Q&A · 3:42:23-3:44:26

Lion-class battleships in the Falklands War

Two surviving Lion-class battleships would bring 16-inch bombardment and a substantial close-range gun battery to the Falklands campaign.

Question

How would two surviving Lion-class battleships have affected the Falklands War?

Short answer

In the counterfactual, two Lions would provide heavy shore bombardment, stronger close-range air defence, and a large flagship for amphibious command.

Notes

Nine 16-inch guns per ship would provide heavy fire against Argentine positions ashore. Numerous 40 mm weapons could strengthen the defence of San Carlos against low-flying aircraft. Michael Clapp would gain a large flagship from which to direct the amphibious force. The discussion suggests that command accommodation might keep Jeremy Moore or Julian Thompson aboard for longer.