The German armoured-cruiser main battery is not expected to shrink in this scenario. Tarkin instead prizes speed and firepower that can deliver a knockout blow before British concentration becomes overwhelming. Enough armour remains necessary to survive if the cruiser cannot escape cleanly. The resulting ship is an operational instrument for breaking a British strategic blockade and opening access to Atlantic commerce warfare.
Chapter · 25:30-26:00
Fast German cruisers for breaking the British blockade
Tarkin's cruisers emphasize speed and a hard opening blow so they can pierce a British strategic blockade and reach the Atlantic.