Bad news were received by Captain Langsdorff on December 11th 1939. The Arado reconnaisanc plane that had been so crucial in locating enemy ships had suffered major defects. The mechanics favored ditching it, but something turned in him at the thought. He urged the mechaniscs to work over night [=POD, in OTL it was ditched in the sea on the 11th]. The miracle did occurred. Part of the electrical system was fried, but replacements were found and the Arado flew again in the 12th. In a crucial sweep it identified a British freighter of 8000 tons to the north east. Langsdorff ordered pursuit and turned Graf Spee on an interception course north-north-east [compared to OTL she thereby eluded the three british cruisers and the battle of the River Plate]. The freighter was intercepted, surrendered and the fuel was plundered.
Langsdorff, relieved and exalted sensed to go home, the Altmarkt and admiral graf Spee headed North.
Langsdorff, relieved and exalted sensed to go home, the Altmarkt and admiral graf Spee headed North.