Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 45:50-46:45

Renown and Repulse against Hood in a chase

Two older battlecruisers could bring a numerical gun advantage, though the chase would be costly and uncertain.

BattlecruisersHMS HoodNaval GunneryRenown Class Battlecruisers
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Question

Could Renown and Repulse stop Hood without suffering crippling damage?

Short answer

The fight would be costly, but their combined gun advantage could matter in a chase where Hood cannot easily use her full broadside.

Notes

The pursuit battle would damage the Royal Navy's battlecruiser force severely, and both Renown and Repulse might not survive. Together the two ships mount twelve main guns against Hood's eight. Chase geometry could make the numerical advantage more important because the pursuers could combine their forward fire while Hood might bring only part of her battery to bear unless she weaved. Bearing and pursuit course can matter as much as nominal broadside totals in a running action.