Q&A · 4:38:52-4:39:34

How the Royal Navy reduced Luftwaffe damage in dockyards

German aircraft attacked British naval yards, but range, fighter defenses, dispersed repair choices, and the antiaircraft guns of ships in harbor reduced their effect.

Question

Did the Luftwaffe inflict major damage on Royal Navy ships in docks and shipyards during the Second World War?

Short answer

German aircraft did attack them, but distance, fighter cover, and the ships' own antiaircraft guns complicated those attacks; the answer does not quantify the damage.

Notes

The Luftwaffe attempted to attack Royal Navy ships in docks and shipyards. British planners tried to place repair work near the limit of German aircraft range and provide fighter defense. Ships undergoing repair could also contribute their dual-purpose and antiaircraft guns to the harbor's fire plan. Polish and Dutch warships are mentioned as examples of the same practice. These were obstacles for the attackers, although no list of British casualties or measure of the damage is given.