Chapter · 18:26-20:40

Finish Dutch submarines and destroyers first

Dutch industry should concentrate funds on completing submarines and destroyers before invasion overtakes the yards.

Notes

The Netherlands has capable designs and an active shipbuilding base, but not enough time to complete everything before a European invasion. The contrast between Isaac Sweers and Gerard Callenburgh makes the schedule problem concrete: one becomes a usable Dutch destroyer, while the unfinished Callenburgh is taken over by Germany. Money and labour would go first to vessels already under construction, especially submarines and destroyers that can be finished quickly and support an offset strategy. Gunboats, escorts, and submarine chasers have uses, but combatants that can immediately threaten stronger fleets take priority. Scarce capacity belongs on viable hulls that can reach service in time.