How could Royal Navy capital ships match Germany's long sorties without suffering the same maintenance disadvantage?
Short answerBritain had more ships and repair yards, including access to Canadian and American facilities, while German repair bases were prime bombing targets.
NotesRoyal Navy capital ships also accumulated heavy mileage, but Britain maintained many more ships and more repair options. British vessels could refit in Canada, the United States, or less exposed parts of the United Kingdom. German capital ships concentrated in a smaller set of yards that attracted Royal Air Force bombing. Maintenance depth therefore let Britain turn industrial geography and allied access into sustained operational availability.