The Phoney War's limited and divided bombing effort probably would not stop already launched German hulls from being fitted out. Germany could therefore send three 11-inch ships, two newly commissioned 15-inch ships, and a carrier toward Norway. The older Scharnhorsts would be the most thoroughly worked-up units because German commissioning practice and Hitler's eagerness to use new ships put the later vessels to sea before full trials and training. A force of that size is also difficult to conceal, and British intelligence historically tracked much smaller German departures. Britain would respond with maximum-strength formations and would probably protect fleet carriers such as Courageous rather than risk them on anti-submarine patrols when an enemy carrier was approaching service.
Notable Point · 1:18:41-1:24:02
New German hulls create a readiness and intelligence problem
Five German capital ships and a carrier look formidable in April 1940, but rushed work-up and the visibility of such a concentration give Britain important advantages.