Gibraltar

[rob89]

On the map there is a handicap to the east and west of Gibraltar, for the Axis ships that must pass through.

But why is this handicap not inverted if the Axis occupies the fortress?

thanks

regards

[amandkm]

presumably due to the extensive works the British had emplaced there, which would have been eradicated, demoed, etc if they were forced out. That's my take, anyhow.

[BillRunacre]

This is only available to the Axis as with permission from Spain, in April 1942 the Germans started operating a sonic detection system using which they could keep an eye on naval movements to/from the area.

They had 9 stations on the Spanish coast and 5 in Morocco involved in this, and if Spain had actually joined the Axis and Gibraltar had fallen, their detection systems would only have got better and stronger, and it would have likely largely prevented the use of the Strait by the Allies.