The discussion begins with the trade routes and overseas commitments that the Royal Navy still had to cover before, during, and after the Second World War. Likely visual engagement ranges of roughly 15 to 18 kilometres and the need to protect convoys across several theatres shaped the choice of cruiser armament. The result was a fleet requirement based on presence, numbers, and practical combat conditions rather than the largest gun available.
Chapter · 9:29-15:10
Why the Royal Navy still needed global cruisers
Britain's global commitments and expected fighting ranges explain why the Royal Navy valued numerous six-inch cruisers.