A Second Tirpitz

Link to discussion:

https://www.alternatehistory.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=345691


“The British have squandered their Empire. They have failed to keep the native populations in line - they have even armed them to fight against the good German soldier. They deserve to be pulled down and replaced by a nation that will take the Aryan race to its deserved place in the sun.

Britain, like all empires is proud and jealous of its status. It will exert all energies to prevent a rival from rising, only acquiescing into obsequious deference once it has been outmanoeuvred.

The British do not care for their army. Time and again, they have sent forth a small force and shrugged when it was defeated. Yet its navy! Threaten the navy and you threaten its heart, its soul. Put a hole in the steel wall, break the Navy, and Britain will scuttle back into its shell.”

Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler, 1924

1. In following the Chancellors wishes the leadership of the Reichsmarine has devised a plan to neutralise the British. Its intent is to significantly degrade the Royal Navy Home Fleet, so knocking a hole in the steel walls of the British Isles. Such a hole will force the British to retain more of their army and air-force at home, reducing the force available to support any of their Allies.

2. The Reichsmarine will be unable to deploy a fleet of sufficient size to defeat the Royal Navy in anything more than detail. We must therefore ensure concentration against small elements, the main plan being to utilise the threat of individual surface commerce raiders to split up the Royal Navy into hunting groups which may be destroyed in detail by a strong Reichsmarine force.

3. The Reichsmarine Force must win the reconnaissance battle; concentrate enough force to defeat a Royal Navy hunting group; have enough speed to escape a battle fleet; contain individual units whose finding fixing and defeat requires the Royal Navy to produce Hunting Groups.

4. Proposed Fleet contains 6 Battleships as the main strike force; 2 Aircraft Carriers and a number of light cruisers to win the reconnaissance battle; 4 heavy cruiser commerce raiders.

5. Such a fleet falls outside of the Treaty of Versailles and agreed limits within the London Naval Treaty and will be met by a reaction by the UK. However, such a reaction is costly, with Britain remaining in a parlous financial state it will likely reduce funding to its other forces, indirectly achieving part of the mission.

6. This is recognised as a significant increase in the requirement for the Reichsmarine, but will return the prestige of the German Volk in naval matters

Reichsmarine Briefing Note written shortly after the rise of Hitler

WvF - Developing such a fleet would leave the army seriously deficient in artillery and with little chance to produce a large panzer arm. Such a direction would leave us weaker than the Soviets, the French, even the Poles and Czechs!

HG - Artillery is obsolete! High explosive can be dropped with greater precision from the skies, and a plane that strikes here this morning may strike here this afternoon. Let my airforce be your artillery, general.

Memo, Command Staff Meeting early 1934. From later actions it is assumed Goering was promised control of the carrier force

All members of the German Reich are to act in support of the creation of a fleet to number this size in preparation for war no later than 1941. They are to provide all aid required by the bearer of this Note by my orders.

Adolf Hitler
Britain will be nervous about any increase in our naval strength, and so a calming measure is necessary. While designing our fast battleships we will work with the British government to achieve an agreement limiting our capital ship build. Such an agreement is non-binding on the Volk but will calm British fears while we build our strength
Reich Foreign Ministry memorandum

The Anglo-German Naval Agreement is now seen as the first of Adolf Hitlers faithless treaties, soon to include assurances given over Austria, the Munich Agreement and so on. At the time it was divisive, as many saw it as Britain allowing the lapse of the Treaty of Versailles in its own interests, essentially throwing the French and Italians to the German wolf.
NAM Rodger, In the Defence of Freedom: A Naval History of Britian vol 3 1815 – 1991 Penguin 2015

It is considered that while having a larger gun will significantly increase the capability of the class, to delay until the completion of the design of turrets to hold 38cm guns will result in the inability to produce enough ships to concentrate sufficiently against the English Navy. Therefore it is the recommendation of the OKM that the updated D-class design with three turrets be put into immediate production, with two in number ships being laid down (at the Kriegsmarinewerft and Deutsche Werke yards). These will continue to hold the reporting names Ersatz Elsass and Ersatz Hessen, which move should reduce the possibility of British spies identifying the change. At the same time the design for new, more powerful battleships and aircraft carrier will continue, with the aim to lay down a carrier by 1936 and battleships immediately after the Elsass and Hessen are complete, with additional ships being built to the number of available capital ship slips. This means that the planned update of the Deutschland class is to be replaced by battleships
Conclusion of the Report into Capital Ship Production, OKM, 1935

Reconnaissance will be key to victory for Volk in this struggle against the most powerful navy in the world. While the aircraft carrier is a significant capability increase, the conditions of the North Sea are not consistently suitable for airpower to be used. Therefore, the traditional scouting arm of the naval forces - the Cruiser - will remain key to the success of the battle against England. We currently have six light cruisers, and would require at least that number again, with further development of the Leipzig class thought best.

Such an increase may require a reduction in other ship builds - submarines or destroyers, due to cost, material and slip shortfalls. This is accepted as these smaller ships and boats are less useful in the new doctrine.
OKM Report into further ship requirements
From: Construction Office
To: OKM

Herr Generaladmiral,

Continuing design on the follow up class of battleships has resulted in the following points that require your agreement before we continue.

The design may not exceed 42,000 long tons due to the constraints of the port infrastructure.
These ships are intended to fight in the North Sea, therefore stability is at a premium, and the likely short ranges require a heavy armour protection.
These ships are not intended to strike into the Atlantic or Mediterranean. There should be sufficient range to make combat patrols into the seas as far North and West as Iceland.
Gun calibre should be 38cm to match or exceed what intelligence considers the preference of the Royal Navy in guns.
Guns should be deployed in four two gun turrets to minimise the loss of firepower should a turret be damaged.
The ships are intended to operate with aircraft carriers in attendance. No provision for aircraft should be made.

On confirmation of these points full design work will commence, with the aim to lay down the first of class on the launch of Ersatz Elsass

Design of the Aircraft carrier is continuing. Confirmation is requested of a flight group of no more than 42 aircraft, and this office submits that the 15cm guns be removed, as the ship will operate in concert with the battleships of the Kriegsmarine and so have sufficient surface protection.

From: OKM
To Construction Office

Your note received. OKM directs that the new battleships shall carry aircraft for reconnaissance and shot-spotting in the event that the aircraft carriers are inoperational. All other points approved. The construction office is to submit designs for final approval by end 1935.

The construction office is to note that industrial improvements are continuing through the current battleship build and should support an increased tempo of capital ship construction.

On approval of designs, ship Ersatz Hannover will be laid down in Blohm and Voss prior to the launch of Ersatz Elsasser if practicable; ship Ersatz Schelswig-Holstein will be laid down in Kriegsmarinewerft; ship Ersatz Schleisen in Deutsche Werke and ship Ersatz von der Tann in Krupp. Flugzeugtrager A is to be laid down in Kriegsmarinewerft on approval of its design, with provision for Flugzeugtrager B to be made. These are to be carried out as quickly as practicable in line with secrecy and available funding and materials.

Raeder

Sir,

Analysis of German industrial improvements and activity within the shipyards and design bureaus (Sources and Methods graded A1 to B3) strongly suggest an increase in their naval building programme, both in numbers and tempo. It is the opinion of this office, though unsubstantiated by evidence that the German regime does not intend to maintain the Naval Agreement between our countries. It is the recommendation of this office that their Lordships consider matching this increase.

Covering Letter to TOP SECRET Report German Naval Rearmament, 1935

My Lords, Sirs, Gentlemen.

This briefing is classified TS. As you are aware Naval Intelligence has identified an increase in preparation for building a sizable number of heavy units by Germany, beyond that which was authorised by the recent AGNA. This proffers a significant threat to the safety of the United Kingdom, the only realistic target for such a force. Should a German force be able to hold off the RN Home Fleet for sufficient time, it is possible that a landing may be affected by the also growing German army.

The committee is invited to approve the following to counter this threat:

Continue the refit and rebuild programme for the Queen Elizabeth Battleships, moving Queen Elizabeth to start next year (1936) and introducing a refit for Malaya to start in 1937. Duties of these ships will be carried out by the Revenge-class. The refit of HMS Repulse is to be completed, but to allow the refit of the more powerful Malaya, the refit to HMS Renown is to be cancelled.

The current design for the next class of battleship is to be frozen and three in number laid down as soon as possible. These ships are based upon nine 15in guns in three turrets (two forrad, one aft), and will abrogate the AGNA and the LNT. Informal contacts with the US indicate they are prepared to support this, as are the French and Italians, but no word has been heard from Japan. Contracts for the gun barrels are required at the latest by the end of October 1935. It is respectfully submitted that the class be named for His Majesty’s father, as the King George V class

Work shall continue on the battleship design, with the aim being an improved version, to carry 16in guns (as Nelson and Rodney) an improved armour scheme and at least the same speed, with the aim to contract for and lay down these ships in mid to late 1936, aiming for a class of five ships.

As the new battleships are commissioned, we shall pay off the Revenge and Renown classes, starting with Renown, followed by Revenge, Ramillies, Resolution, Royal Oak and Royal Sovereign, finally Repulse. This will indicate an increase in battleship strength of one ship, but a significant increase in power. It will allow 8 Battleships in the Home Fleet and 4 in the Mediterranean Fleet with one in deep repair. This is considered sufficient to outnumber the largest possible German threat to the North Sea while not significantly increasing the Naval budget.

Aircraft Carriers will be a significant force multiplier in any future war, providing significant scouting advantages, the ability to harass and slow an enemy fleet, allowing the gun line to close, and fleet attrition of smaller or damaged units. While we already have a lead in aircraft carriers and doctrine, a continued increase in numbers will mitigate the minimal lead in battleship numbers at a lower cost.

The current design for the follow on ships to HMS Ark Royal is hindered by following treaty limits. If these limits are breached by the battleship build, improved designs will allow the next class of carriers to carry significantly more aircraft at a higher speed. Further development of these aircraft by the Air Ministry would be welcomed.

Once design is completed, four in number of the new carriers are to be laid down for completion by 1940, without concomitant reduction in older hulls, which continue to provide good service. The oldest aircraft carriers should be paid off only on construction of a future follow on class after 1940.

The Abyssinia crisis has shown that to maintain the required availability of aircraft in a flyable state, deeper maintenance is required than can be provided by the host carrier. It is therefore recommended that a forward repair ship, with full flying on and flying off capability, is built.

The current policy with regard to cruisers is accepted as being efficient, effective and pragmatic. No new heavy cruisers are to be laid down as the equivalent combat power is available from the light cruiser designs now in service and build.

