Norway had approved the coastal-defence ships that became HMS Gorgon and HMS Glatton before Britain acquired them during the First World War. Knudsen's government therefore knew that its fleet had an unfilled requirement. After the war, Norwegian dry docks were too narrow for the modified Gorgon, but widening a dock or procuring another design remained possible. Major navies were disposing of ships and equipment, creating opportunities to buy surplus warships or build a new hull around available heavy guns. A modified monitor with 13.5-inch guns is one suggested alternative. The criticism is that Norway left a recognized gap unfilled when replacements were unusually accessible.
Chapter · 10:50-13:13
The coastal-defence ships Norway never replaced
Norway recognized its shortage of coastal-defence ships but passed up surplus vessels and alternative designs after the First World War.