Force K raced across the Atlantic to reinforce Commodore Harwood's squadron during the Battle of the River Plate crisis. The aim was to provide heavier ships if Admiral Graf Spee tried to break out. Force K also offered a means of intercepting the raider after a successful escape. Its operating area was Freetown, rather than Gibraltar, and it had been positioned there for this heavy support role.
Notable Point · 0:32-1:04
Reinforcing the River Plate hunt from Freetown
During the Battle of the River Plate crisis, Force K raced from Freetown to reinforce Harwood's squadron if Admiral Graf Spee broke out.