HMS Barham (BB-1915(1941-mod))

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HMS Barham and sister Malaya were the last of the Queen Elizabeth Class to be taken in hand for reconstruction work. Due to the cancelation of the last pair of King class Battleships, 2 sets of 5.25" guns were available and these were fitted to Barham and Malaya in place of the 10 twin 4.5" used in the other ships. New bow shape forward, machinery, deck armour and superstructure transformed these ships into modern capital ships. With the advent of the Albatross Class it was felt that there would be no need for capital ships to carry spotting aircraft in the future, so the aircraft handling arrangements were removed. The hangar was kept and converted to extra offices and accomodation.

As with a lot of British battleships the anti-aircraft guns started out with the 2pdr pom poms and 0.5in machine guns. The 0.5in being replaced by single and twin 20mm cannons and 40mm Bofors in twin and quad mountings being added as available. The main 15" guns were also refurbished with the elevation raised to 30 degrees and fitted with the 'super' 15" shell the guns achieved a respectable 34,000 yard range

HMS Barham during 1920's with flying off platforms on B & X turrets.