Q&A ยท 1:51:36-1:52:34

Tiger-class cruisers as Falklands command ships

The Falklands value of the Tiger class is framed around command capacity as well as gun and air-defence firepower.

Question

Would the Royal Navy have benefited from retaining two Tiger-class cruisers for the Falklands War?

Short answer

Yes: beyond their guns and air defence, a Tiger could provide Commodore Michael Clapp or Vice Admiral Derek Reffell with a dedicated command platform and staff space.

Notes

A retained Tiger-class cruiser would offer more than gun and air-defence firepower. It could relieve Fearless or Intrepid of some command burden and give Commodore Michael Clapp's amphibious staff proper working space. Its weapons would also strengthen the force around San Carlos. A dedicated command ship might allow Vice Admiral Derek Reffell to deploy south sooner instead of waiting for HMS Bristol to become available.