A 3,500-nautical-mile radius was impressive only by contemporary German standards, not against the voyage and on-station endurance demanded by Atlantic or Mediterranean operations. A raider aimed at French trade would need to reach distant operating grounds and remain there without Germany possessing a supporting base network. Going through or around British waters added distance and political or operational risk before Gefion could even begin her mission. The comparison shows why range must be judged against the assigned task rather than against the specifications of neighboring ships.
Notable Point · 23:17-24:31
Why Gefion's range did not fit commerce raiding
Gefion's radius looked adequate beside other German ships but was poorly matched to distant commerce warfare without overseas bases and support.