Carrier strike against Wilhelmshaven

A 1919 British carrier-strike proposal becomes the model for four carriers launching two 144-aircraft waves against Wilhelmshaven. Harbor defenses were oriented toward submarines, so ships might be closely packed without comprehensive torpedo netting. Even after allowing for unreliable torpedoes and misses, dozens of hits against stationary ships could produce crippling damage. A successful first raid would also demonstrate that the carriers could return after German defenses improved. The High Seas Fleet could no longer hide in harbor. It would have to risk battle, accept repeated losses, or retreat through the Kiel Canal into the Baltic.