Q&A · 33:09-35:55

What a 1937 reconstruction of HMS Tiger might include

A serious rebuild would combine new machinery, eight 14-inch guns, a smaller dual-purpose battery, and as much light anti-aircraft armament as the hull could accept.

Question

If the Royal Navy rebuilt HMS Tiger for front-line service beginning in 1937, what would the refit look like?

Short answer

About 30 knots, eight modern 14-inch guns, a compact 4.5-inch dual-purpose battery, and extensive light anti-aircraft weapons.

Notes

The proposal assumes a planned 1937 reconstruction rather than an emergency wartime reactivation. Retaining eight guns would keep Tiger credible against likely opponents, while modern boilers and turbines could sustain roughly 30 knots. Six 4.5-inch dual-purpose guns per side would provide a compact secondary battery, supplemented by octuple pom-poms and lighter weapons wherever space allowed. The result remains a battlecruiser, but one able to operate as a credible modern combatant alongside Renown.