Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 58:08-58:20

Could Warrior and Monitor penetrate each other's armour?

A short follow-up rules out treating either ironclad as invulnerable and returns attention to the tactical conditions governing how long each could fire effectively.

HMS Warrior (1860)IroncladsNaval ArmourNaval GunneryUSS Monitor
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Question

Could HMS Warrior's guns penetrate USS Monitor's armour?

Short answer

Eventually, yes, but Monitor's guns could also penetrate Warrior, so tactical position and time under fire would matter.

Notes

Warrior’s guns could eventually penetrate Monitor’s protection, and Monitor’s heavy guns could likewise penetrate Warrior. Neither armour scheme offered absolute immunity. Differences in speed, range control, sea room, and exposure time remain central to deciding which ship could bring effective fire to bear. This brief answer complements the longer tactical comparison without claiming a quick or guaranteed penetration for either side.