Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:08:50-4:10:41

Which Axis battleships would add value to Operation Crossroads?

Littorio raises a question about the Pugliese protection system, while Tirpitz prompts curiosity about how an atomic blast would compare with the conventional attacks made against her.

German Battleship TirpitzLittorio Class BattleshipsNuclear Weapons TestingOperation CrossroadsUnderwater Protection
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Question

Which additional historic ships would the panel assign to the Operation Crossroads Baker atomic test?

Short answer

Suggestions include Littorio to test the Pugliese protection system and Tirpitz because of the effort historically spent sinking her. The initial preference is to sacrifice no additional ship.

Notes

Dr. Clarke would avoid sacrificing any additional historic ship. If a choice has to be made, Littorio offers a chance to examine how the Pugliese underwater-protection system would react to the Baker atomic test. Its association with Fascist Italy supplies a separate symbolic reason for the choice. Tirpitz attracts interest because of the conventional firepower expended in trying to sink her. Curiosity about the resulting damage and personal attitudes toward the ships both influence these selections.