If you controlled Royal Navy armament policy in 1934, which calibers would you eliminate?
Short answerConcentrate on 4.5-, 5.25-, 6-, and improved 15-inch weapons, ending competing 4-, 4.7-, 14-, and 16-inch development.
NotesWith hindsight, resources would focus on completing a useful dual-purpose 4.5-inch system while new 4- and 4.7-inch development stopped. The 5.25- and 6-inch roles would remain, while new 14- and 16-inch capital-ship guns were canceled. An improved 15-inch/45 with higher elevation and a better turret would become the common heavy weapon. The same standard could modernize existing capital ships, including the Nelson class, and simplify the fleet's gunnery ecosystem.