Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:11:57-1:13:25

Kongos and Togo as an independent Jutland force

Japanese battlecruisers and Admiral Togo would add both combat power and an independent observer to the British fleet.

Battle Of JutlandBattlecruisersGrand FleetJapanese NavyKongo Class BattlecruisersTogo Heihachiro
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Question

What if Japan sent the Kongos, the future emperor, and his tutor Togo to the Grand Fleet?

Short answer

They could form a powerful fast wing and give Jellicoe a highly respected commander plus an independent witness to the battlecruiser force's conduct.

Notes

Jellicoe might welcome Togo in Beatty's place if command arrangements allowed it. The future emperor's presence would create complications that the participating navies would have to manage. The Kongo-class ships might join the Battle Cruiser Fleet or combine with the Invincibles as a fast wing of the Grand Fleet. Four additional battlecruisers would add combat power. An independent senior observer would also change how the battle's decisions and reporting were later understood.