[desirableroasted]

For example, on the last patrol, I sank Royal Oak on 12 November 1939, south of Ireland (though, to be fair, SH3 called it only a "Revenge Class;" SH3 Commander supplied the name). Clearly, either Gunther fudged his report or a respawn happened.

You can sink Warspite (though she is not called that in the game) at 2nd battle of Narvik in April 1940 twice! Once in the inner fjord and, if you make a successful escape, out in the lower fjord after she respawns.

That said, capital ships are not spawning like rabbits. You can still go many, many patrols without encountering one.