The episode places Holtzendorff's return in the context of early wartime disagreement over unrestricted submarine warfare and attacks on civilian targets. Once back in office, he promoted submarine operations and minelaying, including the use of small coastal minelaying submarines around Britain. British observers initially suspected neutral trawlers until the capture of one of the boats exposed the method. The moment shows how a former battle-fleet commander turned to undersea weapons when conventional naval competition appeared unwinnable.
Chapter · 7:20-9:57
Return to the naval staff in wartime
Recalled after the naval staff changed hands in 1915, Holtzendorff intensified submarine activity and coastal minelaying around Britain.