The destroyers were not simply stripped down to an empty stern after moving their main guns forward. HMS Savage had tested the multi-deck support required by the twin 4.5-inch mountings, making concentration in one part of the hull useful. An additional aft mounting would have been expensive and would have displaced much of the dense 40 mm anti-aircraft fit. The ships also retained torpedoes and depth-charge capability for broader escort duties. The arrangement illustrates how an all-forward primary battery can create room for a deliberately layered defensive and general-purpose outfit.
Notable Point · 1:10:18-1:13:13
Battle-class destroyers: guns forward, air defence aft
The Battle class used forward main turrets while reserving valuable aft space for anti-aircraft weapons, torpedoes, and anti-submarine equipment.