Q&A · 4:32:14-4:34:59

How escaped French and Dutch fleets alter Britain's naval war

Adding the French and Dutch fleets gives Britain both more ships and fewer hostile contingencies to cover, creating benefits across every theater.

Question

What changes if the French and Dutch navies and personnel fully transfer to Britain in 1940?

Short answer

Britain gains capital ships, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines while shedding the need to guard against them, producing compounding advantages across the Home Fleet, Mediterranean, convoys, and carrier force.

Notes

An intact French and Dutch naval evacuation would give Britain more ships while removing uncertainty about those fleets becoming hostile. Dunkerque and Strasbourg could reinforce northern forces watching for German surface raiders. Their presence could release Hood for a refit and provide extra heavy ships for an encounter such as Denmark Strait. Other French battleships and cruisers could strengthen Mediterranean operations. More escorts and capital ships would also permit stronger Arctic convoy protection and a larger Force Z. Avoiding Mers-el-Kébir and similar contingencies would reduce demands on British carriers, which would themselves benefit from the additional escorts.