Postwar navies did not simply abandon dual-purpose gunnery. British 4.5-inch weapons and even the later Tiger-class 6-inch guns could engage surface targets as well as aircraft. Cold War threat priorities meant that anti-aircraft performance received more attention and more practice. During the Falklands War, Royal Navy crews had to regain proficiency in naval gunfire support, but the guns and ammunition still possessed that role. The distinction is between neglected training emphasis and a capability that had actually been designed out.
Notable Point · 2:00:25-2:01:43
Cold War dual-purpose guns retained a surface-fire role
Cold War publicity emphasized anti-aircraft work, but British 4.5-inch and other postwar guns still retained anti-ship and shore-bombardment capability.