Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:17:54-1:18:16

Could Achilles have torpedoed Graf Spee at night?

A night torpedo attack near Montevideo is judged worthwhile if the British believed they could get away with it.

Admiral Graf SpeeBattle Of The River PlateHMS AchillesTorpedoes
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Would it have been worth risking a night torpedo attack on Admiral Graf Spee close to shore?

Short answer

Yes, if the British believed they could get away with it; Achilles was already moving into position on the night of the 14th.

Notes

A torpedo attack against Admiral Graf Spee close to shore carried the risk of accidentally hitting the shore. The response nevertheless judges the opportunity worthwhile if the British believed they could get away with it. HMS Achilles had been moving into position on the night of the 14th. The suggestion that she would have fired remains a conditional judgment about attacking the stationary ship.