The visible British lead might persuade Germany to postpone war until about September 1940, buying Britain twelve more months rather than the longer readiness window its services had wanted. That year could put more King George V-class battleships, Illustrious-class carriers, destroyers, and Flower-class corvettes into service while advancing the Lion class. German U-boat numbers historically rose later, after wartime losses such as Narvik and the River Plate strengthened the case for submarine emphasis. If Berlin instead keeps pouring scarce attention into jets, gas turbines, and prestigious surface ships to match Britain, submarine expansion might also be delayed. The scenario therefore gives Britain conventional readiness gains while Germany spends time trying to close a technology gap.
Notable Point · 1:24:25-1:27:14
An extra year strengthens Britain and may delay U-boats
A 1940 opening to the war gives British rearmament another year while German attempts to catch up in jets and turbines may divert effort from submarine expansion.