Putting all the main turrets forward reduced the protected length between magazines and machinery, leaving more hull volume for engines, ammunition, and guns. In this design assessment, that efficiency suits a battlecruiser especially well, whereas a battleship is expected to absorb punishment and continue fighting. A conventional after turret would preserve firepower when damage or tactical circumstances prevented the forward battery from bearing. The unusual Nelson-class layout therefore exposes the tension between compact efficiency, protection, broadside fire, and operational role.
Notable Point · 3:38-5:35
Nelson's all-forward armament compromise
Nelson and Rodney concentrated their main battery forward to economize on protected magazine space, a layout better suited in this assessment to a battlecruiser's priorities than a conventional battleship's.