Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 26:51-27:36

A surviving Vanguard is worth more as a modern gunfire ship

In 1956, new twin 14-inch turrets and machinery would give Vanguard a useful bombardment role when Britain already had several carriers.

Aircraft CarriersBattleshipsHMS VanguardNaval Gunfire SupportNaval ModernisationRoyal Navy
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Question

If HMS Vanguard survived into 1956, should she receive twin 14-inch turrets or become another aircraft carrier?

Short answer

Fit the new turrets and modernize her machinery so she can serve as a heavy naval gunfire-support ship.

Notes

A gunnery modernization offers more value than a carrier conversion. Britain already has multiple operational or approaching carriers, including the Illustrious class and Ark Royal, so another improvised flight deck adds little. What the fleet lacks is a modern heavy gunfire-support ship available immediately. Replacing the turrets and improving the engines would preserve Vanguard for that specialized role without duplicating an existing carrier force.