Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:06:23-1:07:43

Would Bismarck sail against a completed King George V force?

Earlier King George V completion could release Hood and Repulse for refits while strengthening the force facing Bismarck.

Alternate HistoryGerman Battleship BismarckKing George V Class Battleships (1939)Lion Class BattleshipsRoyal Navy
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Question

Would Bismarck have sailed if all five King George Vs were operational?

Short answer

Probably not in this counterfactual: Britain could cover the Atlantic approaches with a much stronger fast force.

Notes

If all five King George Vs were operational, Britain could combine them with Renown while sending Hood and Repulse for refits. Accelerating a Lion rather than pausing construction could strengthen the force further. Bismarck would then face a very different opposition from the historical interception force. Under those assumptions, a sortie is judged unlikely because the risk of meeting a Lion would be especially severe.