Was Invincible a sensible name for the first Royal Navy battlecruiser?
Short answerIt was powerful as symbolism, but it gave the wrong impression for a ship type built around speed and flexibility rather than invulnerability.
NotesInvincible was an evocative but awkward name for the first battlecruiser because the type was powerful without being invulnerable. Names such as Speedy, Splendid, Illustrious, Indomitable, or Duncan would have suggested flexibility, leadership, or Admiralty tradition without implying immunity from harm. A class name could shape public expectations for a new warship type.