Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:18:01-1:18:34

North Cape if Scharnhorst kept her destroyers

Keeping Scharnhorst's escorts would likely have produced a severe destroyer action rather than an easy escape.

Battle Of The North CapeDestroyersHMS SavageKriegsmarineRoyal NavyScharnhorst
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Question

What changes at North Cape if Scharnhorst's destroyers remain with her?

Short answer

A hard destroyer battle follows, with the German escorts facing a strong British screen including HMS Savage.

Notes

Keeping Scharnhorst's destroyers close would turn the Battle of the North Cape into a hard destroyer engagement. The Royal Navy could call on numerous destroyers, including additional Tribal-class ships guarding the convoy. HMS Savage was especially dangerous because her twin 4.5-inch forward mounting anticipated the Battle-class arrangement. German escorts might inflict losses, but they would not provide Scharnhorst with an uncomplicated escape route.