What might the Royal Navy have named hypothetical Vanguard-class sister ships in 1946?
Short answerSt Vincent is the likeliest name, with Neptune, Colossus, and Hercules among the plausible remaining choices.
NotesSt Vincent is the strongest candidate in this discussion because of its earlier association with Vanguard. Neptune, Colossus and Hercules are also suggested, with existing carrier, cruiser and shore-base names restricting the choices. The proposal assumes additional ships would reuse turrets from retiring R-class battleships. Lion-class names remain tied to that separate design program, which is described as still undergoing revision in 1946. Iron Duke is rejected on the stated diplomatic concern about an anti-French association with Wellington. Monarch is considered more likely for the fast-battleship line, while Vanguard is characterized here as a fully armored battlecruiser.