Renown's reconstruction used surplus armour from the conversion of Almirante Cochrane into Eagle. Because Repulse had received similar work first, designers could raise Renown's new belt three feet to compensate for the way added weight changed the waterline. Tapered armour below the main belt was intended to improve resistance to diving shells, while deck reinforcement, reworked bulges, and new bulkheads protected machinery and magazines. Four high-angle 4-inch guns also strengthened the anti-aircraft battery. The work added about 3,600 tons and shows how experience from one sister could improve the reconstruction of the other.
Notable Point · 1:15:57-1:20:23
Renown's 1920s armour reconstruction
A new belt, raised protection, deck reinforcement, bulges, and anti-aircraft guns made Renown a more resilient battlecruiser.