If the First World War had not begun in 1914, what would have replaced the pre-dreadnoughts used to reinforce the Channel Fleet?
Short answerOlder 12-inch dreadnoughts would probably have moved into the Channel Fleet as newer capital ships displaced them from the main battle fleet.
NotesReplacing the Channel Fleet was a narrower problem than replacing every pre-dreadnought in reserve or secondary service. Older 12-inch dreadnoughts could move down from the main battle fleet as newer ships entered service, following the same progression already visible before 1914. Fleet renewal often works by cascading still-useful ships into less demanding roles rather than building a bespoke replacement class.