What if Tirpitz and the German twins had been ready for Operation Rheinübung?
Short answerGermany could have mounted a larger sortie, but Britain would likely answer with a concentrated force of several capital ships and two carriers.
NotesIf Tirpitz and the Scharnhorst-class ships were available, Germany would probably send at least one additional capital ship with Bismarck. Britain would then have a stronger reason to concentrate its interception forces. Hood, Prince of Wales, and King George V could be joined by Renown, with Victorious and Ark Royal providing carrier support. Ark Royal's experienced air group would probably lead the air operations, allowing Victorious's less-prepared aircraft to join it. The larger German sortie would therefore change how Britain assembled and used its own forces.