Which Second World War-era ship would be most useful if transported in new condition to the 1982 Falklands War?
Short answerHMS Vanguard, because her air-defense battery, command capacity, and 15-inch guns would make her exceptionally valuable in San Carlos Bay.
NotesA Daring-class destroyer would be useful, but Vanguard offers a much larger bundle of capabilities. Her Bofors battery could reinforce San Carlos Bay's close defence, while the main guns would provide exceptionally heavy fire support ashore. Size and command facilities would also make her a natural task-force or amphibious flagship. The low approach paths used to evade missile defences at San Carlos would leave Argentine aircraft little time and altitude to employ stand-off weapons against individual turrets. If Vanguard had remained in active service or maintained reserve, Britain could also have drawn on personnel who still knew the 15-inch system. The scenario depends on preserving training and ammunition as much as conjuring an intact hull.