The Royal Navy had limited enthusiasm for heavier 5.1-inch destroyer guns. British designers expected many destroyer fights to occur at visual range and sometimes under local control, making rapid, simple handling more valuable than a marginal increase in shell size. A successful dual-purpose 4.5-inch mount could also simplify small-warship design and ammunition supply.
Notable Point · 24:09-25:44
Why the Royal Navy favoured 4.7- and 4.5-inch guns
Rate of fire, crew handling and ship stability made a slightly smaller gun attractive for close destroyer actions.