The discussion ranges over British 9.2-inch and 13.5-inch guns before turning to HMS Dreadnought's 12-inch main battery. The choice appears surprising beside the 13.5-inch gun's earlier place in Royal Navy battleships. The explanation points to the Lord Nelson class and a desire to standardize around an existing 12-inch weapon, while also mentioning a 14-inch alternative from an Elswick-associated firm. Dreadnought's apparently revolutionary design still reflected inherited guns, industrial options, and standardization decisions.
Notable Point · 1:42:02-1:43:52
Why Dreadnought's 12-inch battery is surprising
British gun-calibre discussion turns to Dreadnought's 12-inch battery, the Lord Nelson class, standardization, and an available 14-inch alternative.