Hood, Renown, Repulse, the Dunkerques, and the Scharnhorsts could form several fast raiding pairs. Even two pairs at sea might sweep Japanese merchant routes while the rest of the coalition fleet advanced deliberately. Japan would then have to decide whether to escort convoys with battleships, hunt the raiders, or maintain extensive air patrols. Every response consumes scarce fuel and disperses forces that Japanese doctrine wanted to preserve for the approaching fleet. Commerce raiding therefore contributes to the blockade before it sinks enough shipping to be decisive on its own.
Notable Point · 3:29:59-3:30:50
Fast Allied raiders force Japan to spend fuel
Pairs of British, French, and German fast capital ships could turn commerce defense into a costly Japanese strategic dilemma.