A recalled Dido-class example raises the advantage of keeping more guns able to fire during a pursuit, although the exact ship and opponent are uncertain. Placing all the Nelson-class turrets forward did not let every turret fire directly ahead, and the F3 layout offered a different arrangement. One explanation for the Nelson configuration favours space efficiency: allowing barrels to extend over the turret ahead shortened the arrangement and reduced the length needing armour. The positions of the turrets therefore affected their firing arcs and the space required to protect them.
Notable Point · 5:57:41-5:59:35
Forward gunfire and the Nelson turret arrangement
Turret placement involves firing arcs and protected length as well as the desire for forward firepower.