Q&A · 1:27:55-1:28:15

Why Britain did not simply copy German loading systems

German loading arrangements were not a simple transplant because their weapons generally handled lighter ammunition and Britain had its own design systems.

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Question

Why did Britain not use the German gun-loading system?

Short answer

Britain had its own arrangements, and German systems mostly handled smaller, lighter ammunition that was easier to move rapidly.

Notes

The issue comes down to the physical work of moving ammunition: lighter shells can be lifted and cycled faster. A loading system suited to smaller-calibre guns does not automatically scale to the different space, weight, and reliability problems of a British capital-ship battery.