Why was HMS Hood of the Royal Sovereign class given cylindrical gun turrets?
Short answerThe answer recalls them as the best available arrangement for her guns, with a weight penalty that contributed to low freeboard and poor performance in heavy seas.
NotesThe answer tentatively connects Hood's cylindrical turrets with the guns and turret arrangements available at the time. The enclosed armoured turrets were considered the best available solution for her. Their weight contributed to the low freeboard discussed in the answer. Difficulty operating in high waves helps explain the emphasis on Mediterranean service.