Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:05:57-4:07:17

Washington joins Hood at Denmark Strait

A battleship substitution counterfactual balances Washington's gunnery strength against the persistent uncertainty of hit location and multinational command.

Allied CooperationAlternate HistoryBattle Of The Denmark StraitGerman Battleship BismarckHMS HoodNaval GunneryUSS Washington
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Question

How would Denmark Strait change if North Carolina or Washington accompanied Hood instead of Prince of Wales?

Short answer

Washington under Willis Lee would add exceptionally accurate 16-inch fire, but the result would still depend on shell impact points, damage, and the allied command arrangement.

Notes

Admiral Willis Lee's gunnery expertise would make Washington's 16-inch fire exceptionally accurate. Bismarck could be penetrated by 14-, 15-, or 16-inch shells, so calibre alone does not decide the battle; where the shells land remains crucial. Coordinating senior British and American officers would also complicate command. Pairing Washington with Prince of Wales is more plausible than replacing the new British battleship while retaining Hood.