A statistical claim that Royal Navy ships rarely fired directly astern appears to support all-forward batteries. The underlying study examined the Grand Fleet and North Sea actions. That sample reflects one force, theatre, and style of engagement rather than every mission the fleet might face. A narrow wartime pattern can become a poor universal rule for later ship design.
Notable Point · 1:44:01-1:44:18
Why North Sea evidence could distort conclusions about aft fire
A study finding that Royal Navy ships rarely fired aft is qualified because its evidence came from the Grand Fleet's North Sea engagements.