Given an historical build-up (no fantasy Z plan) and direction under Raeder, what is the best the Third Reich's surface fleet can realistically hope for in WW2? Let us even assume that luck goes Raeder's way more often than not, and the Royal Navy suffer their historical losses (Royal Oak, Glorious, etc.) in roughly historical engagements.
For example, would pushing the Tirpitz out (with the Bismarck) before her crew were fully trained have been a risk worth taking? What is the best-case scenario for Operation Rheinübung? What if Operation Berlin had been far more successful, and convinced Hitler of the validity of surface raiding?
For example, would pushing the Tirpitz out (with the Bismarck) before her crew were fully trained have been a risk worth taking? What is the best-case scenario for Operation Rheinübung? What if Operation Berlin had been far more successful, and convinced Hitler of the validity of surface raiding?