Design work will on the batch 2 Town class light cruiser. To provide additional cruiser support to the navy it is recommended that this class be expanded to a total of 15 vessels, five of batch two and a further five to be laid down following assessment of the second batch. Designs for future cruisers are to be revisited in the light of the decision made with regard to the London Naval Treaty, which if ignored will allow an increase in size. However, it is the consideration of this committee that the approach taken of limiting gun size while increasing gun numbers is a correct one, and that the guns provided to cruisers should, where practicable without limiting firepower, be the same as that provided for battleship secondary armament, with a maximum size of 6.1in. To ensure manning and support costs are minimised, while ensuring defence of South East Asia, the government may consider transferring 3 or four Leander class cruisers to the naval forces of Australia and New Zealand.


Light forces are to be the subject of a future briefing.
Briefing to First Lord, First Sea Lord and Treasury, 1935


You men of our Destroyer arm are the shield of the people. Your dedication, heroism and commitment to National Socialist ideals of selfless sacrifice for the Volk will act as a shield to the great fleet we are building, itself the defender of the National Socialist Reich from those who would allow the people to be subsumed under the hordes of the east. This, the first ship of the 1934 design to be launched is named for a man who sacrificed himself for the good of the people! It will serve you as well as you serve us. And even now, under the auspices of our leader AH we are building a further six new ships! With such ships and such men, we are invincible!
Grossadmiral Erich Raeder, at the launch of KMS Paul Jacobi Z05, 1936 . The six further ships mentioned in his speech were to become the 1936 class

Britain sits across our access to the wide oceans like a miser relaxing on a bed of gold. Any attempt to force access will be contested strongly. And yet, her position of strength is also her weakness – as was shown in the last war, commerce raiding by u-boats can seriously affect the ability of Britain to fight, and to call upon her far flung empire to fight for her. With a great noose made from U-boats slowly chocking the life from their people, Britain must surely retire from any struggle. It is the estimation of BdU that to fully create this noose, 300 boats of both medium and long range will be required, allowing 100 on station, 100 in transit and 100 resting and resupplying. With the leaders interest in the defeat of Britain through naval means this opportunity must not be missed to create a war winning weapon.

Memo, Donitz to OKM, Jan 1936

The chief was in a foul mood today. Had to reorganise a map exercise six months in the planning because he’s been called to Berlin. Not for schnapps, either!
Diary of Kaulen Lothar Rummenige, Military Assistant to Adm Donitz Jan 1936

The best use of the U-boat in defeating Britain is to act as the final blow, the last strike which will destroy a crumpled morale amongst both military and civilian populations and so lead to the withdrawal of Britain from any active participation in a continental war. The plan of our great leader recognises that in the early battles the RN will concentrate and chase our navy. The U-boats, by forming a picket line over which our heavy units may retreat, will gain chances to strike heavy blows against an enemy focussed elsewhere. In the last war, they had a Live Bait squadron! In the next it shall be a Live Bait Navy!
BdU to Captains and Crews of all U-boats, Jan 1936

British Light Forces

Destroyer forces remain vital to the safety of both the Fleet and trade, as well as providing a light force that allows unique operations to be ventured. The increase in the size of the fleet in heavy units must be matched by an increase in the size of the destroyer force to ensure a balanced Navy.

With an assumed increase in German destroyer production in line with their increase in capital ship production, destroyers supporting the fleet will be more defensive than offensive in nature. This will require an increased gunnery fit to be prioritised over torpedoes, although these must still be carried in numbers to provide sufficient offensive threat to the enemy.

Rather than repeat the H-class destroyers, it is recommended that design effort be increased upon an improved destroyer class, based around gunnery rather than the torpedo, and that this form the backbone of new production, with four flotillas to be procured (36 ships). This may place a slight delay between H and the next class, and should this cause difficulty in a shipyard further H class ships may be ordered on a one-by-one basis. Follow on classes should be considered immediately after design work is complete.

Submarine procurement should continue as currently planned. The submarine will be of limited use against Germany, and current plans are sufficient for requirements in the Mediterranean, Indian or Pacific theatres.

1st Sea Lord & 1st Lord Response

Renown rebuild to go ahead. We are concerned that the lack of fast Battleships until the commissioning of the King George V and future classes in the line of battle will hinder our prosecution of any conflict with foreign powers. Pay off Revenge, but intend to keep Renown and Repulse in service. Retain R class Battleships until commissioning of future classes – that is do not pay off in line with King George V class. This will provide 15 Battleships.

Confirm King George V is to be built to 15in guns. Following consideration of 12 in 3x4 turrets, direct 9 in 3x3, with intention that the design will support follow on class. Follow on class (provisionally, Lion class) is to be designed to 16in and 45k tons, aiming for 30+kts speed in a balanced design

Confirm Cruiser intentions. Direct that follow on designs include options for a heavy anti air fit; a smaller cruiser for build in less capable yards and through the empire; and a development of Town class.

Destroyer and submarine intentions are approved. Consideration is to be given to a heavy anti-air fit for destroyer classes, investigating whether older destroyer or new build is credible

Aim: To cause enough damage to an enemy fleet that the enemy is forced to retain a significant land force to defend their home bases.

Concept of Operations: Force the enemy fleet to send out small groups of capital ships. Concentrate our fleet on a small element of the enemy, destroy it and any other forces in the vicinity, return to base. Utilise asymmetric (submarines / aircraft) to further damage any chasing force.

Use of Forces: 2 panzershiffe are to sortie on commerce raiding missions prior to commencement of hostilities. This is to spread the enemy fleet out of concentration possibility. Final panzershiffe is to sail with little secrecy, followed by the fleet with as much secrecy as possible. Victory in the reconnaissance battle is key and will be carried out by air assets from the aircraft carriers – both in detecting the enemy first, defeating any reconnaissance efforts by them, and creating false tracks for the enemy to follow. On identifying a weak element of the enemy fleet the Kriegsmarine is to close and strike with the heavy guns of the battleships. Engagement ranges in the North Sea are expected to be between 11k and 18k yards, with Kriegsmarine ships instructed to utilise the expected poor visibility due to weather to close into this killing range. Fast, accurate fire will lead to victory. On defeat of a small element, Kriegsmarine is to identify any further enemy and either close to defeat if stronger of retreat to base if weaker. Any retreat is to be covered by the u-boats and planes.

Ownership. All gun armed ships and all U-boats will remain under the command of OKM. The Fleet at sea will be under command of senior Kriegsmarine personnel. Following the precedent of shore airfields, aircraft carriers are to be under the command and manned by OKL. Necessary navigation, marine engineering and other specialist staff will transfer from Kriegsmarine to Luftwaffe at appropriate time.
Directive 'On the Operation of Naval Forces' OKM, 1936

The promulgated doctrine had a number effects on the new fleet. While the battleship designs had already taken into account the understanding of battle in the North Sea, with heavy belt armour and a lighter deck amongst other considerations, the impact on the aircraft complement was significant. Fighters to protect the fleet and reconnaissance planes to find the enemy predominated. Where a plane could be fitted with a bomb, it would be available - but torpedo bombers were discarded. The results of is thinking - not to mention the political led transfer of the carriers to Goering’s control - will be demonstrated later in this book
John Keegan Lessons Learned? War in the North Sea in WW2 Pimlico 1986
Reactions to the resumption of a naval arms race – if at a slower pace than before world war one – varied across the major battleship owning nations. Italy had designed and ordered their two new battleships – and could not afford to increase their investment in large ships, and instead looked to increase their naval aviation arm, aiming to use their geographic position to allow an air led domination of the Mediterranean. The French in turn had already laid down, and were most of the way through building the the Dunkerque-class (Dunkerque herself was to be launched in October 1935) and had designed the Richelieu-class in response to the Littorio-class. Noting the intention to counter the Italians, design work continued on the Richelieu-class to increase the anti-air capabilities, but with all large docks assigned it would be 1939 before any new ships could be laid down.

In repudiating the LNT, the British and Germans had simplified a number of design decisions for the USN. To provide greater firepower to deal with the new German battleships the Noth Carolina class were to be armed with a 16in main battery, with two laid down in 1936 and two more in 1937. While this class of four was building the next designs – the South Dakota class – were under review. Rather than compromise, the USN designed a class of ship able to steam at 33kts, with 9 16in guns as a main battery and a balanced armour scheme, in a ship of 45000 tons, aiming to produce a ship able to protect aircraft carriers or defeat German or Japanese battleships in any equal fight, with two laid down in both 1938 and 1939. News of the Japanese Yamato class would lead to further design effort to counter this, with design starting in 1938 of a heavier armed and armoured fast battleship, the Iowa class, a 12 gun 33kt 75k tons monster. Naval aviation was also advanced, with four Yorktown class carriers, designed around the lessons learnt from the operation of the Lexington class and Ranger, ordered from 1937 (and named Yorktown, Enterprise, Hornet and Wasp).

Japanese reaction to the build up was limited. Having identified the US as their primary obstacle, with the European colonial powers as lesser obstacles to be overcome. With this in mind, and an understanding that they could never outproduce the US, the Japanese had designed the mighty Yamato class as the largest and most heavily armed battleships in the world; supposedly able to take on multiple enemy battleships and emerge victorious. With the increase in US naval building, so did the Japanese stretch every sinew to raise their own game, aiming for five of these behemoths – four of which would launch as battleships, and the fifth as an aircraft carrier

Dr. P Weir Take Two: The Second Naval Building Race Oxford University Press 1995

Senior commanders at brigade, divisional corps and army level will find that the amount of artillery they have on immediate call is lower than experienced in the previous war. A smaller artillery train will make our infantry divisions more mobile, better able to respond to the changing nature of a battlefield and maintaining contact with the panzer arm. Commanders will, instead of an artillery arm, have access to the power of the Luftwaffe bombing arm through an attached company of Luftwaffe ground controllers. Commanders will be able to utilise these forces to provide the same destructive effect as the artillery arm, and with greater precision.

The new panzer divisions will provide the striking force for the German Reich, concentrating two hundred and fifty panzers with supporting infantry and artillery in one agile, formation, able to achieve break-in, break-through and exploitation phases of the battle. They will be supported in reconnaissance, breakthrough and exploitation by light panzer formations consisting chiefly of motorised infantry, with a strong panzer battalion attached to each light division.

The key to victory is the correct use of all our forces. The infantry shall fix the enemy in place, the panzers shall strike great holes in the enemies lines and the light forces shall exploit these holes. Above them all shall fly the planes of the Luftwaffe providing a whirlwind of heavy, accurate support wherever needed across the battlefield.

