Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:56:56-1:57:51

A retained HMS Anson in the Falklands War

Even one surviving quadruple 14-inch turret would make Anson a powerful command ship and island-wide naval gunfire platform.

Amphibious WarfareFalklands WarHMS AnsonNaval Gunfire SupportSan Carlos Water
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Could a retained and modernized HMS Anson have been useful in the Falklands War?

Short answer

Yes. With even one quadruple 14-inch turret, she could act as a flagship and deliver heavy gunfire across much of the islands.

Notes

The ship's usefulness depends on a plausible weapons-system modernization rather than preserving her unchanged. With the forward quadruple turret retained, Anson could serve as Commodore Michael Clapp's flagship near San Carlos Water. Fourteen-inch range would place much of the Falklands within reach. The later illustration of heavy shells striking Argentine positions emphasizes how naval gunfire could reduce the burden on troops attacking prepared high ground.