Q&A ยท 6:26:54-6:27:42

Two extra pre-dreadnoughts and wartime availability

Additional hulls are considered as a way to maintain squadron strength through availability losses.

Question

Would two extra British pre-dreadnoughts make much difference?

Short answer

Probably little strategically, but they would help sustain complete squadrons when some ships were unavailable.

Notes

The question adds one ship to each of two British pre-dreadnought classes. The reply expects little change in the broad balance. It nevertheless sees a practical benefit in generating enough available ships for complete squadrons and command duties. The numerical estimate shifts during the answer, so the useful point is improved availability rather than a firm total of ships always ready.