On Combined Arms, Guderein, late 1935

German tank production from 1934 to 1938

Panzer I A (1934 – 1935) 450
Panzer I B (1935 – 1936) 307
Panzer II (1936 –1938) 341 (ausf c, A B C)
Panzer III (1936 – 1938) 58 (8 A, 10 B, 15 C, 25 D)
Panzer IV (1936 - 1938) 147 (35 A, 42 B 70C)

Total 1293 tanks of all types by1938

Pre-war German tank production was to begin with a serial process, with improved variants and new designs being put into production in place of, rather than alongside, those tanks they made obsolescent. While this introduced delays in the manufacture process, it ensured that the money, materials and components were used on the newest designs.

Guderain intended a force of medium and breakthrough tanks (which were to become the Pz III and Pz IV) at a ratio of 3:1 in the Panzer divisions. However, development of these tanks would take some years, and so the Panzer I A was ordered solely as a training tank for the new panzer divisions with minimal armour and only mounting machine guns. This was replaced with the I B, with improved gearbox, engine and suspension. While the replacement for the PzI was intended to be the Panzer III, issues with its prototypes led to the development of the Pz II, with a 20mm cannon and heavier armour. PzII production continued until 1938, when it was replaced not by the Panzer III, which was still only being produced only in prototype numbers, but a slow build up of the Panzer IV, which began prototypes in 1936 and full build in 1938.
Herr Feldmarschall, the latest projections for Luftwaffe strength over the next five years. As per your instructions I have separated Naval air strength from land based air, and have included all Luftwaffe combat troops

Fighter Strength – Design work is close to completion on the Bf109 Emil variant, which will have as a sub-class the first navalised fighters. Projections suggest around 1500 Bf-109E and 100 Bf-109ET will be available by summer of 1939. By your command, design work has begun on the Zerstorer fighter, aiming for a first flight in early 1937. Given the early stage of this programme we cannot be certain about projected numbers, but expect 100 to 150 by summer 1939.

Bomber Strength – Production has started on the Do-17 light and He-111 medium schnellbombers. We project 6 to 7 hundred of each by mid 1939. The design work on the Ju-88 has begun. Your requirement for it to be able to act as a naval reconnaissance and torpedo bomber has been dictated to the design team.

Production of the Hs-123 dive bomber is slowing as it is replaced by the Ju-87. While obsolescent, the Hs-123 will continue to provide close ground support for our troops in areas of limited air opposition. There will be approximately 250 in service by 1939. The Ju-87 is now coming into squadron service and design work has begun on the R(T) variant for use aboard the aircraft carriers. 250 of the A, B variants will be in service by 1939, and around 70 of the R(T) variant.

Tante Ju (apologies, the Ju-52) remains able to carry a bomb load as well as providing training and transportation. We shall have 200 available by the end of 1938.

The Luftwaffe feldpolizei company has begun its expansion to regimental size, and its jump training. It now consists of a jaeger and engineer company and has been renamed fallschirmtruppen. The intention is to have a brigade of these troops by 1939

Also, for your approval and delivery to der Fuhrer, the names of the aircraft carriers, Luftwaffeschiff Hermann Goering and Graf Zepplin
Briefing to OKL Jan 1936

The regular Army at full strength is to form around 140 infantry battalions and 30 cavalry regiments. To better police the empire, the infantry forces are to be motorised providing enhanced mobility. Cavalry regiments are to be supplied with either infantry or cruiser tanks dependant upon their role, and formed into the Mobile Divisions. The Territorial Army is to consist of 29 Yeomanry, 12 tank and 232 Infantry battalions and be formed into territorial divisions based upon location.

While our current tank designs are adequate, to ensure continued equivalence with foreign powers it is recommended that design work commences on a larger infantry tank than the current Matilda, and continues on new cruiser tanks based upon Christies work in the United States. These designs should be brought into service by 1939

The RAF has begun to deploy it’s Chain Home system, with the first five stations to be commissioned this year. With the deployment of this new technology, it becomes possible for the bomber to be stopped. We must be able to support this technology with modern aeroplanes, able to hunt down and outfight the enemy, and with modern bombers to act as a deterrent to any foe that wishes to strike at us. With that in mind we must continue the design and production of the fighters from Hawker and Supermarine; and the bombers from Handley Page, Vickers and Armstrong Whitworth. To support this, procurement light bombers to carry out close assault should be reduced as the RAF feel that this will be of less use than the ability to break the morale of an enemy populace through strategic bombing, or protect our people from such an assault. It is the estimation that given the spending recommended here is provided, the RAF will be able to prevent a knock-out blow by any credible enemy by 1939.

Additionally, with the intelligence of a German naval rearmament, it is recommended that a new RAF Command formation be created, provisionally named ‘Coastal Command’ and consisting of land based or floatplane aircraft able to carry out long range reconnaissance patrols across the North Sea and Atlantic. AOC Coastal Area has formulated plans for the development of this Command, to consist of some 250 aircraft within the next five years.
Air and Land briefing to the Cabinet, Jan 1936

My goal is a ‘general settlement’ which will encompass all of the powers of Europe and provide a return to the normality of the twenties, and allow Hitler to act as Stressman. We shall encourage the powers to agree to a pact to proscribe bombing from the air, a return to the sensible naval treaties constraining ship size and armament, and an agreement from all powers that the changing of borders through military force is unthinkable, but the hosting of a powers own military within its borders should not be limited by outside powers. Such an agreement will herald peace throughout Europe, and from Europe, the world.

Sir Anthony Eden, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Jan 1936

Ratification of the Franco-Soviet pact puts the German Reich in the same place it was before 1914, surrounded with enemies, and yet weaker due to our inability to utilise our troops as necessary for the defence of our people. I must declare, therefore, that should any nation conclude and ratify bilateral agreements outside of the scope of the Locarno treaty, that Germany will have to take steps to ensure our safety

Von Neurath to Eden, Jan 1936

Britain and France should enter into negotiations with Germany to gain what we can from our position in the Rhineland before action and circumstance takes this bargaining position away from us. Should action be taken by Germany to reoccupy the Rhineland only France can dissuade her with the immediate application of military power, which will be supported fully by His Majesties government and armed forces.

Eden to Flandin Feb 1936

The Dienststelle Ribbentrop assesses from communications with the French and British that France will receive no support from Britain, and with the correct diplomatic actions by this office rather than the Auswartiges Amt Britain may be convinced to go to war with France should military action take place in response to our reoccupation of the Rhineland

Ribbentrop to Hitler Feb 1936

Operation Order
From: Office of the Fuhrer
To: War Ministry, OKW, OKH, OKL, OKM
12 Feb 36
Codename Winter Exercise
You are to prepare a force to enter the Rhineland, to consist of at least three battalions of infantry, one battery of artillery covered by sufficient aircraft. Any military counter action is to be met with a furious defence within the Rhineland, and with that in mind the Kriegsmarine is to be in readiness to sail in support of operations against the French. This operation is to commence only on further orders from the Fuhrer.

“The Fuhrer again showed his brilliant grasp of international politics at dinner tonight. While Goering and I sat transfixed he explained how the move of our troops to the Rhineland was still too early, but in a week diplomats of the Locarno nations will begin discussing sanctions against Il Duce for the whole Abyssinia business, and while they are distracted by that we will strike. He is a genius”

Diary of Goebbels 24 Feb 1936

Operation order
From: Office of the Fuhrer
To: OKW
7 Mar 1936
Execute Winter Exercise


Gen. Gamelin, with the support of the Minister for War, presented to the Cabinet that it would require full mobilisation to remove the Germans from the Rhineland. This was due to the number of troops in the area (given at some 250,000) and the need to risk all out war to achieve the goal. The cost of a total mobilisation to France was given as 30m Fr. per day. Additional considerations were that the Luftwaffe was considered to have a significant advantage in machines over the Armee de l’Air, which would hinder the ability of the French army to achieve its aims.

Following this briefing it was agreed that the French ambassadors to Czechoslovakia Romania, Poland and Yugoslavia would sound out their readiness to support France in such a struggle, and that the Foreign Minster, Flandin, would travel to London to meet with the British Prime Minister Baldwin.

French Cabinet notes 7 Mar 1936

I, speaking for the government state that we shall maintain that essential guarantee of French and Belgian security, countersigned by the British and Italian governments, the Treaty of Locarno. Strasbourg will never come under the guns of Germany’

Albert Sarraut, French Premier Radio Address 8 Mar 36

This morning we marched into the Rhineland to reassert our peoples right to our fatherland. We were met by men and women girls and boys, cheering and throwing flowers. Priests stepped up to bless us and there was laughter all around. It has been the greatest day of my service
Diary of Unteroffizer Gerhardt Liebstadt, 8 Mar 1936

The nations of Eastern Europe stand with you should any incursion of your territory occur. Should one foreign boot stand on French soil our armies shall move as one. However, we are not prepared to risk a general war against a powerful foe over a small force of troops marching over an internal border, a political subdivision of no real import.

Statement of Poland, Romania and Yugoslavia 13 Mar 1936

Discussions with the embassy staff and with British politicians at many levels has presented us with the unpalatable fact that Britain will not join any military reaction to the remilitarisation, as there is not the public support, nor, they believe, the resources to do so. We have therefore taken a track to provide the Republic with enhanced security should Germany attempt anything further.

Our initial request has been that the British cover, as a gift rather than any form of loan, the cost of mobilisation – with this standing at some 30M Fr per day the British were understandably unwilling to agree. However, this made them significantly more receptive to an agreement that the security of the Republic and Britain were inextricably linked, and that any assault upon France or Belgium would be met by a large deployment of British ground and air forces. The British suggested that we begin staff talks and exercises, and high levl discussions amongst our militaries over spheres of responsibility vis a vis the naval sphere.. Eden himself agreed that his ‘general settlement’ with Germany would be put aside if necessary.

Report to French Cabinet by Pierre Etienne Flaindin, 18 Mar 1936

In the matter of the return of German troops to the Rhineland, the German Volk have voted to approve this move by the glorious leader, with 99% assenting.

