What if Tiger survived the London treaty, was rebuilt, and accompanied Hood at Denmark Strait?
Short answerTiger's survival could free Hood for a major refit and strengthen the wider fast-capital-ship force, changing both the battle and the pursuit of Bismarck.
NotesKeeping Tiger could give the Royal Navy enough fast capital ships to release Hood for an earlier major refit, improving radar, fire control and machinery before 1941. Tiger's remaining hull life and speed would make a combat reconstruction more attractive than one for Iron Duke, while armour coverage and internal structure mattered alongside armour thickness. Four twin 14-inch mounts are proposed for the rebuilt ship, with earlier availability than the King George V class quadruple turrets. Another fast ship could also change earlier deployments, including the hunt for Graf Spee. The original pairing of Tiger with Hood is then questioned: an alternative puts Tiger with King George V under Tovey, leaving Hood and Prince of Wales with Victorious. That arrangement could change the commander and tactics at the interception, with Tovey expected to bring the County-class cruisers into the engagement as well.