Nelson and Rodney came in around 33,500 tons because Britain wanted a clear safety margin below the 35,000-ton treaty ceiling. Using more of that allowance could have bought additional speed or protection. The wartime encounter with Gneisenau and Scharnhorst provides the operational example: a faster Rodney might have forced a different result while Günther Lütjens was aboard Gneisenau. A cautious paper margin reduced the options available in a later pursuit.
Notable Point · 3:31:44-3:32:25
How unused Nelson-class tonnage affected a wartime pursuit
Britain's determination to stay safely below 35,000 tons left roughly 1,500 tons that might have improved speed or protection.