Result of the Rhineland Plebiscite 29 Mar 1936


Our government has begun military arrangement with the French which will bring us a war at the call of others. We call on the government to cease these talks and restore our freedom of action
Daily Mail Editorial 3 April 1936

Vansittart is right, damn him. We must risk the enmity of Rothesmore and the Mail to ensure the protection of the country.
Diary of Sir Anthony Eden 4 April 1936

Fall Feuerzauber
27 Juli 1936
This operation is of the highest secrecy, to be communicated only to War Ministry and Chancellry
To aid in the restoration of stability to the Iberian Peninsula, elements of the Spanish army of Morocco are to be transported to the mainland. All available transport planes are to be made available to the commanding general of these troops – one Francisco Franco – and to be supported by sufficient fighter planes and anti aircraft guns
To ensure the secrecy of these operations the Spanish-Moroccan Transport Company and joint Raw Materials and Goods Purchasing Company are to be established. Shipping is also to be provided to ensure sufficient materials are transported to support the Spanish and German forces.
Italian bases are open to allow movement from Germany to Morocco without flight over France.
If necessary to ensure the success of this stability mission, supply and operation of tanks and artillery, and the use of the transport planes in their bomber role is authorised.
Adolf Hitler

To ensure that this local difficulty does not expand into a pan-European conflict, we have agreed that no European power shall intervene in Spain. A joint naval patrol was suggested by the British but this was turned down by the Italians with our support. All nations will instead patrol in separated sea zones. This was not pressed by the British – indeed, their focus is obviously on the political crisis at home.
Joachim von Ribbentrop Jan 1937

Deutschland has been bombed while patrolling to help the Spanish people resolve their difficulties and protect the peace of Europe. The dead are heroes to the Volk and should be regarded as heroes by all the people of Europe. As such recognition has not been forthcoming from any nation other than Italy, we are withdrawing from the false non-intervention pact which has served only to aid the spread of communism. In this we are joined by Il Duce, as a sign of his personal disgust with the lack of appreciation from the democracies of Europe. I have also instructed heroic efforts from the working men in the shipyards and factories to ensure that the new, stronger ships being built are completed even more quickly so any such attack will be swiftly swatted from the sky.
Adolf Hitler, Speech to the Reichstag, May 1937

The German Reich is no longer willing to tolerate the suppression of 10 Million Germans across its borders
Adolf Hitler to Reichstag Mar 7 1938

The statements coming from the government of Germany are predicated upon the ideal that there are millions of Germans here, in Austria, who are desperate to join their greater German Empire. It is only right that we see if this is true, and so on 13 March I put to the people of Austria the question of whether they wish to remain independent of any other nation
Schuschnigg, Mar 9 1938

We have noted the pleas of your people, the cry to become one greater German empire and to end this Versailles enforced separation, while you stand, blind and deaf to their call. You are therefore notified that unless all offices of state are handed to the leadership of the DNASP by 1300 today the full might of the German nation in arms shall be used to affect this outcome
Inter-governmental note, Germany to Austria Mar 11 1938


His Majesty’s government shall view any attempt to coerce a sovereign nation into giving up its rightful independence to be subsumed into your nation as the action of a state unwilling to uphold the peace of Europe, and as an act unfriendly to His Majesty.
British Ambassador to German Government 11 Mar 1938

On orders received yesterday at around noon, we marched into Austria, to be met with flowers, flags and cheering. It is as well that we did, as comms between units was terrible and there were big problems with units jamming the line of march. We were about 6 hours late to our objectives and it can’t have been much better anywhere.
Diary of Feldwebel Gerhardt Liebstadt 12 Mar 1938

I imagine that according to the temperament of the individual the events which are in our minds to-day will be the cause of regret, of sorrow, and of indignation. They cannot be regarded by His Majesty's Government with indifference or equanimity. They are bound to have effects which cannot yet be measured. The immediate result must be to intensify the sense of uncertainty and insecurity in Europe. Unfortunately, while the policy of appeasement would lead to a relaxation of the economic pressure under which many countries are suffering to-day, what has just occurred must inevitably retard economic recovery and, indeed, increased care will be required to ensure that marked deterioration does not set in. There will be calls for action, but the hard fact is, given the lack of support from nations closer to Austria, no effective use of force would have been possible, and only force could have prevented this action. We must consider the new situation quickly, and as regards our defence programmes, we have always made it clear that they were flexible and that they would have to be reviewed from time to time in the light of any development in the international situation. Recent events constitute a change of the kind that we had in mind. Accordingly we shall in due course announce what further steps we shall take to increase the preparedness of the United Kingdom for any future shocks.
Prime Minister Chamberlain to the House Mar 13 1938

PM Gentlemen. What is the state of readiness of our armed forces vis a vis Germany?

1st Lord We currently have sufficient ships to maintain control over the North Sea. Our building plans will ensure we can continue in this assurance against the predicted growth of the German Marine. Such an assurance will be lessened should Germany bring allies with significant fleets, or should any of the currently planned ship build be cancelled. The Royal Navy submits that further expansion of cruiser and escort vessel build programmes will be worthwhile to ensure our ability to command the sea lanes across the world.

War Minister The army has been in detailed staff talks with the French army and would form a powerful element of any plan to resist German aggression. Development of the infantry and cruiser tanks is ongoing and our newest equipment is considered at least the equal and in many ways superior to German arms. However, this equipment is not in use throughout the army and we require some time to ensure the troops are fully equipped

Air Minister It has been an element of faith for some years that the bomber will always get through, and in sufficient numbers to cause a knock-out blow on a nation. This faith is in the process of being dismantled by Chain Home and the new fighter designs coming into service, but given the known numbers of German bombers it will not be until early in 1939 that we can guarantee that any attempted knock-out blow will be stopped.
Emergency Cabinet Meeting 13 Mar 1939

Herr Oberstleutnant Martini, your time as chief of the board of radio affairs has been most productive, with many of your reports and notes taking the attention of my staff and a number reaching even my desk. Such diligence must be rewarded, and with the formation of our naval arm where radio contact will be so important I can see no better place for you than at its head. I therefore name you as the first Befehlfuhrer des Luftmarinetruppes with the associated promotion to Generalmajor. Congratulations General. I shall expect you to take up your post in Kiel by the end of the week.
Hermann Goering with Wolfgang Martini Feb 1938

The role of my force is to enhance the reconnaissance of the fleet and to defend it from similar efforts by the enemy, with a tertiary responsibility for striking from the air. This role would be significantly enhanced should GEMA be able to develop an air-portable radar set which could be fitted to a Ju-87T giving the ability to identify targets from a significant distance, in the poor weather expected in the North Sea and at night. It is my submission that such radar will be of greater use than ship borne radar sets and focus should be placed upon its development
Wolfgang Martini to Erich Raeder Jul 38

GEMA is to reduce priority on the Seetakt / Freya systems to enable development of a radar system that is capable of being used while in flight. Lead officer for this development is to be Generalmajor Martini
Erich Raeder and Hermann Goering Sep 38

Prepare Fall Grun, the invasion and subjugation of Czechoslovakia to begin 1 Oct 1938. Accelerate the completion and entry to service of the Battleships Bismarck and Tirpitz and the Aircraft carrier Hermann Goering sufficient to put into place the Kriegsmarines plans against the British by 1939
20 May 38 Adolf Hitler to OKW

I had said that this people could not rest while 10M Germans suffered outside the Greater Reich, and was vindicated by the return of 8M in the Ostmark, and their overwhelming joy in the return. And yet, 2M still remain, in the Sudetenland, oppressed by a regime forced upon them by the hated treaty. They suffer beatings, their property is stolen, their women raped and I demand an end to it. Their only protection can come from their returning into their greater Reich, and for their lives I am prepared to spend the lives of our people. The Volk will stand as one to make our people whole again! The Volk will stand as one to bring down the hated treaty! The Volk will stand as one and cry return to us what is ours! Return the Sudetenland or face our wrath!
1 Jun 38 Adolf Hitler to the Reichstag

I have to say I feel that, however badly stated and however baldly the threat against Britain is presented, Herr Hitler’s case does have some merit. The Treaty of Versailles has treated these Germans in Czeckoslovakia badly, and there is an argument that this injustice should be rectified. Benes will be furious, but we cannot risk a war now, where the cause is not wholly just – we are too weak. I will talk to him, and the French. I will give them my commitment that once the just demands are fulfilled with this action, we shall brook no more trouble from Herr Hitler
2 Jun 38 Neville Chamberlains diary

Complex negotiations between the French, British and Czech governments took place throughout July and August 1938, against an ever increasing belligerence from Hitler. While Benes remained determined to fight to protect his country, but Britain, with France following its lead, remained concerned over its ability to prevent an air or naval knock out blow and so cautioned against war. Through the offices of Mussolini the Anglo-French were able to set up a series of meetings with Hitler at the last minute, agreeing to most of his demands. The Czechoslovak government property (chiefly arms and warlike stores) was to be repatriated to the rump state, and sufficient time given to do this, but otherwise the Czechs lost significantly, at meetings they were not even represented at. Despite this, Chamberlain was feted both by his people and world leaders for his part in preserving peace – including a telegram from Franklin D Roosevelt saying ‘good man’
Max Hastings Armageddon Phoenix Press 2010

The British and French have made us defenceless, and yet promised to defend us. My thoughts drive towards resignation, and yet I feel I must stay on, for if the Germans seek to expand again maybe the knowledge of what I they have promised while looking in my eyes will force the hand of these ‘great’ powers.
Benes, Oct 1938

We have taken a stand for justice and peace. And yet, if anything more should happen, we will stand for justice and war. The nations of the world should know that Czechoslovakia stands under our protection.

Britain has had a choice between shame and war, and chosen shame. We have stripped a weak country of its defences and allowed the bully to prosper – and now, having looked at our actions have decided in our embarrassment to declare no more bullying may take place. We have taken the shield from our friend and given a sword to our foe and stand accused in the eyes of the world.
Neville Chamberlain and Winston Churchill in House of Commons debate Oct 38

Today, the newest battleship in the Royal Navy was launched at the Vickers Armstrong yard, ready for fitting out. The Lion will be commissioned as the most powerful ship in the world sometime in the next year, eclipsing the newly commissioned HMS Duke of York, and will be joined very soon after by its sister ships Temeraire, Conqueror, Thunderer and Captain.
The Times 28 Nov 38

The United Kingdom pledges its full support for and stand surety of the independence of the nations of Czechoslovakia, Poland, Romania, Turkey and Greece. These nations, all with ancient roots, shall remain part of the map of Europe in perpetuity.

Neville Chamberlain in the House of Commons Nov 38

Comrade Foreign Minister, it’s all kicking off. The capitalists want to focus their attack dog on us, and have no fear of its bite. Send feelers out to the Germans, comrade, and see what we can get for staying out of all this mess. And don’t fuck it up!

