Operation Berlin against a stronger Allied fleet

Operation Berlin ran from January to March 1941 and nearly brought Scharnhorst and Gneisenau into contact with British battleships, including Rodney. More Allied fast capital ships and carriers would make an unscathed return less likely, although the raid's effective execution leaves success possible. A carrier strike could slow one German ship enough for French and British heavy ships to intercept it. Their heavier guns would overmatch the German ships' 11-inch armament. If the damaged ship tried to sacrifice itself while its companion escaped, slower Allied battleships could engage it while the fast ships continued the pursuit.