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The Kaiser's Legacy |
Submarine Quandry |
Intelligence
Spee’s Problems Production of the Z-Plan skidded to a halt when the impact of the Battle of the River Plate materialised in Berlin. Admiral Graf Spee’s raider cruise and her battle injuries pointed to many weaknesses in the pocket battleship design. The diesel engines could not safely endure more than 1000 - hours continuous operations without dockyard overhaul. Armour protection failed to prevent serious damage from 8-inch shells. Separators to prepare raw diesel fuel for the engines needed high pressure steam. This steam originated in a vulnerable auxiliary boiler-room situated above the armoured deck.
Admiral Raeder realised that his capital fleet had diminished to two battle cruisers and two suspect pocket battleships. Bismarck and Tirpitz, now nearing completion, would help the cause but submarines must carry the weight of the naval war against Britain. Raeder’s dream of building a significant battle fleet quickly evaporated. |
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