HMS King George V (BB-1939)

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With the 16" mk1 fitted into the Nelson class having proved a disappointment in service the Royal Navy was left with the dilemna of what type of weapon should arm their next generation of Treaty battleships. With the London Treaty of 1930 failing to curb the Japanese expansion programs and another arms race in view the British (like the other nations) had to lay down ships or be left behind. The 3 choices for the new ships were, 12x14" in 3 quadruple turrets, 9x15" in three triple turrets or 9x16" again in three triple turrets. New designs for the 14" and 16" would have been required while the navy had the battle proven 15" guns in service. A new modernised version of both gun and turret to improve range to compete with other modern guns was required. The lesser weight could be used to further improve protection.

Going to the 9x15" also allowed a return to a standard layout of 2 turrets forward and 1 turret aft. While the Nelsons had been a good use of available resources the ships had proved cramped internally and crew comfort was a constant source of problems. It turned out that the allowance of cold space for food was below expectation and this more than anything else kept the ships tied to home waters as their ability to steam long distances was compromised through to the removal of their aircraft when new cool rooms were fitted in the space provided. The 15" choice was a good one considering the other European navies laying down battleships were also choosing 15" or smaller for main armaments.

With the Australis Navies Westralis class ships of a similar design, 10 ships were to have been built. 2 ships from each class were cancelled, the British ships being replaced by Vanguard and Tiger while the Australis Navy cancelled two but only added the New Zealand as a replacement.

King George V and Vanguard 1944.

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