Q&A · 2:44:57-2:46:50

Rebuilding the fast force after a Dogger Bank disaster

Losing five battlecruisers would force recalls, accelerated construction, and closer Grand Fleet support.

Question

What if the Royal Navy lost its battlecruisers at Dogger Bank?

Short answer

Britain would recall available ships, accelerate Renown and Repulse, and keep future operations closer to the Grand Fleet.

Notes

If the five British battlecruisers at Dogger Bank were trapped and lost, Queen Elizabeth would be recalled and the surviving battlecruisers brought back from other stations. The Invincibles and Australia would still provide ships for a fast wing while Renown and Repulse were hurried toward completion. Future operations would keep the Grand Fleet as close as possible. A different command structure would restrict the battlecruisers' freedom to operate independently.