The alternate Battle of Jutland may never develop into the historical fleet action. If two or three German battlecruisers meet a much larger and faster British scouting force, they are likely to be destroyed before they can lead Beatty toward Scheer's battle line. Scheer must then decide whether to continue without his scouts or withdraw before Jellicoe finds him. The High Seas Fleet could return to being a fleet in being without the dramatic encounter of 31 May 1916, giving the Royal Navy another victory while leaving the frustrating strategic problem of a German fleet sheltered in harbour.
Notable Point · 1:37:42-1:40:14
Jutland might end before the battle fleets meet
Destruction of the weakened First Scouting Group could send Scheer home before the Grand Fleet ever makes contact.