The Bulwark design combines nine 15-inch guns with a 34-knot top speed, while Lord Nelson carries twenty-four six-inch guns at 30 knots. Their heavy secondary batteries prompt the idea of a capital ship able to deal with destroyers and small cruisers when close escort is unavailable. Campaign results have already shown six-inch batteries working effectively against light opponents. Scouting and formation support remain necessary, though the ship may be less vulnerable when escorts are absent or distracted. This choice spends weight and space that could serve speed, armour, range, or a dedicated escort force.
Notable Point · 1:14:27-1:16:54
A capital ship designed to escort itself
Reviewing fast, heavily armed capital-ship designs leads to the idea of a ship whose six-inch battery can handle destroyers and light cruisers without close escort support.