Q&A · 1:50:00-1:50:54

How to classify the Swiftsure-class capital ships

The Chilean-designed Swiftsure class sat between conventional pre-dreadnought and large-cruiser categories while remaining useful in Royal Navy service.

Armoured Cruisers Capital Ships Pre-Dreadnoughts Royal Navy Swiftsure Class Battleships (1903)

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Question

Can the Swiftsure class really be considered pre-dreadnought battleships?

Short answer

They occupy the category's edge and can also be viewed as fast capital ships or large cruisers, but they were useful Royal Navy units.

Notes

The ships sit within the broad pre-dreadnought era but can also be understood as fast capital ships or large cruisers because of their origins and characteristics. Whatever label is chosen, they proved useful as East Indies and China Station flagships.