Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:54:29-2:55:55

Littorio posed a sterner test than Jutland opponents

A Littorio-class battleship offered a more credible one-on-one opponent for a Queen Elizabeth than most German ships at Jutland.

Battle Of JutlandBattleshipsItalian NavyLittorio Class BattleshipsQueen Elizabeth Class Battleships
Watch at this timeFull video guide
Question

Who would be the hardest opponent for a Queen Elizabeth-class battleship?

Short answer

The Littorio class is a stronger and more comparable opponent than the German ships facing the Fifth Battle Squadron at Jutland.

Notes

No German capital ship at Jutland appears to be a true one-for-one equivalent to a Queen Elizabeth-class battleship. That disparity helps explain why the High Seas Fleet avoided closing on the Fifth Battle Squadron unless it could bring much greater strength to bear. A Littorio-class ship combined the speed and modern fighting qualities needed to make the hypothetical contest credible. Warspite would still be favoured on a good day, but Littorio or Vittorio Veneto could fight a Queen Elizabeth on near-even terms.