Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:07:46-4:08:37

Why Tribal destroyers missed the intended dual-purpose battery

The problem was not simply opposition to dual-purpose guns: the suitable mount was delayed and earlier mounts could not provide high-angle fire.

DestroyersDual Purpose GunsRoyal NavyTribal Class Destroyers (1936)
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Question

Whose fault was the lack of dual-purpose guns on Royal Navy destroyers?

Short answer

It was a complicated equipment problem: the planned 4.5-inch fit was delayed, while the available 4.7-inch mount lacked high-angle capability.

Notes

The Royal Navy did pursue dual-purpose destroyer armament. The intended twin 4.5-inch battery was not available in time for the Tribal class. The existing 4.7-inch gun had useful potential, but its low-angle mounting prevented effective high-angle anti-aircraft fire. The resulting weakness reflects the timing and design of equipment programmes as much as the preferences of individual admirals.