Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 38:48-39:24

Fast Nelsons would enlarge Britain's mobile capital-ship force

Faster Nelson and Rodney could share the duties assigned to Hood, Renown, and Repulse and encourage faster Queen Elizabeth reconstructions.

BattleshipsNaval ArchitectureRoyal NavyWorld War II
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Question

What changes in the Second World War if Nelson and Rodney are fast battleships?

Short answer

At roughly 28 knots they could catch threats that escaped historically and reduce Britain's dependence on Hood, Renown, and Repulse for fast capital-ship duties.

Notes

Fast Nelson and Rodney would add two hulls to the force otherwise reliant on Hood, Renown, and Repulse. Their speed could change the outcome of a pursuit and allow more capital ships to undertake demanding fast-fleet duties. That experience might also encourage reconstruction of the Queen Elizabeth class to reach roughly 28 knots.