Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 18:19-20:39

How foreknowledge could redirect Royal Navy designs

Modern design histories in Reginald Henderson's hands could alter battleships, carriers, destroyers, and the Royal Navy's dual-purpose armament choices.

Dual Purpose GunsIllustrious Class Aircraft CarriersKing George V Class Battleships (1939)Reginald HendersonTribal Class Destroyers (1936)
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

What would Admiral Henderson change if later naval design books appeared on his desk when he became Third Sea Lord in 1934?

Short answer

He would likely revise the King George V, carrier, and Tribal designs while pushing an effective standardized dual-purpose gun.

Notes

Henderson would probably use the information first on the King George V class, carrier design, and the Tribal-class destroyers. The largest common change would be an earlier drive toward a standardized dual-purpose gun suitable for destroyers. An archival Illustrious-class sketch with deck-edge lifts suggests another low-weight way to increase aircraft capacity. The foreknowledge changes several concrete design decisions across the fleet.