The english channel

[_Seth_]

Originally Posted by JScones

If it's any consolation, Doenitz gave up the English Channel as a viable route into the Atlantic in early December 1939. Consequently, boats were directed the "long way" around.

Thats true, mate! But there is something that nags my mind: Why did the germans launch "operation Cerberus" (channel dash) when the channel was so heavy mined, and full of bad ships...? Why did they risk their capital ships, just to get faster to the north sea bases? Was Dönitz "smarter" than the other kriegsmarine officers?

[JScones]

Originally Posted by _Seth_

Thats true, mate! But there is something that nags my mind: Why did the germans launch "operation Cerberus" (channel dash) when the channel was so heavy mined, and full of bad ships...? Why did they risk their capital ships, just to get faster to the north sea bases? Was Dönitz "smarter" than the other kriegsmarine officers?

IIRC it was Hitler's decision - the Admiralty preferred the long way. So instantly, any logic goes out the window, LOL!

Seriously though, when considered in toto, it's not as risky as first seemed. The ships were well supported by Destroyers and aircraft, with the likelyhood of enemy ships of the same size being in the Channel, or having the time to intercept, being virtually nil. Such protection could not be afforded if going the long way around. When you consider a) Hitler was convinced of an Allied invasion of Norway, which could potentially have put the ships right in the middle and b) the ships were not at full order, the Channel dash was perhaps the less risky of the two options as it limited the time the ships were exposed.

More crucial to the success was that the Brits expected/hoped/assumed that the Germans would pass through Dover - the most dangerous part - at night, but as we all know the opposite happened. Thus the Brits lost the element of surprise that they'd of had if the ships left Brest at daylight. The Germans obviously knew this.

I think it was a great strategic decision.

[_Seth_]

Originally Posted by JScones

IIRC it was Hitler's decision - the Admiralty preferred the long way. So instantly, any logic goes out the window, LOL!

Seriously though, when considered in toto, it's not as risky as first seemed. The ships were well supported by Destroyers and aircraft, with the likelyhood of enemy ships of the same size being in the Channel, or having the time to intercept, being virtually nil. Such protection could not be afforded if going the long way around. When you consider a) Hitler was convinced of an Allied invasion of Norway, which could potentially have put the ships right in the middle and b) the ships were not at full order, the Channel dash was perhaps the less risky of the two options as it limited the time the ships were exposed.

More crucial to the success was that the Brits expected/hoped/assumed that the Germans would pass through Dover - the most dangerous part - at night, but as we all know the opposite happened. Thus the Brits lost the element of surprise that they'd of had if the ships left Brest at daylight. The Germans obviously knew this.

I think it was a great strategic decision.

Reading your explanation, i totally agree with you. This was the best thing Germany could have done under those circumstances.
Thanx for answer, matey!!