The belt reached six to nine inches of iron over ten to thirteen inches of teak backing, creating a substantial forward citadel. Deck protection varied from one and a half inches above the belt to a three-inch deck extending toward the bow about ten feet below the waterline. Coal bunkers and stores filled the space above that deep deck to limit flooding after damage. The forward bulkhead stood about 60 feet, or 18 metres, from the bow on a 79-metre hull, concentrating major weight near the front. None of the gun positions received armour.
Chapter · 12:35-15:18
Belt, deck, teak, and coal protection
Shannon concentrated iron and teak around a forward citadel, with a submerged armoured deck and coal stores intended to limit bow flooding.