Bismarck with Scharnhorst and Gneisenau

If Operation Berlin had been delayed, would Scharnhorst and Gneisenau have joined Bismarck and improved her chances?

They might have joined, but a three-capital-ship breakout would likely have caused a larger Royal Navy concentration in the North Atlantic.

Lütjens wanted a larger raiding force, so delaying Operation Berlin could have allowed Scharnhorst and Gneisenau to sail with Bismarck. The British would probably notice the preparations, and the prospect of three German capital ships would encourage them to withdraw forces from other theaters to reinforce the North Atlantic. The expected response includes Ark Royal and Victorious with worked-up air groups, every available fast capital ship, and a slower battle group. The danger posed by a stronger German sortie therefore has to be considered alongside the larger British force it could provoke.