What to do about those lightly armored Battlecruiser turrets.

[Coatsy]

Gents,

We all know how badly the Grand Fleet's Battle cruiser's were very weak, and the heavy guns of the German High Seas Fleet proved that. We also know that sailors get very superstitious, so do you all think that naming a battlecruiser "Invincible" was pretty much asking for the opposition to blow it out of the water? The hit on the 'Q' turret was penetrated to the magazine, thus blowing it in half.

http://www.battle-of-jutland.com/gallery/jutland-battleships/hms-invincible-02.htm

[Tyler Underwood]

Re: What to do about those lightly armored Battlecruiser turrets.

Herb, I think that the Royal Navy was trying to rely on the ships speed to out maneuver the heavier classed and gunned German fleet. So IMHO the invincibility of the battle cruiser was dependent upon the skill level of the ship’s captain.

[Coatsy]

Re: What to do about those lightly armored Battlecruiser turrets.

That is a fair point. Beatty does mention that he never wanted to square off against the High Seas fleet dreadnaught class ships. I also know the fog issues played havoc on the British battlecruisers as well.

[Tyler Underwood]

Re: What to do about those lightly armored Battlecruiser turrets.

Fog should never limit the abilities of a competent captain. If a ship’s captain claims that they are unable to operate in heavy fog they should be relieved for not being fit to command at sea. Properly trained look outs and navigation department operating in their waters should easily out maneuver and gain the upper hand quickly in an open water engagement.

[Coatsy]

Re: What to do about those lightly armored Battlecruiser turrets.

Tyler, not being a professional "Man of the Sea", I'll leave it to your experienced opinion.

I do want to bring this photo up showing the HMS Iron Duke and the 3rd Division of the Grand Fleet and the visibility issues.

http://www.1914.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Q-23276-British-Battleship-IRON-DUKE-and-3rd-Division-of-the-Battle-Fleet-deploying-at-the-Battle-of-Jutland-31st.-May-1915..jpg

Yikes!

[Tyler Underwood]

Re: What to do about those lightly armored Battlecruiser turrets.

Great photo Herb!

[flattop32355]

Re: What to do about those lightly armored Battlecruiser turrets.

Not only were those battle cruisers under-armored, but their design allowed for catastrophic pathways for fire to reach deep inside the ship to the magazines. This was a design flaw that reached its apex in the HMS Hood disaster some years later.