Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 29:24-30:36

How Tribal-class destroyers could protect carriers

The Tribals' nominally low-angle guns were meant to engage surface attackers and the level-bombing profiles expected before the war, while heavier medium AA weapons remained a production problem.

Aircraft Carrier EscortsAnti-Aircraft WarfareDestroyersNaval ProcurementTribal Class Destroyers (1936)
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Question

How could Tribal-class destroyers protect carriers when their main guns were described as low-angle weapons?

Short answer

They guarded against surface attackers and could engage expected level attacks at useful elevations, while scarce medium AA guns were still being brought into production.

Notes

A carrier escort had to deter enemy destroyers as well as aircraft, so the Tribal class brought value even without a true high-angle main battery. Planners expected many attacks to arrive on level profiles that the guns could still engage. The general 4.7-inch mounting's theoretical maximum was about forty degrees, although some installations were modified for more elevation and later Tribals gained 4-inch guns in X position. The Navy also recognized a need for more medium anti-aircraft weapons such as 40 mm guns. Factory capacity, cost, and production volume delayed the numbers that doctrine called for.