Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 3:30:00-3:30:43

What could HMS Blake have contributed in 1982?

Although HMS Blake was no longer fit for reactivation, her guns, command spaces, helicopters, and flight deck illustrate capabilities that would have been useful at San Carlos.

Amphibious WarfareFalklands WarHMS BlakeNaval Gunfire SupportRoyal Navy
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Would HMS Blake have been useful during the Falklands War?

Short answer

Yes in capability terms, especially for gunfire, command, and helicopters, but she was already in no condition to be reactivated.

Notes

HMS Blake had been scrapped in 1982 and was not in a condition to return to service. The hypothetical nevertheless identifies capabilities valuable to Commodore Michael Clapp's amphibious force: twin six-inch and three-inch gun mounts, substantial command space, a helicopter hangar, and a flight deck. In San Carlos Bay those features could have supported command, aviation, and naval gunfire missions from one hull. The answer does not claim that reactivation was practical; it shows what the Royal Navy had lost as its cruiser force disappeared.