Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:20:09-1:22:38

A Greek Goeben in the Second World War

A modernized Greek Goeben could add an 11-inch-gunned capital ship to Allied Mediterranean or Force H operations.

BattlecruisersGreek NavyMediterranean FleetSMS Goeben
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Question

What if Greece captured SMS Goeben and retained her into the Second World War?

Short answer

A properly modernized Goeben could serve as a useful fast Allied capital ship in the Mediterranean, though her impact would depend on the refit.

Notes

Greece would probably make an extraordinary effort to maintain a captured Goeben. If reboilered and modernized to reach roughly 28-29 knots, the ship could operate with Force H, Renown, or the Mediterranean Fleet. Its strategic value would depend heavily on whether interwar modernization preserved enough speed and combat utility.