Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:24:49-3:28:29

An Iceland seaplane tender and the Atlantic air gap

An Icelandic base could extend anti-submarine coverage, but Britain needed more flying boats and greater Coastal Command investment to exploit it.

Anti-Submarine WarfareBattle of the AtlanticFlying BoatsIcelandRAF Coastal CommandSeaplanesShort RangoonShort SingaporeShort SunderlandSupermarine ScapaSupermarine SouthamptonSupermarine StranraerSupermarine Walrus
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Question

What if a Royal Navy seaplane tender reached an Icelandic port a week after the invasion of Denmark?

Short answer

It would help bridge the air gap, especially with Sunderlands, but only if backed by enough long-range aircraft and basing support.

Notes

An Icelandic base could help bridge the Atlantic air gap if Britain secured operating rights and supplied enough suitable aircraft. Walruses could perform anti-submarine work, while Sunderlands would be more useful for the role. Older flying boats offered only a limited reserve: the potentially available Rangoon and Singapore force is estimated at no more than about 30 aircraft. Stranraers remained in wartime use, with 57 built for the Royal Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force. The 15 Scapas had retired in 1939, while the older Southamptons had already disappeared from service. A tender and a favorable location would therefore need much greater Coastal Command investment to support a viable patrol force.