Turret layout follows the tactical assumptions of the navy using it. Japanese planning expected ships to fight outnumbered and potentially surrounded by American forces, making a battery concentrated in one direction impractical. British and French designers could accept all-forward guns in selected circumstances because their expected tactical problems differed. The same arrangement can have a different value under another navy's doctrine and expected battle geometry.
Notable Point · 40:30-40:59
National doctrine changes the value of all-forward guns
Japanese expectations of fighting while outnumbered make an all-forward layout less attractive than it was in selected British and French designs.