An endless column of Royal Navy capital ships departs from Scapa Flow and Rosyth, heading for the southern North Sea.
The German High Seas Fleet, under the command of Admiral Reinhard Scheer, leaves Wilhelmshaven and steers north to intercept British advances.

A cloud in the shape of a fist hangs over the sun-glittering surface of the North Sea.

3:00 p.m. – The British light cruiser HMS Galatea spots a column of smoke on the horizon. Two British destroyers are sent to investigate. All clear – the smoke comes from the neutral Norwegian steamer N.J. Fjord.

3:20 p.m. – HMS Galatea notices German light cruisers of the II Reconnaissance Group under Rear Admiral Friedrich Boedicker behind the steamer. Both sides close in.

3:28 p.m. – The German light cruiser SMS Elbing opens fire on HMS Galatea. Seconds later, the British ships return fire.

The largest naval battle of the First World War has begun. In no time, both sides are at battle stations, signals flashing by radio and flag to the flagships.

Amid the thunderous roar of battle, one command rings out unmistakably:
Z-VOR!