The German route first had to carry the fleet through its own minefields, then approach Sunderland on an angle suited to the bombardment. Sunderland's position made it likely that Beatty's battlecruisers would reach the raiders before the Grand Fleet. That sequence was central to the ambush because Hipper needed time to draw the faster British ships onto Scheer's battle line before Jellicoe could intervene. The map therefore explains both the target choice and the route, even though the force never reached Sunderland.
Notable Point · 1:04:44-1:05:37
Why Sunderland was meant to draw Beatty first
Sunderland's position made Beatty's battlecruisers the likely first British response, giving the German ambush time to work before the Grand Fleet arrived.