Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:16:17-2:17:16

A joint Italian and Austro-Hungarian dreadnought display

A joint exercise by completed Caracciolo and Ersatz Monarch ships would draw British attention, but Britain's own post-Revenge construction could already outpace the new threat.

Austro-Hungarian NavyErsatz Monarch Class BattleshipsFrancesco Caracciolo Class BattleshipsItalian NavyRoyal Navy
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Question

How would the Royal Navy react to a joint Italian and Austro-Hungarian exercise featuring Caracciolo and Ersatz Monarch dreadnoughts?

Short answer

It would take notice, but the relevant British response depends on the even more powerful ships Britain would have built while waiting for those classes to enter service.

Notes

The scenario requires the First World War to wait long enough for Italian Francesco Caracciolo and Austro-Hungarian Ersatz Monarch ships to enter service. A joint exercise would advertise a significant Mediterranean concentration and force British planners to examine the combination. The response cannot be judged against the historical 1914 Royal Navy, because Britain would also continue construction after the Revenge class. By the time the continental ships appeared, British 16.5- or even 18-inch projects might already redefine the balance.