The notional program begins with designs closer to Nelson and Rodney than the later King George V class and keeps each ship near the full 35,000-ton allowance. Alternating batches of two ships and one ship would spread orders across the replacement cycle while sustaining yards and design teams. Depending on whether construction began in 1930 or 1932, eight to ten new capital ships could be ready by 1939. Their continuing value during the Second World War is illustrated by the Battle of the North Cape and operations in the Mediterranean.
Chapter · 49:20-54:33
A cadence for eight to ten new battleships by 1939
Alternating two-ship and one-ship batches could preserve yard activity and place roughly eight to ten modern British capital ships in service by 1939.