Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:10:53-2:11:39

Why Queen Elizabeth still belongs in the North Sea calculation

Queen Elizabeth is included as part of the force that prevents the Germans from exploiting their speed against the Grand Fleet, not as an assumed Mediterranean reinforcement.

BattlecruisersGrand FleetNorth SeaQueen Elizabeth Class Battleships
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Question

If Queen Elizabeth is in the force list, would she go to the Mediterranean with the battlecruisers?

Short answer

No. She is included to show the North Sea force still has enough speed and firepower to prevent a German advantage.

Notes

The list of available ships measures the North Sea balance rather than a proposed Mediterranean detachment. A German manoeuvre would have to contend with Queen Elizabeth, Tiger, Queen Mary, Princess Royal, and other fast British capital ships. Their presence is why sending Lion south need not leave the Grand Fleet exposed.