The change appears small because the two candidates share a 4.7-inch bore, yet choosing between them determines how many ships can be affected. The 50-calibre gun fitted to L- and M-class destroyers offers strong performance, but it arrives late and imposes heavier power and mounting demands. Making that weapon dual-purpose might accelerate the Battle class or improve later destroyers without transforming the fleet already at war. The 45-calibre gun is widespread across the destroyer force, so a high-angle mounting could alter ships from the start of the conflict. Availability and compatibility make it the more consequential starting point.
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Choosing the 4.7-inch 45-calibre starting point
The scenario develops the widespread 4.7-inch 45-calibre gun for full high-angle fire. The heavier 50-calibre weapon arrives too late and needs too much weight and power to reshape the early war as widely.