How would German leaders react if a Royal Navy submarine sank one of Scharnhorst and Gneisenau on an early patrol?
Short answerThey might hold back major ships until more destroyers were available and demand anti-torpedo bulges for Bismarck and Tirpitz, potentially slowing them enough for older British battleships to engage.
NotesThe question removes either Scharnhorst or Gneisenau on an early patrol. Fear of British submarines might then restrain German major-ship operations until more destroyers were available, potentially affecting the Norway campaign. Hitler might also demand bulges for Bismarck and Tirpitz. In the imagined result, the added protection costs several knots and brings the ships closer to the speed range of Nelson and Rodney. That would give Britain different capital ships to use on northern patrols alongside the King George V class. These consequences are possibilities, not a prediction that every step would follow.