Q&A · 5:08:08-5:10:59

How an expanded County-class program would enter service

Building the County class in the intended groups of eight would retain the historical commissioning rhythm while greatly increasing each batch.

Question

If the intended larger County-class program had been built, when would the additional cruisers have commissioned?

Short answer

On roughly the historical batch timetable: expanded groups of eight entering service across 1928, 1929, and 1930.

Notes

The answer keeps the existing construction timetable but expands the Kent, London, and Norfolk groups to eight ships apiece. That would place eight ships in service by the Kent batch's 1928 completion period, another eight around 1929, and the next group around 1930, with Australian ships contributing to the totals. The larger program would push required heavy-cruiser treaty tonnage well above the historical fleet.