Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:32:05-2:33:25

Where HMS Incomparable might serve in the Second World War

Modernisation could keep Incomparable with the Home Fleet, while an unmodernised long-range ship might be sent east where her endurance and speed had room to matter.

Alternate HistoryBattlecruisersFar East FleetHMS IncomparableHome FleetLong Range OperationsWorld War II
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Question

How might the Royal Navy use HMS Incomparable during the Second World War?

Short answer

A modernised ship could guard home waters, while an unmodernised but extremely long-ranged vessel might operate in the Far East.

Notes

Deployment depends on how many ships exist and whether they receive a modernisation. A modernised Incomparable would be useful with the Home Fleet as a powerful answer to German capital ships. An unmodernised vessel is less attractive in the confined Mediterranean, where reliance on speed offers fewer advantages. Her proposed 24,000-nautical-mile endurance could instead make her a Far Eastern raider able to operate near Japan and withdraw over great distances. The Royal Navy never possessed a ship with that range, so its actual doctrine for such a vessel remains uncertain.