Q&A · 1:26:43-1:27:16

Would heavier Denmark Strait losses accelerate Vanguard?

The distinction between replacing Hood and questioning the King George V design complicates Vanguard's priority.

Question

Would Vanguard be accelerated if both Hood and Prince of Wales were lost to Bismarck?

Short answer

The increase in priority is expected to be smaller than suggested, because questioning the King George V design could redirect replacement plans.

Notes

A follow-up suggests accelerating Vanguard after the heavier losses. Clarke describes Vanguard as a fully armored battlecruiser and sees her as a logical replacement for Hood. Losing Prince of Wales as well would put the King George V design and its armament under scrutiny in this scenario. That could redirect the emphasis toward a different replacement rather than automatically making Vanguard the principal beneficiary.