BATTLESHIP QUALITIES
• [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR]
StR,—Mr. Woosnam-Jones' naval article was far from satis- factory to many readers, I am certain.
The experience of the World War showed the importance, it is true, of heavy armouring, but also emphasised the factor of heavy striking power, as at Falklands and in the Emden- Sydney' duel.
A heavy gun has a slower rate of fire than a lighter, but is more accurate than the latter at all ranges, while the bursting power is proportionately greater the heavier the projectile.
Most, however, will find fault with Mr. Jones' contention that high speed is desirable—in view of the great speed of foreign battleships, it seems.
Surely the function of our ships is defensive : to protect important convoys and areas rather than the hunting down of commerce raiders.
For a defensive role high speed is an appalling waste, and if high speed is coupled with a weak main armament we shall have vessels certain to be destroyed when they catch their enemy.
We need ships whose primary duties are to—
(a) Prevent our convoys being damaged or interrupted; and
(b) Inflict certain and heavy punishment on any raiders. It will be noticed that the 'Nelson ' and `Rodney' fulfil these requirements perfectly, but the King George V ' class will be outgunned by the Italian Veneto' battleships, and a conflict between them would be a very sanguinary affair. Whereas no student of naval affairs can contemplate the Venetos ' standing up to the Nelsons ' for any lengthime, the King Georges' are too weak to fight and not fast enough to escape.
The U.S.A. seems to have assimilated the Jutland lessons best. Her new ships will be larger than ours, and will carry an overwhelming armament of 12 16 in. guns, complete thick armour plating, and only raise a speed of 26 knots.
If we had, put our money into such ships we would have frightened the totalitarian warships from the seas. Instead we appear bent on making any possible conflict with them as bloody and protracted as possible.—Yours, &c.,
84 Chelverton Road, Putney, S.W. Is. P. G. LIBBY.
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