Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 27:46-30:02

Small-tube boilers and a faster Jutland battle line

A machinery counterfactual connects small-tube boilers to higher Queen Elizabeth-class speed and a more cohesive British fast wing at Jutland.

Battle Of JutlandBattlecruisersGrand FleetQueen Elizabeth Class BattleshipsShip Propulsion
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Question

How would small-tube boilers in the Queen Elizabeth class alter the ships and their role in the First World War?

Short answer

They could create 28-knot-plus capital ships and give the Royal Navy a faster, more cohesive heavy wing during the Battle of Jutland.

Notes

Greater boiler power could be used with the existing hull or paired with a finer length-to-beam ratio to produce a 28-knot-plus capital ship. At Jutland, the Fifth Battle Squadron could close the Run to the South more quickly. Fast battleships with the Grand Fleet might also reinforce the Third Battlecruiser Squadron and intensify later encounters with the German scouting force.