If Nazi Germany built one in three U-boats as minelayers, how much would that strengthen the force and how could the Allies respond?
Short answerIt would be a significant boost, but British countermeasures were partly prepared because early corvette requirements grew from First World War mine-warfare experience.
NotesThe additional minelayers would create a serious operational problem, but not one the British had ignored. First World War mining shaped early orders for small escort and minesweeping vessels. The British response would expand an existing mine-warfare requirement rather than begin from an empty organization. The exchange shows how institutional memory can reduce the surprise value of an enemy force-structure change.