Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:28:07-1:28:15

Would all-forward turrets leave Deutschland helpless in retreat?

An all-forward battery would limit straight-aft fire, but an angled or weaving withdrawal could still bring guns to bear.

Deutschland Class CruisersGerman NavyNaval TacticsStern FireTurret LayoutWarship Design
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Would putting both Deutschland turrets forward prevent the ship from firing while retreating?

Short answer

Not entirely; it could withdraw at an angle or weave to bring the forward battery onto the pursuer.

Notes

A viewer objects that moving both Deutschland turrets forward would leave no gun able to fire while the ship ran away. The ship could weave or retreat at an angle and fire over its shoulder. An all-forward layout still carries a tactical cost, but firing arcs should be assessed alongside the manoeuvres available to a commander. Retreat does not always mean presenting the stern directly to the enemy.