Q&A · 1:37:49-1:38:04

Could Royal Navy submarines ambush German raiding forces?

Submarine ambushes were part of the plan, but early boats struggled to reach a fleeting interception position.

Alternate History Coastal Defence North Sea Royal Navy Submarines

Question

Could Royal Navy submarines be used to ambush German raiding forces?

Short answer

Yes in principle, and that was planned, but their low submerged speed and surface vulnerability made timely interception difficult.

Notes

Submarines were slow underwater and vulnerable when forced to move on the surface. Their presence could support an ambush, but they could not act as fast reaction forces against a moving German raid.