Q&A · 2:23:51-2:24:25

Would Battenberg raid the German coast?

A surface-fleet raid through German minefields makes little sense when blockade and aircraft could apply pressure at lower risk.

Naval Aviation Naval Blockade Naval Mine Warfare North Sea Royal Navy Submarines

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Question

Would Battenberg send the Royal Navy to raid the German coast?

Short answer

Probably not. Mines and submarines made a surface raid needlessly dangerous, while blockade and carrier aircraft offered safer ways to exert pressure.

Notes

German coastal waters were protected by mines and submarines, while Britain already possessed the strategic advantage of a distant blockade. Carrier raids made more sense because aircraft could cross the barriers that capital ships would have to penetrate.