Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:25:45-1:27:14

Lion-class battleships in place of the King George V class

The replacement scenario changes turret arrangements, firepower and possible tactical choices at Denmark Strait.

16-inch GunsAlternate HistoryBattle Of The Denmark StraitGerman Battleship BismarckKing George V Class Battleships (1939)Lion Class Battleships
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Question

What effect would Lion-class battleships replacing the King George V class have had in World War II?

Short answer

Their speed, armour, 16-inch guns and triple turrets could improve British performance and tactical options, especially against Bismarck at Denmark Strait.

Notes

Replacing the King George V class with Lions is expected to give Britain faster, better-armoured ships with nine 16-inch guns. Triple turrets are expected to avoid the same issues encountered with the KGV arrangements. Denmark Strait is offered as an engagement that could develop differently, even if Hood were still lost. A more reliable second British battleship could sustain its fire better. It might also be allowed to operate more independently, splitting German fire. Those consequences depend on the Lions arriving in place of the historical ships and on different command choices, rather than following automatically from a larger gun.