Q&A · 3:39:58-3:41:05

A British night attack at the Denmark Strait

Royal Navy night doctrine favoured closing until enemy weapons visibly moved, even when both sides possessed radar-assisted gunnery.

Question

What would Holland's plan entail if he achieved a night attack at the Denmark Strait?

Short answer

He would close to visual contact before opening fire, using surprise and radar support while gambling that the Germans also delayed for identification.

Notes

Holland's force would keep closing until observers could see the German guns begin to move. The movement would be watched visually. German radar-directed gunnery might allow an earlier engagement, but the Germans could also wait to identify their targets. British ships had radar-controlled gunnery too, so the answer leaves the outcome dependent on detection and identification decisions.