Q&A · 1:29:43-1:31:46

How 1940s King George Vs overturn Jutland

Modern battleships at Jutland combine speed, radar and fire control to destroy the High Seas Fleet and open the Baltic blockade.

Question

What changes if the First and Second World War King George V classes exchange places?

Short answer

The modern ships dominate Jutland, likely destroy the High Seas Fleet and let Britain tighten the Baltic blockade.

Notes

The later King George V class would bring radar-directed gunnery, 28-knot speed and ten 14-inch guns into a battle fought by much older ships. At Jutland they could destroy the German battle fleet, especially in night fighting where radar removes the historical identification and visibility problem. Their speed lets them operate with Queen Elizabeths and battlecruisers in hunter groups rather than remaining tied to the slow line. German losses would open the way for a tighter Baltic blockade, cutting Swedish trade and potentially shortening the First World War.