Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:35:50-2:36:07

Where an Olympic-class liner could mount guns

Large liners could become armed auxiliaries because accessible low deck areas offered mounting space even when weapons were absent from the original design.

Armed Merchant CruisersCivilian-to-Military Ship ConversionsNaval GunsOlympic Class Ocean Liners
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Were Olympic-class liners designed to carry 6-inch guns?

Short answer

They were not designed around that armament, but open deck positions could accept guns much as other liners did during wartime conversion.

Notes

The distinction is between purpose-built provision and later physical adaptability. Olympic and her sisters were civilian liners, not hidden warships designed around a naval battery. Their broad open decks nevertheless offered places where gun foundations and weapons could be installed. This flexibility helps explain why contemporary liners were more convertible than today's top-heavy cruise ships.