Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:34:11-2:35:34

What an interwar Dominion naval buildup would actually build

A treaty-era imperial buildup would emphasize cruisers, destroyers, ports, dockyards, and possibly sub-10,000-ton escort carriers.

British EmpireCounty Class CruisersDestroyersDockyardsEscort Carriers
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Question

What would Britain and the Dominions build if they recognized the American and Japanese naval challenge during the 1920s and 1930s?

Short answer

Mostly County-class cruisers, destroyers, ports, and dockyards, with a possible place for small escort or cruiser carriers.

Notes

With treaty limits still operating, the Dominions could not simply reproduce an unrestricted battle fleet. County-class cruisers, destroyers, ports, and dockyards would dominate the program. Small carrier or cruiser-carrier designs below 10,000 tons are another possibility, drawing on British experience with HMS Hermes. The program would distribute construction and support capacity while adding hulls.