The 12-pounder and 3-pounder guns formed a separate anti-torpedo-boat battery above the main and secondary weapons. Their elevated positions gave them better sight lines against light, fast targets before those craft reached torpedo-launching range. The arrangement shows why a battleship needed defences against threats other than enemy capital ships. Lord Nelson's displacement and dimensions then frame her as a compact but substantial pre-dreadnought design.
Notable Point · 8:46-11:22
High-mounted guns for torpedo-boat defence
The class's 12-pounder and 3-pounder guns were placed high to spot and engage fast torpedo craft before they could close to launch range.