Joseph Stalin Dec 38

The German nation under my leadership has said it will not attack Poland and the German nation under my leadership shall not attack Poland! Anyone who disputes my word disputes my honour, and that I will not stand for! Germany is not perfidious! Germany stands by its word, not its interests! Germany is not England!

Adolf Hitler to Reichstag Jan 39

Litvinov! You’ve been fucking it up, you dolt. We need this treaty to keep the five year plan on track and by being you you’ve almost fucked it. Fuck off.

Get me Beria. And Molotov

Stalin Feb 39

Boss, the trade agreements are being finalised as I speak. The Germans were pretty easy to negotiate with all in all – I think they wanted this as much as we did. There’s been some talk on the other matters, and they are favourable to our division of spheres of influence, but that’ll take a little more time

Vyacheslav Molotov Mar 39

COMMUNAZI PACT SIGNED!

Time Magazine Mar 39

No one will go to war over a rump state. They gave me all I wanted before, when it was easy to oppose, and now it is difficult and they have a taste of deferring to me. Tell Benes that we will occupy his country on 14th April.

Adolf Hitler Apr 39

We have given Herr H all he has desired in the service of Justice. The German people are now largely united. And yet he asks for more, and will ask for ever more. We have therefore given notice that should any member of foreign armed forces enter Czechoslovakia without the express permission of the Czech government Great Britain and France shall consider themselves at war with that foreign power.

Chamberlain Apr 39

Exectue Fall Grun 0000 Apr 14 1939

OKW


Naval OOB 14 Apr 1939

Royal Navy
Battleships (BB and BC)
Queen Elizabeth Class (27,500t standard; 24 knots; 4x2 BL 15 in MkI guns, varying but heavy AA fit)
HMS Queen Elizabeth, Warspite, Valiant, Barham, (all Mediterranean Fleet) Malaya (in refit)

Revenge Class (29,150t standard; 21 kts; 4x2 BL 15 in Mk I guns, 14x6in guns, 2x twin mount 3in AA)
HMS Ramillies, Royal Oak, Royal Sovereign, Resolution (all Channel Fleet)

Renown Class (27,600t standard; 31.5kts; 3x2 BL 15 MkI guns, multiple AA)
HMS Renown, Repulse (Home Fleet)

HMS Hood (46,680t standard; 28kts; 4x2 BL 15in Mk I guns, heavy AA fit) (In refit)

Nelson Class (33,950t; 23kts; 3x3 BL 16in Mk I guns, heavy AA fit)
HMS Nelson, Rodney (Home Fleet)

King George V Class (43,000t standard; 28kts; 3x3 BL 15in Mk II guns, heavy AA fit)
HMS King George V, Prince of Wales, Duke of York (Home Fleet)

Lion Class (45,000t standard; 28kts; 3x3 BL 16 in Mk II guns, heavy AA fit)
HMS Lion, Conqueror, Temeraire (Commissioning, due late 39, late 39, 1940) Thunderer, Captain (In build due late 40, 41)

Aircraft Carriers (CV)
Courageous Class (24,210t standard; 30kts; 48 aircraft – Sea Gladiators and Swordfish)
HMS Courageous (Home Fleet), Glorious (Mediterranean Fleet), Furious (22,200t standard, 36 aircraft) (in refit)

HMS Argus (14,450t standard; 20kts; 18 aircraft – Sea Gladiators and Swordfish) (Mediterranean Fleet)

HMS Hermes (10,850t standard; 25kts, 20 aircraft – Swordfish only) (Home Fleet)

HMS Eagle (21,850t standard; 24kts; 20 aircraft – Swordfish only) (China Station)

HMS Ark Royal (22,000t standard; 30kts; 50 aircraft – Skua and Swordfish) (Home Fleet)

Illustrious Class (32,110t standard; 32kts; 70 aircraft – Skua and Swordfish)
HMS Illustrious, (Home Fleet) Formidable, Victorious (commissioning, due late 39) Indomitable (in build, due 1940)

HMS Unicorn (in build) – repair carrier.

Heavy Cruisers (CA)
3 Hawkins Class, 2 York Class , 13 County Class. No further heavy cruisers planned
Light Cruisers (CL)
37 of various classes ( 4 CC 4 Dido commissioning; 12 Dido and 7 CC building (various stages), further planned
Destroyers (DD)
200 DD +50 in various states of pre-commissioning and further planned
Submarines (SS)
53 - 15T 8 Grampus 3 Rivers 12S 4R 6 Parthian 9 Odin (not including training boats) plus additional planned
Germany

Battleships (BB and BC)
Schnarhorst Class (32,100t standard; 31kts; 3x3 11in SK C34 guns, AA fit)
KMS Schnarhorst, Gneisenau in service
Bismark Class (43,000t standard; 30kts; 4x2 15in SK C34 guns, light AA fit)
KMS Bismark in service, Tirpitz, Friedrich der Grosse commissioning (1939, 1940) Moltke (in build, late 1940)

Aircraft Carriers (CV)
NB these are operated by the Luftwaffe with mariners transferred from the Kriegsmarine. Command of these vessels has been given to LW generals with ex-KM as the effective masters (replicating the C17th division between sailors and gentlemen commanders)
Herman Goering Class (33,550t; 35kts; 40 aircraft – Bf109T and Stuka-R)
Herman Goering (commissioning, May 1939) Graf Zepplin (commissioning, 1940)

Heavy Cruisers (PB / CA)
Deutschland Class (10,600t standard; 28kts; 2x3 11in SK C34 guns, 8x 5.9in guns, light AA)
KMS Deutschland, Admiral Scheer, Admiral Graf Spee (in service)

Light Cruisers (CL)
Emden, 3x Konigsberg Class, 8x Leipzig Class

Destroyers (DD)
16 of 1934, 1934A and 1936 Classes

We’re told everything is going to plan, and maybe that’s so. But I think it’s going harder than the generals thought, especially for the tankers. We’ve not been able to call on our flying artillery or any damned artillery for that matter since the first day, and seeing as the tankers have priority that’s got to mean they’re in deeper trouble than expected. No artillery means that taking strongpoints – like the one at that barracks yesterday – is harder and costlier work, and the Czechs are tenacious bastards. We keep moving forward, though, and they’ve no got much country to retreat into.

Feldwebel Gerhardt Liebstadt 15 May 39

The Battle is lost, but the war will continue. The Czech government will reform in exile. Officers and men of the Czech armed forces are to attempt to reach allied territory and reconstitute Free Czech forces to assist in the liberation of our nation. If unable to reach allied territory, Czech armed forces are to surrender and await our return.

Top Secret message to all Czech units, 02 Benes, 30 May 39

We have bled the enemy, have broken their machines and broken their men. Yet when a giant takes on a man, that man needs friends and our friends have been unable to intervene. They are coming! Though our land is under the German boot, it shall not be so for long. Those of us that can will join the French and British and liberate those left behind. We shall return.

Benes, proclamation 04 Jun 39
Under the command of V Adm Holland in HMS Renown the squadron (consisting of HM Ships Renown (Flag), Courageous, Hunter, Hotspur, Gallant and Garland) was carrying out patrol duties. Courageous had flown off Swordfish of 811 Sqdn FAA for reconnaissance duties and Sea Gladiators of 801 Sqdn FAA for combat air patrol. At 0630 14 June 39 the Swordfish of Lt E Valerie RN reported smoke consistent with a sizeable body of shipping and moved to investigate, with an additional plane sent to cover that assigned area. Contact with Lt Valerie was lost without further reports and an enemy force was assumed to be in the area. All remaining Swordfish onboard were armed for an anti-shipping strike while those in the air vectored in to Lt Valeries last known position. The Renown and destroyers formed up so as to be able to engage when possible and the squadron tuned to close the distance on he enemy, while signalling the contact report to the Fleet.

At 0700 a Sea Gladiator identified and chased a Ju-87 shadowing the squadron, but was unable to close due to the cloud cover. This identification confirmed that the German aircraft carrier was at sea and further Sea Gladiators were set to enable immediate take off in case of air attack. At 0713 a formation of enemy planes was identified in the air, and all armed planes ordered to take off, Gladiators followed by Swordfish, with the intention of clearing the deck of any potential flammable or explosive materials. Although rushed the Swordfish were to form and fly to the estimated position of the German squadron and attack, while the readied Gladiators dealt with the air raid. All other planes were, as standard procedure, left defueled and with ammunition remove in the hangar deck.

Fifteen Gladiators had flown off or were on patrol, and faced a raid of 10 Ju-87 and 15 Bf-109. The enemy fighters outclassed ours and due to a limited raid warning positioning was poor, and as such 8 Gladiators were shot down or damaged beyond repair, for 1 109 and 2 Stuka, but the raid was somewhat broken up. The remaining Stukas dropped on Renown, achieving one hit forrard and 2 near misses with no noticeable damage. One Stuka was shot down by the AA fire of Renown and escorts.

The torpedo strike was guided in by Lt Cdr Samson, who maintained contact with the German fleet through judicious use of cloud cover and highly courageous flying. His directions, given despite significant threat from enemy aircraft to the attack planes allowed the strike to be carried out, and his remaining in place to carry out post strike assessment was highly meritorious. However, all Swordfish, including Lt Cdr Samson, were shot down during this attack and it was unknown at the time whether any hits were achieved, although it later transpired that the KMS Admiral Scheer was struck at least once. No reports on the enemy squadrons size or composition were received.

During this period the two squadrons had closed to under 20 miles separation and it became clear that HM Ships were significantly outnumbered, the enemy consisting of five heavy ships and escorts. Under the orders of V Adm Holland the squadron reversed course with the intention of leading the enemy into the main Fleet. However, by 1345 the lead elements of the enemy were within very long range and opened fire upon the Flagship, which had taken position in the rear. Renown returned fire shortly after with her rear guns.

Gunnery results at extreme range were poor from both sides, although Renown straddled the enemy first. At 1417 Renown suffered a near miss to the rear of the ship and signalled that damage had been received which would reduce top speed. Courageous and the destroyers Hunter and Hotspur were ordered to maintain course and speed, while Renown, Gallant and Garland were to act as a delaying force.

I decided that it would be advantageous to utilise the remaining strike force under my command and outfitted an anti-ship strike with the remaining Swordfish protected by a number of Gladiators. Due to the time taken to arrange his strike, refuel and rearm the remaining planes and launch, form up and deploy the strike Courageous had proceeded beyond visual range of the battle and the strike first came upon the lone KMS Admiral Scheer manoeuvring South East at approximately 20kts and down by the bow. The strike launched a ‘hammer and anvil’ attack and following three torpedo hits the ship was seen to roll over and sink. No planes were lost in this operation.

