French submarines were capable and could damage a Channel operation, although their limited numbers and early-war difficulties kept them from forming an effortless barrier. Mines and concentrated German action could overwhelm boats operating close to French bases. The later Austro-Hungarian capture and reuse of French submarines also illustrates their operational vulnerability. Technical promise still depended on the readiness, basing, and survivability of the actual wartime force.
Notable Point · 30:41-31:30
French submarines were dangerous but not an automatic Channel stopper
The French submarine force could threaten a German landing, but limited numbers, early-war problems, mines, and the vulnerability of boats to capture keep it from deciding the scenario by itself.