Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 33:13-33:45

Why Warspite could not simply replace a battlecruiser

Putting Warspite and her sisters ahead of the battlecruisers could improve reporting, but would slow the run south and alter their protective position on the run north.

Battle Of JutlandBattlecruisersGrand FleetHMS WarspiteQueen Elizabeth Class Battleships
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Question

What if Warspite and Evan-Thomas had led the battlecruisers at Jutland?

Short answer

Reporting would probably improve, but the force would run south more slowly and lose the Queen Elizabeths' protective position behind the battlecruisers.

Notes

Evan-Thomas leading from the front would probably report positions to Jellicoe more reliably. Warspite and her sisters would also slow the force during the run south. Their position behind the battlecruisers gave those ships a heavy protective force during the run north. Moving the Queen Elizabeths to the lead therefore changes both the flow of information and the protection available during withdrawal.