The original gun arrangement left the Tribals poorly placed to engage aircraft that passed directly overhead. Wartime ships therefore replaced X mount with a 4-inch high-angle gun to improve anti-aircraft coverage. Radar and other gunnery changes followed as the conflict continued. The large hull left room for these additions, and proud crews improvised further improvements. The same design margin that supported cruiser-like duties made the class unusually adaptable under wartime pressure.
Notable Point · 22:51-23:53
How the Tribals adapted their air defence in war
Replacing X mount with a high-angle 4-inch gun, adding radar, and improvising further changes let the Tribals correct weaknesses as the air war intensified.