Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:46:15-2:47:56

Battlecruisers as fast task-force ships

Battlecruisers make more sense as fast cruiser-hunters and carrier escorts than as ships expected to stand in the battle line.

Admiral Class BattlecruisersAircraft CarriersBattlecruisersFleet DesignRoyal Navy
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Question

What is the proper role of a battlecruiser?

Short answer

Use cruiser-oriented battlecruisers as fast task-force ships and carrier escorts rather than expecting them to fight like fully protected battleships.

Notes

The objection is aimed at the expectations created by the battlecruiser label rather than the ships themselves. Designs on the cruiser side of the spectrum could escort carriers, hunt hostile cruisers, and range across oceans; battleship-like ships belonged in the battle line. The proposed interwar Royal Navy pairs fast Admiral-class ships with large carriers and older battleships assigned to fire support and station duties. Calling the fast ships first-class armored cruisers would better advertise their task-force role and discourage battle-line misuse.