Could German torpedo armed merchant raiders have made a difference during Jutland?

[Mk38]

Say Germany had successfully sent 6 ships similar to SMS wolf out before Jutland, and they loitered in preparation.

Could a sneak attack, or distraction of several ships launching 12-18 torpedoes per side at the British battleline realistically made a difference in the outcome of the battle?

 

[EmoBirb]

Given that the forces that actually participated in the battle already inflicted tremendous damage and casualties on the British fleet, it's safe to say that the cost would have risen with such ships present. However they themselves would have probably been damaged or sunk as well. It is still unlikely though that it would have shaped the greater outcome of the Naval War during WW1

 

[Dilandu]

Could a sneak attack, or distraction of several ships launching 12-18 torpedoes per side at the British battleline realistically made a difference in the outcome of the battle?

In short - no. During wartime, no one would ever allow civilian ship that close to battleline without being stopped by escorting destroyers. Also, German sailors weren't suicidal; their chances to survive after attempting such attack would be zero.

 

[Dilandu]

Given that the forces that actually participated in the battle already inflicted tremendous damage and casualties on the British fleet,

And were darn lucky to escape annihilation.

 

[Avimimus]

Say Germany had successfully sent 6 ships similar to SMS wolf out before Jutland, and they loitered in preparation.

Could a sneak attack, or distraction of several ships launching 12-18 torpedoes per side at the British battleline realistically made a difference in the outcome of the battle?

I think you essentially have larger, slower, destroyers there. Even if they could have slipped through as part of a night attack, they would likely have been too slow to get into position. Indeed, even purpose built destroyers failed to provide a devastating torpedo attack at Jutland.

I have sometimes wondered at what would have happened if they had amassed the entire uboat fleet to cover their retreat though... essentially fleeing over their own submarines in order to draw the enemy fleet towards them... that might have allowed a more efficient disengagement, and might have also allowed scoring a couple of torpedo hits.

 

[Mk38]

I think you essentially have larger, slower, destroyers there. Even if they could have slipped through as part of a night attack, they would likely have been too slow to get into position. Indeed, even purpose built destroyers failed to provide a devastating torpedo attack at Jutland.

I have sometimes wondered at what would have happened if they had amassed the entire uboat fleet to cover their retreat though... essentially fleeing over their own submarines in order to draw the enemy fleet towards them... that might have allowed a more efficient disengagement, and might have also allowed scoring a couple of torpedo hits.

The destroyers were also attacking from the direction the whole British fleet was looking. It’s much easier to slip a punch from an opponent right in front of you than it is someone trying to sucker punch me.