What If the 1914 Battle of the Falklands Was Fought With WW2 Warships? | Sea Power
What if the 1914 Battle of the Falkland Islands was fought with World War II warships and technology?
In this Sea Power: Naval Combat in the Missile Age scenario, we revisit the famous clash between British and German naval forces, replacing the original WWI ships with WWII counterparts.
The setting is familiar, but heavier firepower and improved reconnaissance could produce a very different battle.
WWI Fleets Get a WWII Upgrade
Both sides receive replacement warships selected to reflect their original fleets:
| Original WWI ship | WWII replacement |
|---|---|
| German Scharnhorst | The WWII Scharnhorst |
| British Invincible | A modernised Renown-class battlecruiser |
The remaining WWI vessels are also replaced with suitable WWII-era counterparts, giving both fleets a fresh set of strengths and challenges.
The British Have Eyes in the Sky
The ships aren’t the only things getting an upgrade.
British Supermarine Walrus reconnaissance aircraft provide early warning of the approaching German fleet. That extra time allows the Royal Navy to get underway and establish an ambush position before the Germans arrive.
Finding the enemy earlier is useful. Turning that warning into a winning battle plan is another matter.
Can the Royal Navy Repeat Its Victory?
More powerful warships, aerial reconnaissance and a changed tactical situation put a new twist on this historical engagement.
Will the Royal Navy repeat its 1914 victory, or can the upgraded German fleet turn the tables?
Watch the full battle:
