Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:51:02-1:51:31

Why the Royal Navy did not fight to keep the Iron Dukes

The Washington Naval Treaty made older 13.5-inch battleships less valuable than preserving room for newer Nelson-class construction.

BattleshipsIron Duke Class BattleshipsNelson Class BattleshipsRoyal NavyWashington Naval Treaty
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Question

Did the Royal Navy try to retain the Iron Duke class under the Washington Naval Treaty?

Short answer

No; their 13.5-inch armament no longer justified priority unless retention could be traded for more new construction.

Notes

The Iron Dukes were still regarded as good ships, but their 13.5-inch armament no longer represented the direction of capital-ship development. Retaining them therefore offered little attraction by itself. Their bargaining value would chiefly lie in helping Britain secure additional new capital ships. A speculative preferred outcome is two Nelson-class battleships and two F3 designs.