The closing operational problem assumes that Germany holds back its major ships and completes Graf Zeppelin for a mass sortie in August 1941. Bismarck, Tirpitz, Scharnhorst, and Gneisenau would accompany the carrier before America enters the war. Each of two Anglo-Japanese groups would have a British and Japanese carrier, a King George V-class ship, a Renown-class ship, and two Kongos. Nelson, Rodney, Queen Elizabeth-class ships, Nagato, and Mutsu could provide additional heavy or blocking forces. Carrier reconnaissance raises the possibility of concentrating the two groups into four carriers and eight fast capital ships before the Germans arrive. The German ships' battleship construction remains an advantage to consider, but the result of the engagement is left open for viewers to work through.
Notable Point · 1:57:26-2:01:37
Could a mass German breakout beat the coalition fleet?
The closing problem pits Bismarck, Tirpitz, Scharnhorst, Gneisenau, and Graf Zeppelin against two Anglo-Japanese carrier groups and a deep blocking force.