In the end, the German First Fast Fleet was heavily defeated, losing one battlecruiser, two cruisers, and four destroyers.

The battleship "Luzov" managed to return safely.

It was saved because a cruiser rushed up at high speed at the last moment to block a torpedo for it.

After this, Major General Kavis had to order the fleet to retreat, understanding that continuing was pointless.

They came with 20 ships, full of murderous intent to give the French Navy a shock, but returned with only 13, having only damaged two destroyers and one cruiser of the enemy.

This left Major General Kavis seething with rage.

The most grievous loss for the German Army was the precious battlecruiser.

The Moltke-class "Seydlitz", a rather advanced battlecruiser, only having been in service since May 1913, less than three years ago.

...

Antwerp, Shire's command post.

When the news of victory arrived, the command room erupted in cheers, the staff eagerly rushing to surround Shire, each vying to hug and shake his hand:

"Excellent, General, we defeated the German Navy."

"Unbelievable, with barely any losses, we sank a battlecruiser, the Germans' most advanced battlecruiser."

"The German Fleet is second in the world, if we defeated them, does it mean our navy is second in the world?"

The speaker was Wei Gang, who had been by Shire's side as a combat staff.

The staff all cast amused glances at Wei Gang.

Second in the world?

This guy thinks at this level the French Navy would still settle for second in the world?

Despite their thoughts they kept to themselves, merely smiling with knowing expressions.

At this moment Admiral Gephardt walked into Shire's office.

His command post was right below Shire's, to better coordinate air and naval forces, otherwise, this battle could not have been so splendid.

Admiral Gephardt's cheeks were flushed with excitement, he stepped forward to grasp Shire's hand, trembling as he said, "We won, truly won, Vice Admiral. You were right, these torpedo bombers really worked!"

"Indeed, General," Shire replied calmly, "Even without torpedo bombers, the Germans wouldn't have had an easy time in this battle."

Admiral Gephardt nodded heavily.

Although the escort fleet was unmatched in tonnage and firepower compared to the German Fleet, the French Fleet took advantage of merchant ships as bait to occupy the advantageous "T" formation, allowing all ships to fire upon the German Fleet from the outset.

More importantly, the French Fleet approached the German Fleet under the cover of fog, entering the torpedo range of 3 kilometers at the start of the battle.

At this distance, possessing new wire-guided torpedoes, the French Fleet could contend even against the heavily armed battlecruisers.

"I have some issues to discuss with you." Admiral Gephardt glanced towards the meeting room.

Shire nodded in understanding, rising and following Admiral Gephardt into the meeting room, closing the door behind them.

Outside, the cheers of officers and soldiers echoed again, some people were wildly tossing documents and papers into the air, fluttering like petals welcoming heroes.

Admiral Gephardt sat gratified in a chair, nodding emotionally, his eyes reflecting his deep feelings, soon even a sheen of tears appeared.

He recalled the struggles of the French Navy over the past century, always striving but consistently overshadowed by the Royal Navy of Britain, to the point of almost withdrawing from the Atlantic to solely guard the Mediterranean.

Now, everything seemed different...

"General?" Shire called.

Admiral Gephardt suddenly awakened, he smiled slightly, rubbed his nose, and discreetly wiped the corners of his eyes: "Sorry, Vice Admiral, I just... you understand, this is a special victory, very special."

"Yes, I understand." Shire nodded in acknowledgment.

This victory held great significance for the navy, especially for an old soldier like Admiral Gephardt, who might witness the French Navy return to its peak within his lifetime, just for this he had no more regrets, not to mention the tremendous benefits this could bring to France.

Taking a moment to calm down, Admiral Gephardt softly said: "Although we achieved a remarkable victory, it seems strategically unfavorable, am I right?"

Shire nodded, knowing what Admiral Gephardt referred to.

The ultimate goal of France was to surpass the Royal Navy of Britain, even if not in direct combat, it was to ensure that Britain and the world acknowledged the French Navy as the number one in the world.

From this strategic perspective, France should join forces with the German Navy to contain the Royal Navy.

Thus, heavily damaging the German Navy did not benefit the interests of the French Navy.

"I know," Shire said, "That's why we didn't pursue them aggressively."

At this moment, the French Navy was equipped with 1000-ton Adventurer-class destroyers capable of reaching speeds of 31 knots, catching up to the German Fleet wasn't a problem.

Only one squadron of bombers was deployed, the other squadron circled nearby without engaging.

"But we still sank seven German warships, including a battlecruiser," Admiral Gephardt said worriedly, "I fear, from now on the German Fleet will not dare leave Helgoland Bay."

Shire shook his head in response, his eyes brimming with confidence:

"No, General, they will come out."

"They will soon realize the British lack our new torpedoes and torpedo bombers, even if the British have 'Caproni'."

"The purpose of this battle was to send the Germans a message, never to provoke the French Navy again."

Admiral Gephardt nodded slightly.

France had torpedo bombers in the air, new wire-guided torpedoes in the sea, and echo detectors to find submarines, the Germans knew how to choose.

Then Shire added: "If the Germans are smart, they should realize this hints at how to break the British Royal Navy's blockade, it would be blessings for them, not trouble."

"What?" Admiral Gephardt was stunned, "You mean, the Germans could break the British fleet's blockade?"

"Of course." Shire reminded, "The Germans have more advanced aviation engines, they just mistakenly put the best engines in their airships."

Admiral Gephardt didn't understand initially, thinking for a moment before exclaiming: "Oh, they can enhance bomber performance and equip them with torpedoes?"

"Yes, General." Shire replied, "The Germans cannot surpass the British in battleships, I can only help them raise the war to another level."

Admiral Gephardt stared blankly at Shire for a long time, unable to speak.

So this was Shire's real intention, it could be said he exhausted himself for the German Navy!