Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:57:17-1:58:04

What 16-inch guns might have changed for the King George V class

Working triple 16-inch turrets could have simplified the class, accelerated entry into service, and changed which British capital ships met Bismarck.

16-inch GunsBattleship DesignCounterfactual HistoryGerman Battleship BismarckHMS HoodKing George V Class Battleships (1939)Warship Modernisation
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Question

How might 16-inch guns have changed the King George V-class battleships and the Bismarck campaign?

Short answer

Proven triple 16-inch mountings might have produced earlier, more reliable ships and put two modern heavy-gun battleships, rather than Hood and Prince of Wales, in Bismarck's path.

Notes

This counterfactual King George V design uses nine 16-inch guns in proven triple mountings rather than the historical mixed quadruple-and-twin arrangement. Better-understood turrets could have reduced commissioning problems and brought Prince of Wales, King George V, and perhaps Duke of York into service sooner. In that timeline Hood might have been in refit when Bismarck sailed. A pair of 16-inch-gunned modern battleships would present the German ship with a very different engagement. The heavier battery would also reduce the need to pair the class with an older large-gun capital ship simply to meet another modern battleship.