Fast jet bombers entering service early in 1940 could strike German naval bases as soon as a delayed war began that September. Wilhelmshaven is one possible target, although the initial missions could still carry leaflets rather than bombs. German attempts to wait for gas turbines might leave ships such as Scharnhorst and Gneisenau unfinished when raids began. Ships on slipways or in dry docks would be vulnerable before they reached operational service. Bombs that destroyed or burned their supporting timber could let a hull fall, causing structural damage and delaying completion for months, if the ship remained salvageable.
Notable Point · 1:31:31-1:34:00
Fast bombers could threaten unfinished German warships
A delayed German building program could leave major ships exposed to fast bombers while still resting on vulnerable supports in docks or yards.