Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:03:21-3:04:13

Nagato and Mutsu pursue Force Z

Force Z's speed would let it avoid a surface engagement until Allied air support could influence the pursuit.

Force ZHMS Prince Of WalesHMS RepulseNagato Class BattleshipsPacific War
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Question

What happens if Japan sends the Nagato-class battleships after Prince of Wales and Repulse?

Short answer

The faster British ships would refuse battle and pull toward air support because Nagato and Mutsu could not force an engagement.

Notes

Nagato and Mutsu bring 16-inch guns but are credited with only about 26.5 knots. Prince of Wales and Repulse could use their higher speed to keep away. That margin would still be insufficient for Force Z to choose a favourable time to attack, so withdrawal is the proposed course. The British ships would pull back toward aircraft support, with their destroyers also available, instead of accepting a gun engagement.