Courageous recovered planes and joined with the Home Fleet. On reaching he last known position of HM Ships Renown, Gallant and Garland at 0500 15 Jun 39 only debris was recovered. No German ships were in evidence.
Evidence to Court Martial Captain WT Maekig-Jones RN of HMS Courageous, 23 Jun 1939

Although Schnarhorst and Gneisenau straddled the British battleship from around 1400 there seemed to be little effect until some fifteen minutes later when Renown was seen to slow and turn out of line to unmask all her guns. All ships of the squadron continued to close on the enemy ships at best speed while maintaining accurate fire.

Unmasking her guns allowed the enemy to fire upon both Schnarhorst and Gneisenau, and by 1430 both had received some hits, Schnarhorst having the worst of it with Bruno having been put out of action while Gneisenau had a minor fire on the upper deck. Apart from the reduction in speed no significant effect was observed on the enemy ship. However, at this time Bismarck and Tirpitz came into action and once they began to score hits the fight was quickly beaten out of the British ship and her guns silenced. A torpedo attack by the British destroyers was beaten off, although Emdem was damaged and Hans Lody sunk by torpedo hits. Both British destroyers were sunk.

With fire from the enemy slackened off the remaining destroyers were ordered to close and sink with torpedoes. The initial attack was ineffective as, unordered by the Admiral, Oberstleutnant Petersen had launched an air strike which distracted the torpedo runs to no good effect. A second set of runs was more effective with the British ship rolling over and sinking. Survivors were picked up by the escorts as the fleet withdrew

End of Report of R Adm Ciliax to OKM 16 Jun 1939

Controversy will continue around what sunk HMS Renown – shell, torpedo, the actions of her own crew or even (as the Luftwaffe claimed at the time) the bombs of the Stuka force. The coda to this battle is that within seven days the KM had no Pocket Battleships left afloat – with Admiral Scheer sunk by the Courageous aircrews as part of the Admiral Hollands Action both the Deutschland and the Admiral Graf Spee were caught and sunk by the British hunting groups in actions that were trumpeted at the time as an evening of the scores and a reestablishment of British sea power, but even so recognised as victories with benefits more to the propaganda effort than the balance of fleet power.

Deutschland was caught more by chance than skill, bad weather in the North Sea allowing lookouts on HMS Glowworm to spot the German cruiser and bring HMS Repulse, sailing in concert with HMS Hermes, to battle. As in the Falkland Islands at the start of the first world war, the RN battlecruiser carried out its role perfectly, hunting and overwhelming a slower, more poorly armed and more poorly protected foe.

The Graf Spee was sunk in a fight notable for its, possibly unique in the annals of war, adherence to the plan of one of the forces. Graf Spee was found, slowed and shadowed by aircraft from HMS Argus, allowing the Queen Elizabeth class battleships HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Warspite to close within range and shatter the German ship with heavy gunfire. Of greater impact was the recognition during this battle onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth that she had been correcting for Warspites fall of shot, beginning the process to introduce measures to prevent this in future.

John Keegan Battle At Sea, Pimlico 1988

While it is unfortunate that only limited support can be proffered to our allies in Czechoslovakia, France must gather her strength before any offensive could be considered.

Anglo-French Supreme War Council May 1939

From the Office of the 1st Lord of the Admiralty
To All Sea Lords
Most Secret
Given the outcome of the Hollands Action and the obvious aim of the German navy to defeat the RN in detail you are hereby requested and required to expedite those measures which will increase the capital ship strength of the RN in home waters. You are to expedite the completion of the refits of HM Ships Hood, Malaya and Glorious and the test, trials and commissioning work on Lion, Conqueror, Victorious and Formidable with associated air squadrons. You are to release one, or if considered prudent two, battleships from the Mediterranean Fleet
Consideration is to be given to expedite the fitting of RADAR onboard HM Ships and, in co-operation with the Air Ministry, into expediting the test and trials of a airborne RADAR for detecting shipping.
This office will officially contact the Air Ministry to request increased support to Coastal Command.
WSC

To V Adm Sir AB Cunningham KCB, DCNS
You are hereby requested and required to report aboard HMS Warspite on her arrival in Scapa Flow and take up command of HM Ships Warspite, Hood, Malaya, Lion, Conqueror, Formidable, Victorious and Courageous plus associated escorts with the express intention of destroying the enemy capital ships in the North Sea
1SL

Notes and considerations from the recent victory over the RN
The concept of operations has been proven to be correct. The RN can be defeated in detail if the recce battle is won. The Kriegsmarine has an advantage in reconnaissance thanks to high quality ships and personnel
Luftwaffe planes are significantly better than the RN planes they will meet for the foreseeable future
The Schnarhorst-class requires up gunning, as the 11-in gun is insufficient to defeat British battleship armour
Engagement ranges were greater than considered due to good visibility. Designs for the H class may wish to investigate a different armour scheme to allow such engagements.
Ships such as the Deutschland-class, being neither battleship nor cruiser are obsolescent and if caught by true battleship or battlecruiser will be destroyed. No more of this type should be considered for build

While the conops was correct and allowed us to achieve success, the loss of suitably powerful surface raiders will prevent its repeat, while less powerful raiders will not allow the Kriegsmarine to sufficiently weaken the RN battle line so as to achieve the strategic objective of forcing the British to retain a larger proportion of their army in the home islands and supporting victory against France. Potential operations that will create this opportunity include:
- A powerful assault on the Channel troop convoys, which will split the RN fleet to protect these. However, the RN holds its R class Battleships in the south and these, while obsolescent are sufficient to protect convoys, and would have to be defeated – with likely damage to the Kriegsmarine - to bring any strength from the North. This is also unlikely to separate the RN into small enough squadrons to enable the Kriegsmarine to be certain of victory.
- Bombardment of the East Coast of England, while may produce the required fragmentation of the RN fleet is more likely to be combated by increased air patrols supported by a concentrated fleet and so will allow the KM to be defeated in detail, as well as increasing the threat from mines, submarines etc.
- A descent on Norway will raise the threat of North Sea bases for U-boats and Surface ships to attack convoys in the Atlantic, as well as the Norwegian iron trade impacts. The British fleet will be forced to cover several different areas of conflict if Britain is to fight in this sphere, allowing several successful encounters for the Kriegsmarine.

Grossadmiral Raeder
100 YEAR RULE
DO NOT RELEASE UNTIL AUG 2039

Covering note.
This was delivered by Bert Sas, Netherlands military attaché to Berlin to our embassy in the Netherlands. Its contents is assessed as reliable, but must be confirmed by other sources. The source is considered to have motives aligning to but not the same as the UK
C

Herr Chamberlain
I hope that the seriousness of our position is now obvious, after your repudiation of support during the Sudetenland crisis. The leaders of this nation have now taken us into a war which if it continues could kill millions and bring the spectre of communism into the centre of Europe. While we have lost some of the military support we would have before combat had begun, many still remain concerned about a war in the west. To take advantage of this concern you must act quickly – any assault by or on the Slavic peoples will gather to H the best thoughts of all the General Staff.
Heed, then, this warning, though it may send thousands of my countrymen to a watery grave. The navy is planning an attack on Norway, to weaken your naval forces. No land offensive will take place in France until mid 1940. If you weaken morale with victories then vW, vB, B and C may act as they wished to last year.
The bearer of this note is a friend and ally, and will confirm its provenance.
HO
To: 1SL CINC HOME FLEET
HMS WARSPITE, at sea
3 Aug 39
Sir,
Squadron evolutions have commenced. Although total top speed is limited by the inclusion of older ships, the striking power of this command is significant and I submit for your approval plans to use such power to destroy the German fleet.
V Adm AB Cunningham

To: Cunningham
Expedite Operation LONGBOW

HNM Ambassador to St James’ Court
15 Aug 1939
Sir,
It has become obvious to HM Government over the past weeks that the German armed forcs are likely to attempt a descent upon your country within the next month. We offer Norway a defensive alliance, including the French Republic, to ensure the protection of your country. However, such an assault would be a threat to the security of this Kingdom and so we shall take any necessary steps to prevent a German assault whether the Kingdom of Norway is in alliance with the United Kingdom and French Republic or not
Neville Chamberlain

To: OKW
From the Office of the Fuhrer
Operation Weserubung approved. Objective to destroy British Fleet, to capture bases for threatening England, to secure iron supplies.

We marched north, and the Danes surrendered. Since then they’ve been docile, quiet – not like the Czechs. In Bohemia we kept dying well after the surrender, and still are. I hear they’ve appointed some SS guy to hold them down. Wont need that here, you could appoint a HJ troop to hold the Danes in check.
I hear others have been transferred to ships. Wir fahren nach England? Surely not.
Diary of Feldwebel Gerhardt Liebstadt 10 Sep 39

Operation plan for the Unternehmen Wesrubung Nord

2 divisions to assault Denmark
Luftwaffe to assault runways with fallschirmjaeger, and threaten bombardment of cities. Bombardment to commence if surrender not forthcoming.

Gneisenau, Bismarck, Tirpitz, Freidrich der Grosse, Herman Goering to stand off as cover and attempt intercept of RN forces

10 destroyers with 2000 troops to assault Narvik
Karlsruhe and four destroyers with 1500 troops to Trondheim
Koln and Konigsberg, auxiliary ships and Schnellboots with 1400 troops to Bergen
4 minesweepers and 150 troops to Egersund
Nurnberg Schnellboots and auxiliaries with 1100 troops to Kristiansand
Schnarhorst (note – Bruno remains Out of Action) Leipzig and minesweepers with 2000 troops to Oslo

Once Denmark is consolidated utilise runways for air support and transport troops to consolidate Norway

Battle of the Forties, part 1

Supplement to
The London Gazette
Of Wednesday 20 July 1943
Published by Authority
Registered as a Newspaper

Friday 23 July 1943

THE BATTLE OF THE FORTIES

The following despatch was submitted to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty on 6 September 1939 by Vice Admiral Sir A B Cunningham KCB, DSO Vice Admiral commanding the 5th Battle Squadron.

