More Atlantic capital ships against German raiders

A larger Allied force in the North Atlantic could change German decisions about Operations Berlin and Rheinübung. Dunkerque and Strasbourg would join the British fast ships and make it easier to give Hood overdue maintenance before a German sortie. Scharnhorst and Gneisenau would be more likely to encounter a fast opponent capable of damaging or slowing them. Hitler's anger after their historical encounter with Renown illustrates how damage, even when ships escape, could restrict later operations. Bismarck might stay in port, sortie separately, or sail with both ships in a combined operation around May 1941. A combined German force could defeat a lone battleship escort and still suffer damage that exposed it to heavier Allied pursuers. Ark Royal and Victorious could launch joint strikes, with fast and heavy capital-ship groups following. The example envisages four or five ships in each Allied group, so a slowed German force could face roughly ten capital ships, although the actual battle and losses remain uncertain.