Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Video

2 Minutes: What Was Force K going to Montivedo to do?

Admiral Graf SpeeBattle Of The River PlateForce KMontevideoNaval BlockadeRoyal Navy

Study 2 Minutes: What Was Force K going to Montivedo to do?, a Dr. Alex Clarke video from 14 Sept 2020, with 4 time notes. Topics include Admiral Graf Spee, Battle Of The River Plate, Force K.

Watch on YouTubeView time notes
Date
Runtime2:20
Guide points4 time notes

Time notes

  1. 0:04
    QuestionWhat was Force K rushing to Montevideo to do in 1939?Answer

    Force K's composition suggests it was preparing to fight Admiral Graf Spee. Renown could stop a breakout, while Ark Royal could attack in harbour or at sea if the ship refused to leave Montevideo or tried to escape to Argentina.

    Q&A
  2. 0:35
    Renown's role in stopping a breakout

    HMS Renown was intended to stop Admiral Graf Spee if it tried to fight its way out of Montevideo.

    Notable Point
  3. 0:45
    The case for sending Ark Royal and Renown

    Ark Royal was the closest carrier, and Force K was the response force, but committing Britain's newest carrier and a newly reconstructed battlecruiser still suggests an intention to fight.

    Notable Point
  4. 1:40
    Ark Royal and a possible attack in neutral waters

    Force K appears to have been sent in expectation of a fight if Uruguay could not make Admiral Graf Spee leave Montevideo or the ship tried to escape toward Argentina.

    Notable Point