Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:16:18-1:17:13

Canadian fast battleships could reinforce the Third Battlecruiser Squadron

Three Canadian 28-knot Queen Elizabeth derivatives could push U.S. designers toward speed and give Jellicoe one or two additional fast capital ships at Jutland.

Battle Of JutlandQueen Elizabeth Class BattleshipsRoyal Canadian NavySmall Tube BoilersThird Battlecruiser SquadronUS Navy
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Question

What if Canada ordered three 28-knot Queen Elizabeth-class successors with small-tube boilers?

Short answer

The United States would take greater interest in battleship speed, while one or two completed Canadian ships could strengthen Jellicoe's fast wing at Jutland.

Notes

A Canadian order for three small-tube-boiler successors to the Queen Elizabeth class would advertise the value of 28-knot battleships outside the Royal Navy. The United States could reconsider the speed of its own capital ships in response. British completion dates would determine how many Canadian ships were worked up by Jutland. An available ship could reinforce the fast group around the Third Battlecruiser Squadron with the Grand Fleet instead of joining the Fifth Battle Squadron.