This section compares the political work behind Holtzendorff's submarine programme with Jellicoe's effort to obtain escorts and support for convoying. Convoys were not simply an operational order: they demanded ships, industrial capacity, and the ability to protect trade without disabling the Grand Fleet. Jellicoe's repeated pessimism about convoying may have formed part of a political double bluff intended to unlock funding and accelerate escort construction. Jellicoe also protected officers whose reports supported the case, indicating that he valued the analysis even while publicly stressing the obstacles. Holtzendorff likewise fought to preserve naval and submarine resources against competing army demands, making procurement politics part of both sides' operational response.
Notable Point · 42:05-43:43
Convoys required political and industrial choices
The U-boat campaign and the convoy response both depended on leaders winning resources from competing wartime priorities.