Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 5:09-5:49

Triple four-inch mounts traded handling for firepower

A question about the triple 4-inch Mark IX separates its intended anti-destroyer firepower from the crew-handling problems of a crowded manually loaded mount.

DestroyersNaval OrdnanceRoyal NavyTorpedo Boats
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Question

What was the point of the triple 4-inch/45 Mark IX mount, and was it a pointless design?

Short answer

It sought maximum short-range firepower against destroyers and torpedo boats, but its crowded manual-loading arrangement created serious handling problems.

Notes

The mount was intended to put several 4-inch shells rapidly onto the lightly built destroyers and torpedo boats of the First World War. One hit could cause serious damage, while several could be decisive. Three barrels therefore promised more chances to connect in a short engagement. In practice, three crews manually loading small guns in one mounting could obstruct one another and make the weapon complicated to serve.