What would you change as the Sea Lords before the First and Second World Wars?
Short answerPrioritize carrier construction, convoy defence, dual-purpose armament, escorts, and more capable destroyers rather than preserving flawed existing choices.
NotesThe proposed 1914 program removes Beatty, retains Agincourt, converts more ships to Renown-style battlecruisers, and begins carrier development earlier. It also expands escorts and motor torpedo boats while introducing convoys immediately to punish the still-small German submarine force. For the Second World War, the priorities are protected carrier production and rapid expansion of 4.5-inch dual-purpose mounts. Battle-class-style emergency destroyers and better-armed cruiser conversions would give the fleet more effective anti-aircraft and escort capacity from the outset.