Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:03:48-1:06:37

Why two Type IIB submarines would not transform China's war with Japan

Two small German-designed boats bring limited combat power, unreliable early torpedoes, and a risk of teaching Japan the wrong ASW lesson.

Anti-Submarine WarfareImperial Japanese NavyRepublic Of China NavySubmarinesType II U-Boat
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

How would two planned Type IIB submarines have affected the Republic of China's war with Japan?

Short answer

They would have little direct effect and might encourage Japanese complacency about anti-submarine warfare.

Notes

A pair of Type IIB submarines would be too small a force to cause major operational problems for the Imperial Japanese Navy. The boats were not among the most capable submarines available and would inherit the weaknesses of early German torpedoes. Their poor results might even reinforce Japanese confidence that its existing anti-submarine measures were adequate. That unintended lesson could later benefit American fleet submarines more than the two Chinese boats benefited China.