HMS WARSPITE
6 September 1939

Be pleased to lay before their Lordships the attached reports of the Battle of the Forties, 4 to 5 September 1939.
2. Acting on orders from their Lordships I had taken my squadron to sea to execute Operation LONGBOW, a strike on the enemy fleet in harbour at Wilhelmshaven. The disposition of forces was intended to allow an air striking force to be formed and attack while protected from surface attack by the remainder of the battlefleet.
3. Whilst at sea high priority signal traffic was received from their Lordships to note that the German fleet was at sea with the intention of invading Norway, and hat the capital ships of the enemy were believed to be providing a strong covering force to the west of the invading forces.
4. Commander-in-Chief Home Fleet* (*Admiral Sir Charles Forbes KCB, DSO) instructed the remainder of Home Fleet to sea, with the 2nd Battle Squadron (Vice Admiral B Fraser) to patrol to the North and the Battlecruiser Squadron (Vice Admiral J Somerville) to interdict the attempted landings in the North of Norway. 5th Battle Squadron was ordered to find fix and destroy the enemy heavy units.
5. Aircraft from HMS FORMIDABLE sighted and reported an enemy force to the southwest numbering some 10 ships and including an aircraft carrier (believed to be HERMAN GOERING) at 1210 . As in previous actions interception by enemy naval fighters was quick, and two Fleet Air Arm TSR planes were shot down. The air striking force was formed on HMS FORMIDABLE and VICTORIOUS, and COURAGEOUS, allowing two strikes. Distance and bearing information from the lost planes allowed the squadron to close on the enemy.
6. My intention had been to launch night strikes against the enemy to mitigate the qualitative difference between FAA and enemy equipment. The course and bearing of the enemy force gave the squadron a chance of crossing the ‘T’ and so I instructed the air striking force to be held on deck and so maximise the chance that the precise position of the squadron would not be revealed. They would be released should the enemy change course, on detection of the squadron by enemy air assets, or when the fleets were 50 miles distant
7. At 1450 an enemy carrier based aircraft was identified and shot down by the CAP fighters, and given that I could not be certain it had been prevented from providing course and speed information to the enemy I authorised the strikes to take place immediately. As a result the carrier force, along with HMS SOUTHAMPTON, NEWCASTLE, and HUNTER split from he battle fleet to launch and recover aircraft, and maintain a useful distance from the enemy gun line. The first range, consisting of FAA TSR, dive bomber and fighter, totalling 40 aircraft formed quickly and efficiently.
8. The second range of 50 aircraft was flown off at 1600. throughout he flying operations surface winds remained moderate, with 7/10 cloud cover. During this operation the aircraft of Walsh/Albert was damaged and had to be struck down below for repairs to wing fabric.

Narrative of the First Air Attack

9. The first sriking force formed up in position 4 miles at 265 degrees from HMS VICTORIOUS at a height of 4,500 feet and took departure at 1500
10. At 1530 the first range at a height of 4,500 feet entered the base of cumulus cloud and some aircraft became separated with the result that the striking force did not arrive simultaneously over the target.
10. The force commander continued with 27 aircraft (15 torpedo, 10 fighter and 2 bomber). They sighted enemy ships at 1545 and split into attack formation, with the force commander identifying the primary target for torpedo attack as the battleships, the bombers to strike at the aircraft carrier.
11. Type Naratives
i) Fighter Aircraft
The fighter aircraft encountered light opposition from enemy aircraft, outnumbering those in the air at the point of attack. While the qualitative difference between equipment allowed the enemy pilots to shoot down 3 (Arbuthnot/Bell, Cavil/Lowde and Humpton/Jones) for no enemy shot down, they were prevented from interfering with the torpedo or bomber strike. However, the fighter aircraft were equally unable to provide any useful distraction to enemy anti-aircraft artillery fire.
ii) Torpedo Aircraft
Torpedo aircraft took advantage of the bearing of encountering the enemy fleet to split and attempt a ‘hammer and anvil’ style attack, aiming at the head of the enemy squadron. Ten aircraft led by the force commander attacked from the port side, roughly heading NNE while 5 attacked on a reciprocal bearing SSW. This had the effect of splitting enemy fire and complicating their evasive manoeuvres. Anti aircraft fire was heavy from both capital ships (including some use of the main battery of the leading ships) and the escorting cruisers, and two aircraft from the port attack were shot down (Lansdowne/Joicke and Furner/Smith) with one from the starboard side forced to abort the attack and jettison the torpedo.
Torpedoes were launched at approximately 700 yards range and evasion made by a swift 180 degree turn. Force commander remained to carry out damage assessment, and noted one strike midships on GNEISENAU, one far forward of BISMARCK, both causing some small speed reduction, and one far aft of SEYDLITZ, causing that ship to come to a stop. Force commander then remained to guide the second strike on to target.
iii) Bomber Aircraft
The two aircraft that had remained joined up with the force commander attacked the HERMAN GOERING immediately on acquisition of the target, diving from 8,000 feet to release at 1,500 feet, on a SE to NW bearing. Heavy AA fire was experienced and no bombs hit, although one landed close starboard and may have inflicted some damage. Dennings/Falute reported seeing fouling of the forward deck by a Bf-109. At 1610 the remaining 13 dive bombers appeared over the target, and with no fighter interference were able to strike at HERMAN GOERING, scoring three hits and two near misses, setting fires and significantly slowing the ship.

Narrative of the Second Air Attack

12. The first striking force formed up in position 4 miles at 265 degrees from HMS VICTORIOUS at a height of 4,500 feet and took departure at 1610
13. At 1710 the striking force commenced to climb and commenced the attack
14. Type Narratives
i) Fighter Aircraft
The fighter aircraft faced minimal opposition, the enemy having been unable to fly off any additional fighter aircraft, and those remaining in the air being low on ammunition and fuel following the earlier engagements. As a result the fighter aircraft were able to achieve three victories to no cost to themselves. As with the first range, the fighters were unable to carry out their secondary role of providing a distraction for the strike aircraft.
ii) Torpedo Aircraft
Torpedo aircraft of the second range were again able to form up for a ‘hammer and anvil’ style attack on the enemy battle line, with the force being split equally between port and starboard axes of attack. The port attack was under much heavier AA fire than the starboard thanks to the positioning of the German escort ships, and were forced to drop earlier than would otherwise be wished at 1000 yards, losing three planes (O’Brien/Johnson, Vexhill/Motson and Brazil/Parlour). The starboard aircraft were able to close to 700 yards before launching torpedoes. Evasion was by sharp 180 degree turn. Force commander continued assessment of damage, noting on strike mid-forward of FREIDRICH DER GROSSE, and two on ADMIRAL HIPPER, which was left in a sinking condition.
iii) Bomber Aircraft
The bomber aircraft on reaching 8,000 feet split into two groups to ensure maximum effectiveness. With the primary target slowed and on fire the first section dived to 1,500 feet and released, with four more bomb hits and three near misses wracking the HERMAN GOERING with explosions and leaving the ship with a significant and increasing list to starboard. Given its condition, the second section split and dived on SEYDLITZ and TIRPITZ. SEYDLITZ was struck three times and left on fire and sinking, TIRPITZ hit once causing minor damage to the upper decks.
15. Other than those mentioned above, all planes returned and flew on safely. TSR planes were flown off to replace the force commander and allow continued monitoring of the enemy fleet to bring the battle fleet to action.

Battle of the Forties pt 2

Narrative of the Battle Line Attack

16. Regular reports from FAA crews shadowing the German fleet provided a significant advantage as the two battle lines closed. The enemy had thrown out a forward screen of the remaining cruisers PRINZ EUGEN, LUTZOW, and BLUCHER and followed in line astern with TIRPITZ in the van, then BISMARCK, FREIDRICH DER GROSSE and GNEISENAU. Our line was led by HMS LION, followed by HM Ships CONQUEROR, WARSPITE (flag) MALAYA and HOOD. The destroyers of the squadron were positioned so as to be able to provide a torpedo threat to the enemy line, while the cruisers supported HMS SHEFFIELD in attaining contact with her RADAR system
16. SHEFFIELD achieved RADAR contact at 35,000 yards at 1819 and the squadron manoeuvred to close to the enemy fleet. Given he oncoming twilight and darkness it was considered of more importance to close the distance to enable a continuous engagement and prevent the enemy escaping in the night. At 1830 the enemy opened fire and all ships increased speed before opening to A arcs* consistent with continuing to close on the enemy. 17. The CONQUEROR was straddled by the fourth salvo from the enemy, one shell exploding on the after secondary battery, killing four men, putting it out of action and starting a fire. Quick action by the ships crew prevented any chance of the fire spreading to the secondary magazine and it was swiftly put out.
18. WARSPITE was the first of the squadron to identifiably find the range of the enemy and straddled the FREIDRICH DER GROSSE on her fourth salvo. HOOD, being engaged only by the 11in rear turret of GNEISENAU was the second to straddle, immediately causing a noticeable fire on the German Battlecruiser. Within a short period all ships were achieving straddling of their assigned targets and in turn being struck.
19. Damage to our ships structure and fighting power was minimal at this point, but hits caused a number of deaths and injuries to men in exposed stations. Aviation facilities were notably open to damage, with LION, WARSPITE and MALAYA all suffering damage and fire, including the loss of aeroplanes and associated support equipment. Around this time HOOD suffered a near miss which exploded on the water in line with the bridge. Splinters killed four ratings and caused injuries to the Captain Glennie and the Chief Yeoman, but the ship continued to fight without pause.
20. Under the 16 guns of WARSPITE and MALAYA, FREIDRICH DER GROSSE was the first ship to noticeably suffer, in short order having three turrets out of action and noticeably slowed. Continued firing by the two QUEEN ELIZABETH class caused the German ship to turn out of line and come to a stop, at which point WARSPITE transferred he fire to the BISMARCK. With tenacious spirit the after gun turret of FREIDRICH DER GROSSE continued to fire and gained a hit on MALAYAs ‘B’ turret, putting it out of action and causing some casualties, however MALAYA continued to fire with six guns and silenced the german battleship, before altering target to GNEISENAU
21. Shots from TIRPITZ in the German van became increasingly erratic and it became obvious the guns were being fired under local direction. Under the combined fire of CONQUEROR and WARSPITE, the BISMARCKs fire had slackened while GNEISENAU under fire from HOOD and MALAYA had slowed and was dropping behind the two other battleships. At this point the German fleet began to make smoke and turn away, covered by a torpedo attack by the cruisers.
22. While the battle line continued to engage the german capital ships with their main guns, the cruisers SHEFFIELD and GLOUCESTER added their fire to the secondary armament of the battleships against the cruisers, and the destroyers carried out a spoiling torpedo attack. PRINZ EUGEN and BLUCHER were hit multiple times by gunfire and left stopped and on fire, while LUTZOW took a torpedo amidships and was in some difficulty. In return, NUBIAN was hit by a torpedo and began to sink, MOHAWK was hit by a flurry of 6in gunfire, stopped and set on fire and GLOUCESTER was struck by 6 in gunfire which put her Y turret out of action and caused a number of casualties on the bridge.
23. The action by the German cruisers had allowed their battleships to extend the range, and while they remained in range and silhouetted by the setting sun it was obvious that we would soon loose sight. I therefore ordered SHEFFIELD out of immediate danger to ensure that her RADAR would enable us to close in the night, and ordered the squadron to close distance and continue the action. Additionally I ordered the GLOUCESTER and destroyers to engage the damaged German ships and for the aircraft carriers to prepare a night strike
24. As the squadron turned to chase, MALAYA began to reduce speed and signalled that she had suffered a significant failure to one of the turbines. When later investigated this was found to be the result of the speed at which she was prepared for sea following refit, combined with the stress of battle to cause a major failure. While this reduced the strength of the battle line, MALAYA was able to cover GLOUCESTER and the destroyers in dealing with the damaged German ships. All three cruisers were thus attacked by the heavy gunfire of the battleship and struck their colours before being sunk, and FREIDRICH DER GROSSE was sunk by torpedo. This occurred while LION, CONQUEROR, WARSPITE and HOOD continued the chase of BISMARCK TIRPITZ and GNEISENAU
25. The squadron began to overtake GNEISENAU and concentrated fire to put her out of action. The combined power of the four ships overwhelmed the German ship in short order and at 1933 GNEISENAU blew up and sank. Following this all ships increased speed to the highest possible, accepting that WARSPITE would fall behind to attempt to bring the enemy back into action.
26. As the sun set at 1948, the German ships were lost from view, although SHEFFIELD remained in contact by RADAR. The squadron continued to close slowly and at 0127 was able to illuminate the remaining German ships by starshell and commence firing. BISMARCK turned to accept battel while TIRPITZ continued and increased speed while commencing firing with the rear turrets. LION fired upon TIRPITZ, accepting fire from BISMARCK in an attempt to prevent the escape of this ship, but while some hits were noted and TIRPITZ silenced, the enemy ship did not slow and was able to affect an escape into the darkness.
27. Under fire from HOOD, CONQUEROR, and eventually LION, the BISMARCK gave a good account and it was only after a lengthy cannonade that she was silenced, turned over and sank. SHEFFIELD having suffered a defect to the RADAR (later found to be overheating due to lengthy use), the final German ship made its escape, and despite strong aerial patrols was not reacquired.

