Shortages of fast capital ships helped keep Hood out of refit. Using an assumed 1,400-day build, the alternative timetable brings Prince of Wales into service in November 1940, Duke of York in February 1941, and Howe in April 1941. Anson follows in May. The scenario places four King George V-class battleships in service around the historical Denmark Strait crisis and treats Anson as arriving too late for that battle. Prince of Wales would have more time to work up, while other modern ships give the navy an alternative to sending Hood. The encounter itself remains conditional because the changed balance could alter Germany's decision to sortie.
Chapter · 18:32-23:43
Earlier King George V battleships give the Home Fleet more options
An assumed 1,400-day build brings several modern battleships forward and makes Hood easier to withdraw for modernization.