Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 22:51-24:36

The convoy-escort value Fisher discarded

Assess the case that relatively economical Orlando-class cruisers could still have protected convoys in the First World War.

Armed Merchant CruisersCommerce ProtectionConvoy EscortJohn FisherNaval EconomicsOrlando Class Armoured CruisersWorld War I
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Question

Could rapid technological change explain why Fisher scrapped ships like the Orlandos?

Short answer

Technology changed quickly, but the Orlandos still had economical, credible convoy-escort value that fleet-battle thinking overlooked.

Notes

A viewer proposes that the rapid obsolescence of the 1850s and 1860s might justify Fisher's disposal decisions. Fisher focused heavily on a major European battle, a priority that covered only part of a navy's work. The Orlandos still had potential convoy value: their ten-knot endurance, 9.2-inch and six-inch armament, and lower operating cost suited that role better than large armed merchant cruisers. They were not expected to fight a powerful Asiatic squadron alone. They could, however, deter many surface raiders and escort merchants effectively.