Reichsmarine design choices and institutional memory

The design debate sits within the condition of the Reichsmarine during the 1920s and 1930s. Before Plan Z, its planning focused more on France and the Soviet Union than on a fleet capable of defeating the Royal Navy. A small service could build capable individual ships and submarines while still struggling to preserve institutional memory across enough crews, yards, and surface units. The submarine arm is credited with performing above and beyond during the Second World War, while the surface fleet draws much more criticism. German destroyers later fought bravely, but too few were available to make losses sustainable. Ship design is therefore part of rebuilding a naval institution and force base, as well as a choice among turret plans.