In this forecast, no First World War ships would remain in Britain's primary fleet roles by 1939. Reserve survival remains possible if permitted by the agreement, but is doubtful. New construction would reduce the need to modernize older ships. Hood might be the oldest remaining capital ship and could herself be replaced. If treaty restrictions ended in 1937, Britain could order another four or five ships. Preserved infrastructure would allow faster construction than the historical King George V programme. Hood and any surviving Warspite could consequently leave service by 1939, although their individual survival is uncertain.
Notable Point · 1:32:35-1:33:53
New orders could remove First World War ships from primary roles
Continued building reduces dependence on modernized veterans and could replace even Hood after a treaty expires.