Germany's main battle fleet would need the Kiel Canal to move quickly from Wilhelmshaven into the Baltic. Blocking the canal could trap it in the North Sea and secure the lodgements, but that success might also deny Jellicoe the decisive engagement he sought. A direct attack on Wilhelmshaven offers no easy substitute because the base sat behind Germany's strongest and densest minefields. The same barrier historically discouraged British pursuit after Jutland. Sending enough ships to contain Wilhelmshaven would consume most of the Grand Fleet and leave too little strength for the Baltic objective. The canal blockade is a powerful opportunity, but its timing must still allow Germany to be drawn out.
Notable Point · 1:58:25-1:59:59
The Kiel Canal dilemma and Wilhelmshaven's minefields
Blocking the Kiel Canal protects the Baltic lodgement but may prevent the very fleet battle Jellicoe wants, while attacking Wilhelmshaven means entering Germany's densest minefields.