Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 37:57-38:58

How Bofors and pom-poms might divide the fleet

With both weapons available early, Bofors would suit screening cruisers and destroyers while pom-poms supplied dense inner fire around capital ships and carriers.

Anti Aircraft WeaponsBofors 40 mmFleet Air DefencePom Pom GunsRoyal Navy
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Question

Where would the Royal Navy place Bofors and pom-poms if both were available before World War II?

Short answer

Bofors would tend toward cruiser and destroyer pickets, while pom-poms would provide dense close defense for carriers, capital ships, and smaller vessels.

Notes

Cruisers and destroyers acting as pickets would benefit from the longer reach of Bofors guns. Pom-poms would provide a greater volume of close fire around carriers and capital ships. Their existing availability could also favour them for vessels smaller than destroyers. The proposed allocation follows each ship's position in the defensive screen.