The alternate capital-ship decision could influence the cruisers expected to accompany the flying squadron. An F3-like forward armament arrangement is suggested for the projected Surrey class, while building the fuller design could avoid what the criticism of the smaller Yorks identifies as inadequate savings for their lost capability. If all five Surreys entered service before the London treaty, Britain would approach it with a much larger force of County-family heavy cruisers. The rough total reaches eighteen such ships, making the capital-ship choice a broader influence on cruiser procurement and fleet appearance.
Notable Point · 1:33:05-1:37:05
Fast capital ships could reshape British cruisers
An F3-style fleet aesthetic and operating concept might favor fuller Surrey-class construction over compromised York-class economies.