The German destoyer Diether von Roeder was supposed to be on picket duty when Warburton-Lee and his 5 destroyers arrived off the port of Narvik.
Lets say the misunderstanding that caused the Diether von Roeder to leave its picket station without replacement by another destroyer does not happen and Warbuton-Lee bumps into her on his way into port.
What happens next?????
Here is my guesses for starters, feel free to rip them apart:
(pro Allied OTL: Diether von Roeder is able to warn the other destroyers and slip away in the poor visibility. Figuring the Germans would now be on full alert, Warbuton-Lee remains outside the port watching the exit until reinforced by the cruiser Penelope and more destroyers in the morning and this force completely defeats the Germans by breaking into the port the following day).
(pro German OTL: Warbuton Lee attacks anyway and is wiped out by the alert German force, the ammunition ship Rauenfel is able to arrive safely meaning the German garrison is more fuly supplied, the German destroyer force attempts to break out the next night, in a confused night fight, 7 out of 10 destroyers manage to break out, 3 are sunk)
Lets say the misunderstanding that caused the Diether von Roeder to leave its picket station without replacement by another destroyer does not happen and Warbuton-Lee bumps into her on his way into port.
What happens next?????
Here is my guesses for starters, feel free to rip them apart:
(pro Allied OTL: Diether von Roeder is able to warn the other destroyers and slip away in the poor visibility. Figuring the Germans would now be on full alert, Warbuton-Lee remains outside the port watching the exit until reinforced by the cruiser Penelope and more destroyers in the morning and this force completely defeats the Germans by breaking into the port the following day).
(pro German OTL: Warbuton Lee attacks anyway and is wiped out by the alert German force, the ammunition ship Rauenfel is able to arrive safely meaning the German garrison is more fuly supplied, the German destroyer force attempts to break out the next night, in a confused night fight, 7 out of 10 destroyers manage to break out, 3 are sunk)