were ready, and the Yorck... was more than ready. Following the incident with the S90, I made sure to equip the Yorck with supplementary life rafts and life rings. If the situation of losing the Yorck ever arises, we would be ready... even with a heavy heart.

The faithful day eventually came,as we set out to see for Yarmouth. And joining my colleagues of the III group,we sailed behind Admiral Hipper's force. Although, what interested me was the requests of other Captains from Hipper's force to join them! I had nothing against it,as this would put my crew's training to test. 100 Miles off Yarmouth, I asked Admiral Panschwitz for temporary transfer to the I Scouting Group.

"- Admiral Panscwitz, It came to my knowledge that colleagues from the I Scouting Group want me and the Yorck to assist them. I therefore ask you for authorisation to temporarily join them in this raid."
"- Hmm... Let it be for this raid,Fritz. You and your crew are some of the best,show Hipper what the Yorck can do."
"- Oh,they will see my friend. We meet at Wilhelmshaven."
Back aboard my ship. I told my crew to speed up and communicate the message, We will be joining the I Scouting group. "Lana,flank speed. Edmund,tell the Captain of the Stralsund we'll be joining them." In return,I got two "Ja, Kapitän!" and the crew kicked into motion. It was not long after that we joined them... and it was not long after,the first engagement began.

We were met with gunfire,it was not heavy,but... rather insignificant. Gunfire nonetheless, the light cruisers opened fire,then, the battlecruisers did. But the guns of my cruiser remained silent... I waited, Jules was lining up his shot,and after the wakes caused by the shells falling in the water cleared. I ordered "Alle Kanonen, Feuer!" And the guns finally woke up. 4 shells were now flying towards the target. I waited... and then the report came. "Direct hit!".

I knew this would be the outcome. But the report just confirmed it further. I told my crew to continue the fire,and so,they did.
Tens of minutes after the engagement began. The enemy began to sink. It was then I ordered them to cease fire. It was enough for now.

With the enemy down, Hipper's forces were able to focus on Yarmouth itself,while the Stralsund laid mines. By the end,when we departed, the waters were darted with mines, the shores were damaged by the shelling,and we ourselves,have been credited to be the only ship to score a hit,and sink our enemy. We set for home,the raid being successful in Hipper's eyes. Unfortunately for us... heavy fog set at Wilhelmshaven,forcing us to wait for it to clear.

The following day,the fog did clear... but I didn't deem it enough. I would not risk my ship being sunk,and my crew's death. And so we waited,and an hour or two later... The fog cleared,and we made our way into the port. Following our raid,and combined with Admiral Spee's Battle of Coronel,the British now had four less ships, five,even,after we've been informed that a submarine sank thanks to the mines laid by Stralsund.
 Admiral Hipper received the Iron Cross for his raid,I would see him wearing it the very next day. My ship,and my crew have been praised as the only ship to hit the enemy,and sink it.

Our first combat experience was,a resonating success. And for this,like the many times before, I took my crew out to drink,they assured me that I trained them well.

Our first engagement,was a success.