The counterfactual averts war in 1914 without rewriting every surrounding political condition, then follows naval development to 1920. Existing programs, industrial capacity, and institutional preferences constrain what comes next. Boiler orders later associated with Courageous and Glorious support a small-tube-boiler capital ship of about 28 knots. Six 18-inch guns in three twin turrets are one informed reconstruction, while nine 15-inch guns in triple turrets remain another possibility. A slightly lengthened Queen Elizabeth hull is suggested as the basis for the ship. The strongest evidence concerns the propulsion and fast-battleship direction; the armament was not settled.
Chapter · 3:55-9:04
A six-year delay and the next British fast battleship
The scenario begins with a delayed July Crisis and a proposed 28-knot successor to the Queen Elizabeth class, possibly armed with 18-inch guns.