Modern 15-inch-gun ships might keep David Beatty from moving his flag to Tiger and give the battlecruiser force a more suitable flagship. Without the historical HMAS Australia available at the outbreak of war, von Spee could instead turn toward Australia. In this scenario, his raiding aims to inflict damage because the British blockade makes reaching home impractical. Japanese Kongo-class ships sent south might intercept and sink his squadron. A stronger Jutland result, paired with Tiger's record at Dogger Bank, would support both fleet scouting and commerce protection. Carriers carrying scout aircraft would also contribute to commerce protection. This wartime record would provide the political basis for seeking treaty retention.
Notable Point · 30:15-33:33
Wartime performance would make battlecruiser retention credible
Better results at Jutland, continued value at Dogger Bank, and a possible interception of von Spee by Japanese battlecruisers would strengthen the retention case.