Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:15:21-3:17:29

Which late-war ship class would matter most at the start of World War II?

The panel weighs Essex carriers, Type XXI submarines, Battle-class destroyers, and Vanguard according to whether mass, air defense, or capital-ship power is valued most.

Alternate HistoryBattle Class DestroyersEssex Class Aircraft CarriersHMS VanguardType XXI U-BoatWorld War II
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Question

Which mid- or late-war ship class would have the greatest impact if available at the start of World War II?

Short answer

The answers vary with the navy and number supplied: Essex carriers expand American air power, Type XXI boats strengthen Germany, and Battle-class destroyers improve British air defense. A single Vanguard could also release Hood for refit.

Notes

The choices depend partly on how many ships the scenario supplies. An Essex-class carrier force available in December 1941 would transform American naval aviation, while Type XXI submarines replacing Type VII or Type IX boats would pose a different threat to the Allies. For Britain, Battle-class destroyers bring numerous 40 mm guns and other weapons into campaigns fought with weaker air defences. Norway and the Mediterranean are singled out as places where that would matter. Vanguard contributes only one battleship, but her arrival could release Hood for refit. A Denmark Strait action fought by a fully completed Vanguard alongside Prince of Wales is offered as another possible consequence.