Why the Revenge class deserves a second look

The R class is often judged through its limited Second World War modernization rather than its original merits. The loss of the more heavily modernized Royal Oak at Scapa Flow further distorts the class's reputation because that disaster reflected failed defenses rather than a basic flaw in the ship. As built, the Revenges gave up speed and future growth margin but possessed a strong armor scheme that compared well with the Queen Elizabeth class. They were dependable battle-line ships whose wartime longevity far exceeded the short service life originally expected of them.