The Misperception of Germany’s Surface Fleet in World War II

The question often arises regarding why Germany did not use its surface fleet to attack Britain before and during World War II. It is a common misconception that the German Navy was comparably sized to the Royal Navy, and that the surface fleet was underutilized. However, this could not be further from the truth. This article aims to dissect the reality of Germany's surface fleet during the war and highlight why their engagement with the Royal Navy was limited and ultimately unsuccessful.

The Myth of the Equal Naval Forces

The statement that the German Navy was merely a 'squirrel versus a lion' in terms of size is a prevalent fallacy. In reality, the German Navy, known as the Kriegsmarine during World War II, was significantly weaker than its British equivalent, the Royal Navy. While the Royal Navy was the largest fleet on Earth until later in the war (owing to the American shipbuilding efforts), the German Naval fleet was paltry in comparison.

Combat Operations in Narrow Waters

Several notable engagements highlight the true extent of German naval operations against British forces. For instance, during the battles of Narvik, Denmark Strait, and North Cape, the Kriegsmarine faced off against the Royal Navy. In the battle of Narvik alone, the German Navy engaged in multiple engagements, but the outcome was largely detrimental to the German surface fleet, with many vessels either sunk or forced to retreat to safe ports. Similarly, the Bismarck and her sister ship Tirpitz were significant and formidable ships, but their engagements with British forces, especially during Operation Rheinsberg, were largely unsuccessful.

Strategic Limitations and Geographic Challenges

One of the primary reasons for the relative lack of engagement by the German surface fleet was the geographic position and strategic limitations of Germany. The Kriegsmarine's fleet had to navigate through several natural bottlenecks to reach open waters, all of which were under the watchful eye of British patrols. These outer defenses made it exceedingly difficult for German vessels to engage in sustained combat operations. Navals such as the Bismarck, Tirpitz, and even the Graf Spee faced significant challenges in escaping these bottlenecks without being detected and pursued by the Royal Navy.

The Graf Spee, a powerful surface raider, managed to evade detection for a time, but its success was short-lived. The ship's eventual destruction, known as the Battle of the River Plate, was a testament to the superior coordination and resources of the British naval forces. Similarly, the second battle of Narvik, involving the German battleship Bismarck, resulted in its destruction, further highlighting the futility of German surface engagements against the Royal Navy.

The Advantage of Submarine Warfare

While the German surface fleet faced numerous challenges, their submarine fleet, known as the U-boat fleet, proved to be a more effective means of sinking merchant shipping. U-boats had a better success rate in disrupting Allied supply lines, particularly in the Battle of the Atlantic. The Kriegsmarine also engaged in missions such as Operation Philip, aimed at destroying shipping routes, but the consequences of their efforts were less impactful compared to the U-boat successes.

Conclusion: A Luxe of Prestige

In summary, the German surface fleet during World War II was neither large nor effective in challenging the Royal Navy. The engagements were often one-sided, with German vessels either being sunk or forced to retreat. Strategic limitations and the superior monitoring and defensive capabilities of the British and Allied navies posed significant challenges. Furthermore, the Kriegsmarine ’s surface fleet was a luxury that brought prestige but an unproductive use of resources for the overall war effort. The focus on land and air arms proved to be a more strategic and effective investment for Germany, as demonstrated by the U-boat campaigns.