Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:47:59-2:48:13

Why a battleship might carry a launchable car

A davit-launched car could support landed Royal Marines and give officers reliable transport when visiting ports without local vehicles.

Amphibious WarfareNaval InnovationRoyal MarinesShipboard BoatsStaff Transport
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Question

Why did the Royal Navy consider carrying davit-launched cars aboard warships?

Short answer

They could move Royal Marines during landings and provide dependable staff transport during visits ashore.

Notes

A 1913 proposal envisioned cars carried aboard British warships and lowered by davit. One purpose was to give Royal Marines mobility during operations ashore. The same vehicle could carry staff or a captain on official visits instead of making officers wait for an embassy car or walk through an unfamiliar port. The idea treated transport ashore as part of the ship's expeditionary support system.