Jellicoe retained overall command, while the Admiralty initially directed Beatty, the Harwich flotillas, and the overseas submarines because intelligence reached Whitehall first. Their direction would pass to Jellicoe once the forces came into contact with him. Nine seaplanes aboard Engadine, Riviera, and Empress were assigned to attack the Zeppelin sheds, supported by Harwich destroyers and submarines and the cruisers Arethusa, Undaunted, and Fearless. The Grand Fleet concentrated in the middle of the North Sea in case the raid provoked a fleet action. Aircraft unable to find the sheds could attack other military targets and were also expected to report German ship dispositions. Only seven machines started, and dense frost fog beyond the coastline obscured the objectives. Aircraft nevertheless sighted seven battleships and three battlecruisers in the Schillig Roads, although an accurate bombing attack appeared unlikely. Corbett's account describes German ships getting underway in such haste that a collision severely damaged two vessels.
Notable Point · 3:19-5:36
Cuxhaven combines an air raid with a possible fleet action
The Cuxhaven plan linked seaplane bombing and reconnaissance to Harwich support and a concentrated Grand Fleet, although fog prevented the intended attack.