The fast capital ships available in August 1914 were spread across the Mediterranean, Pacific, North Sea, and home waters. Britain had Indefatigable, Inflexible, and Indomitable in the Mediterranean, Australia in the Pacific, and Invincible, New Zealand, Lion, Princess Royal, and Queen Mary nearer home. Germany had Von der Tann, Moltke, and Seydlitz in the North Sea while Derfflinger remained in trials, with Goeben already in the Mediterranean. Even after sending Lion south, Britain retained a four-to-three northern margin, with Tiger expected around the time Derfflinger became operational and Queen Elizabeth following later in 1914. This force balance supported a temporary reduction in northern strength to remove Goeben.
Chapter · 13:16-16:07
The 1914 force balance makes Lion available
A ship-by-ship comparison shows that Britain could send Lion south while retaining a temporary North Sea advantage and expecting Tiger and Queen Elizabeth to enter service.