What changes if Admiral Hipper accompanies Graf Spee at the Battle of the River Plate?
Short answerBritain would enlarge Harwood's cruiser force and accelerate the arrival of Renown and Ark Royal, making both the battle and escape harder for the Germans.
NotesThe Royal Navy would increase its hunter groups as soon as it learned that two German cruisers were operating together. Cumberland might remain with Exeter, Ajax, and Achilles instead of leaving for refit, giving Harwood two heavy and two light cruisers. Harwood could attack in matched pairs or use the heavy cruisers on the wings while the light cruisers completed an enveloping movement. Renown and Ark Royal would also move south sooner, so the raiders face both a tougher River Plate battle and a much stronger force blocking escape.