Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 5:25:30-5:26:07

KGVs for Germany and Lions for Japan in a delayed war

In a war delayed until 1942, King George V-class ships would probably face Bismarck and Tirpitz while the Lions would go east against Japan.

Alternate HistoryBismarck Class BattleshipsImperial Japanese NavyKing George V Class Battleships (1939)Lion Class BattleshipsRoyal Navy
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Question

If the Second World War began in 1942, would King George V-class battleships be sent against Japan?

Short answer

Probably not. The KGVs could handle Bismarck and Tirpitz, while the 16-inch-gunned Lions would be assigned to the stronger Japanese challenge.

Notes

A war delayed until 1942 raises the possibility of withdrawing older ships for reconstruction while sending the King George V class east. The proposed allocation instead keeps the KGVs for Bismarck and Tirpitz. They are judged sufficient for that task without committing 16-inch-gunned battleships. The heavier-gunned Lions would face Japan, the role for which they are considered to have been intended.