What if...

Ifernat · 06-27-14, 08:05 PM

I would agree that the U-boats couldn't by themselves have won the war, they never managed to get to the point where the US Navy did in the Pacific where the loss of Japanese shipping capacity began a death spiral where a lack of resources crippled the ship building industry. As has been stated the U-boat campaign was really a minor side issue as it relates to the Eastern Front which is where the war was ultimately decided.

There are a few interesting what if scenarios however in the Mediterranean. For example consider what if an Italian submarine had broken up (even by damaging rather than sinking) Operation Judgement? If the Italians still had those battleships do the British commit as heavily in Greece? If they don't, how many days are shaved off the delay on the start of Barbarossa?

The same could probably be said if more assets had been used to Siege Malta in 1940-1941. The what if there is whether an unimpeded supply line for the Italians and later Germans vs a weakened British position changes the timeline especially again in regards to Greece.

Probably still doesn't make that huge a difference, but its an interesting idea. Does kind of highlight just how badly Mussolini managed to sandbag his 'ally'.

06-27-14, 08:05 PM	#8
Ifernat Watch Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 20 Downloads: 11 Uploads: 0	I would agree that the U-boats couldn't by themselves have won the war, they never managed to get to the point where the US Navy did in the Pacific where the loss of Japanese shipping capacity began a death spiral where a lack of resources crippled the ship building industry. As has been stated the U-boat campaign was really a minor side issue as it relates to the Eastern Front which is where the war was ultimately decided. There are a few interesting what if scenarios however in the Mediterranean. For example consider what if an Italian submarine had broken up (even by damaging rather than sinking) Operation Judgement? If the Italians still had those battleships do the British commit as heavily in Greece? If they don't, how many days are shaved off the delay on the start of Barbarossa? The same could probably be said if more assets had been used to Siege Malta in 1940-1941. The what if there is whether an unimpeded supply line for the Italians and later Germans vs a weakened British position changes the timeline especially again in regards to Greece. Probably still doesn't make that huge a difference, but its an interesting idea. Does kind of highlight just how badly Mussolini managed to sandbag his 'ally'.