Results

28. For the loss of two destroyers (HMS MOHAWK and HMS NUBIAN), 8 aircraft and damage to GLOUCESTER and all battleships, the squadron sunk burned or destroyed the German ships BISMARCK, FREIDRICH DER GROSSE, GNEISENAU, HERMAN GOERING, LUTZOW, PRINZ EUGEN, BLUCHER, ADMIRAL HIPPER and SEYDLITZ, and seriously damage the TIRPITZ.
29. This is the destruction of sixty percent of the battle line, the enemies only aircraft carrier in service and half of the cruiser force. Of the remaining battleships, TIRPITZ was silenced and will require time in dock.

Remarks of the Vice Admiral Commanding 5th Battle Squadron

30. I have the greatest pleasure in informing your Lordships of the very high standards of efficiency and courage that was displayed by all officers and men in this action. In accordance with Admiralty message 1755 / 25th May I am submitting separately a list of officers and men who I consider worthy of award. I would remark, however, that the standards of behaviour have been so high across the squadron that compilation of this list has been very difficult.
31. RADAR is of the most obvious efficacy in the finding and fixing of the enemy and it should be installed on all ships practicable. Its use for gun laying would be the next step to consider.
32. The fighter aircraft carried by the squadrons aircraft carriers were not, despite their recent entry into service, of sufficient quality to match the enemy. We were in this case able to succeed through numbers alone, but that is a costly and morale sapping method to achieve success. The Fleet Air Arm carried out their task with zeal and courage and with improved tools will be able to carry out significantly more operations
33. Bridge splinter protection on HM Ships, while of some efficacy, would benefit from strengthening.
34. LION and CONQUEROR both suffered a number of issues as would be expected in new ships shortly out of commissioning. Chiefly, this served to reduce their rate of fire, and I would commend to your Lordships the report of Captain W Davies RN HMS LION who has compiled the issues found.
34. Submit that following review of the situation in Norway and the disposition of enemy battleships alongside, OPERATION LONGBOW is attempted to complete the destruction of enemy fleet.
34. I have appended the squadrons casualty list.

Sgd.
AB Cunningham
V. Admiral

Admiralty, Whitehall, 10 October 1939

The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following Appointments to the Distinguished Service Order

To be a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order

Captain Philip Louis Vian, Royal Navy, HMS Bedouin;

For outstanding ability, determination and resource in the preliminary dispositions which led to the destruction of 10 German destroyers off of Narvik and for daring, leadership and masterly handling of his squadron in narrow waters to use the natural environment of that area to affect surprise upon he enemy and so destroy in detail a force superior in numbers without recourse to the heavier units off shore. Such conduct is of the highest traditions of the Service.

The damned English came out of a fog at a crazy speed, let off torpedoes and gun fire and fell back with most of our ships burning – including our tanker and he commodore. We’d been focussed on the shore, supporting the troops we’d landed and knowing we had a picket on patrol – the useless idiots had missed five English ships passing them, and only learnt about it when they were sank on the way out. What sort of idea was it to try and match these crazy people on the sea?

Matsongefreiter Hans Lugen, PoW, taped conversation Dec 1939. Released 2006

In accordance with your orders of 14 Aug 39 my force (Schnarhorst, Leipzigfour minesweepers and 2000 troops) fell on Oslo by surprise on 10 Sept 39. The royal family, parliament and national treasury are in our hands following stiff resistance by the troops in the city itself, with they and the forts surrounding the city having obviously been on some alert. This has resulted in heavy casualties amongst this force and the airborne landing group which attacked Fornebu, and in significant damage to Schnarhorst, which took a number of artillery and torpedo hits from the Oscarsborg fort before it surrendered. Leipzig has also suffered damage from a single artillery strike, causing a fire. The naval officers have informed me that repairs of several weeks are likely to be required to the battleship before it can return to Kiel for a more thorough refit.

With the capture of the leadership of the country, a capitulation is being organised. We can expect some resistance to continue, but this will be disorganised and easily mopped up.
Gen. N Von Falkenhorst, XXI Armeekorps

Herr Admiral

My patrol off Narvik was a total success ruined by the performance of the torpedoes supplied to my U-boat. U-23 was in position to attack the main body of the Royal Navy force, which would have brought their destroyer screen back from attacking into the fjords and so protected the Kriegsmarine units and the army. However, despite attaining a perfect firing position and launching all bow and stern torpedoes at the English ships (HMS Repulse and HMS Ark Royal were targeted), and expecting several hits there were no explosions, no fire and no sunk ships. The ability of the English to occupy Narvik is a direct result of the poor quality of the torpedoes supplied.

Kaulen. Otto Kretschmer

Soldiers of Norway!
You have seen the leaflets dropped by the German airforce, calling on us to surrender. You have seen it states that the King and his family and the government have surrendered. The boot of the stormtrooper is at their necks, the gun of the stormtrooper at their head. But here, in the north, we have the guns. With the aid of our allies and friends from across the sea we have pushed the German to rout and ruin. We will do it again. We will free Norway, one step at a time. We shall see if the stormtrooper can shoot straight.
Long Live the King!
Carl Gustav Fleischer.
Major General

From this point on in this TL, I think the following will happen:
A Taranto style attack on the remaining KM capital ships – in the North Sea the RN has six carriers, and they will want to reduce the threat significantly. With Tirpitz and Schnarhorst in drydock for damage repairs, Moltke and Graf Zeppelin in build such a raid is likely to cause significant damage – I would expect TCL to most of these ships. Such a result is unlikely to please Hitler and there is unlikely to be much more spending on the KM

A lack of decent u boats (doctrine!) will make GBs SLOCs much more secure, enabling fewer resources to be spent on merchant shipping and escorts.

Some form of invasion of France will be attempted, probably in 1940 – but with fewer tanks, less artillery and fewer planes this will likely stall, with the armoured columns unable to make the same headway and the artillery light infantry stymied at defended points. Also, the Allied plan probably does not include going to the Dyle (this was a late change, as I understand it) preventing the mobile forces being pocketed. A stalemate in France, along with a stalemate in Norway, with only Czechoslovakia and Denmark conquered gives a whole new light to the ability of the Wehrmacht, and I would expect a coup from the group centred around Hans Oster / Wilhelm Canaris, although this may wait for an allied counter attack to reach german soil. I would expect any new government to search for peace at SQAB, although the allies are likely to seek more, maybe a return to Versailles. Germany should not suffer dismemberment as it did in OTL, and certainly the East – where no offensive move had been carried out due to the increased tension with the West exploding over Czechoslovakia – E Prussia is unlikely to be altered. I think (hope?) that the Nazi party is likely to be crushed, but the endemic bigotry of the regime will not be punished as severely – or understood as much

This does, however, depend upon what the Russians do – the Baltic states may fall while th west is distracted, Finland is likely also invaded in late 39 – but the reaction to a traditionally anti-communist Britain, especially where there is no need of the Soviets as allies against a failing German assault is unlikely to be positive. A war between the USSR and the western allies is possible depending upon timing, but I think unlikely unless Stalin seeks to extend into Poland.

Japan is still going to be resource starved as it seeks to expand into China – but the Western Allies are not distracted by war in Europe, and have strong, battle proven fleets ready to come East. This may change the calculation of the Japanese that a short, successful war is possible by striking across the pacific, but I don’t see what they can do other than retreat from China, and that seems highly unlikely. Possibly the PH strike will be an attempt to shock the US out of a fight, then a longer fight against the RN and MN can be prosecuted (counting on a similar misreading of the US character after a devastating surprise attack as IOTL). A Pacific war, starting around Dec 41 (based on the same drivers, the attack is likely to be at a similar time) but with an available RN battle fleet of 4 to 6 large, armoured deck fleet carriers to support the US I don’t think Japan is going to have a happy time of it. I think that many of thei leadership will know that, but feel backed into a corner and do it anyway.

After that? A richer more confident Britain, and France possibly leading to a harder decolonisation process. A much slower A-bomb development, with the mix of the two leading perhaps to war between USSR and the western allies (maybe not including the US) as proxy / colonial wars of independence spread without the threat of MAD to keep them in check. However, all this is butterflies…
 
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