King George V and the 14-inch gun gamble

First Sea Lord Ernle Chatfield favoured the 14-inch gun because he expected a high rate of fire and wanted twelve guns in three quadruple turrets. If the mounts had delivered the performance Vickers advertised, and the design had fitted the required protection within its tonnage, the result could have been a formidable battleship. Chatfield also hoped the 1936 treaty would force other navies down to 14-inch weapons while Britain already had a design underway. Other Sea Lords resisted that gamble and kept work on 15- and 16-inch alternatives alive. The Third Sea Lord appears to have preferred three triple turrets with 15-inch/45 guns, which could also upgrade the existing 15-inch fleet. That alternative is judged quicker and less troublesome than the quadruple 14-inch mounting, with advantages in ammunition stocks and supporting infrastructure. Its appeal depended on both technical reliability and the practical benefits of retaining an established calibre.