Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 24:11-25:08

The 1939 Royal Navy against the High Seas Fleet

A 1939 British fleet sent to Jutland would combine longer-ranged guns, radar, and carrier reconnaissance against an opponent unable to answer naval aviation.

Battle Of JutlandHigh Seas FleetNaval AviationRadarRoyal Navy
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

How quickly would the 1939 Royal Navy defeat the German High Seas Fleet under Jutland conditions?

Short answer

Very quickly, because radar, extended gun range, and carrier aircraft would give the British overwhelming information and striking advantages.

Notes

The 1939 Royal Navy is expected to defeat the High Seas Fleet quickly in the Jutland setting. Improved gun elevation extends British firing ranges, and radar adds another advantage. Carrier aircraft would reveal German movements and attack ships with little ability to oppose them. Even if Britain began with only its historical 1916 information, its aircraft would soon provide much more.