What ship types would best rebuild the entire Second World War Royal Navy at the same total cost and numbers?
Short answerLions, Maltas, Darings, Black Swans, Towns, and a Dido-Arethusa mix would form his idealized fleet.
NotesLion-class battleships replace the capital ships, and the Malta class replaces every carrier, including escorts. Daring-class destroyers and Black Swan sloops take over most destroyer and escort work. Towns become the principal large cruisers, while Didos and Arethusas divide the smaller cruiser requirement. The deliberately extravagant answer reveals a preferred relationship among heavy striking power, air power, fleet screening, and numerous escort vessels.