Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:45:40-2:47:05

Could Algérie fight contemporary eight-inch cruisers?

Algérie could stand against treaty heavy cruisers, though training and the strongest Japanese or Italian designs could shift the odds.

AlgerieCounty Class CruisersHeavy CruisersNaval Armour
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Question

Could Algérie stand up to contemporary eight-inch cruisers on equal terms?

Short answer

Yes; she was comparable to a County class, though crew training and unusually powerful Japanese or Italian opponents could decide the engagement.

Notes

Algérie could fight a County-class cruiser on broadly comparable terms. Her armor and eight-inch battery made the comparison credible rather than hopeless. The British ship would still have an advantage if greater Royal Navy investment produced better-trained crews. Particularly powerful Japanese and Italian cruisers posed a harder design comparison, especially where treaty displacement was exceeded.