Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 8:09:18-8:10:58

Upper-deck Tribal mounts and the Battle class's alternative

Mount availability explains why the Battle class adopted a different arrangement from the Tribals.

4.5-inch Guns4.7-inch GunsBattle Class DestroyersBetween Deck MountsTribal Class Destroyers (1936)Upper Deck Mounts
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Question

Were Tribal-class 4.7-inch guns through-deck mounts, and why did the Battle class use a different arrangement?

Short answer

The Tribals used upper-deck mounts. The Battle class received between-deck 4.5-inch mounts because the upper-deck version was not ready.

Notes

Tribal-class 4.7-inch guns used upper-deck mounts with gun shields. An upper-deck mount sits on top of the deck, while a between-deck mounting extends into the ship below. The Battle class used between-deck 4.5-inch mountings because the intended upper-deck version was not ready. The terminology needs its period and service attached, since naval usage changed over time.