A 1918 start changes far more than the calendar. British 12-inch ships would likely have been retired, sold, or relegated as newer 15-inch ships entered service. Germany might still have retained some 11-inch-gun battleships, widening the material difference between the fleets. Command careers would also evolve differently, with officers who died in the actual war potentially reaching senior fleet appointments. Fleet balance and command succession therefore move together in this delayed-war scenario.
Notable Point · 6:30-10:28
How a delayed war changes fleet balance
A 1918 start date would alter which capital ships and admirals were available, especially in the Royal Navy.