Captured French Fleet in Sealion

Errolwi

Monthly Donor
Things were short enough that the Brigade+ of the NZ Division that got diverted to the UK (the Red Sea being far to vulnerable to the Italians) would not have got the equipment to complete training if they didn't get themselves assigned to anti-invasion duties.
So supply was limited, but not critical.
 
A German seizure of the French navy would have consequences. The main reason for French agreement to the armistice was to ensure the continued existence of the French Empire in some format after the war, and the navy was essential to that. They had thought the war lost and that Britain would soon make peace ... being lenient on the French navy was important for France to accept the armistice as it was incredibly harsh in other respects.

So if the Germans get their hands of the French fleet, the French colonies will almost assuredly defect to the Free French.

So while it is bad to have lost the French Fleet, the Allies are actually strengthened in Africa and the Middle East.

As others have pointed out, it will take a long time before Germans could adequately crew the ships, and the are divided into Atlantic and Mediterranean Fleets.

what might be plausible is for Germany to gain control over the French submarine fleet.

Germany was not allowed submarines after WWI, so doubtful they would allow France to keep any under (any) peace treaty signed?
 

Saphroneth

Banned
Germany airbases close to the channel make up for the lack of aircraft carriers.

They don't make up for it - the aircraft carriers provide air power in places the airbases aren't. That's kind of the point.

In a battle anywhere that's not the channel, the British have far more airpower to bring - the Axis barely have the air muscle to shoot down scout planes.
 
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