Q&A · 2:44:57-2:46:44

Designing an ideal Second World War surface action group

An ideal battle group combines Lion-class battleships with separate destroyer, anti-aircraft cruiser, light-cruiser, and heavy-cruiser layers rather than relying on one general-purpose escort type.

Question

What would be your ideal Second World War surface action group?

Short answer

Lion-class battleships backed by Tribal and Fletcher destroyers, Atlanta anti-aircraft cruisers, Town-class cruisers, and Alaska-class heavy support.

Notes

Lion and Temeraire form the heavy core. A flotilla each of Tribal- and Fletcher-class destroyers provides screening, torpedo power, and flexible surface action. Atlanta-class cruisers supply concentrated air defense, while Town-class cruisers cover surface protection and longer-range cruiser work. Alaska-class large cruisers fill the heavy-cruiser slot, producing a group whose layers are selected for complementary functions rather than national uniformity.