Slow battleships block Atlantic routes while fast forces hunt raiders

The Mediterranean can be closed at either end, while German warships have routes into the North Atlantic through Norway and toward French ports. Reinforcing the Home Fleet therefore remains necessary even after Italian heavy forces are disabled. Queen Elizabeth-class battleships lack the speed to chase Bismarck, but they could occupy positions a raider must pass. Warspite and Valiant together would force a German commander to consider whether any victory would leave enough damage to invite destruction by the next Allied force. Nagato, Mutsu, Nelson, and Rodney add further heavy units, while Kongos and faster British capital ships provide pursuit forces. Greater availability could also permit Hood's planned refit and other maintenance. Force H could reinforce the northern approaches or exchange its fast ships for slower battleships and supporting carriers.