Von der Tann trades usable gun arcs for offset turrets

Von der Tann answered the Invincible class with eight 11-inch guns and an armour belt reaching 9.8 inches. Her two middle turrets sat in offset wing positions instead of on the centreline. The arrangement could theoretically place all eight guns on a broadside, but only by firing across the deck. Firing either wing turret too far fore or aft also threatened the ship's superstructure with blast. Her protection was substantial, yet the advertised firing arcs were much less useful in practice. A realistic gunnery exercise should have exposed that compromise.