British King George V-class
USS North-Carolina (BB-55) 24-09-1944. Original source
An item reported that according to well informed sources in London, England the new 35.000 tons British battleships (1) were to be armed with 14” guns even if the USA decided to fit out her two new battleships with 16” guns.(2) England made a difference between battleships to serve in the Far East and Europe although she hoped that the USA choose for 14” guns.
Notes
1. The King George V and Prince of Wales of the King George V-class, which consisted of the King George V, Prince of Wales, Duke of York, Howe and Anson, preceded by the Nelson-class and succeeded by the Vanguard and by the never realized Lion-class. In 1928 was started designing this class regarded the limitations of the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922 which allowed non building of battleships until 1931. The design-process was for a second time halted due to the London Naval Treaty of 1930 which continued the building stop until 1937/ In 1935 started the Royal British navy again the designing process based on what already was achieved. The Treaty limited the displacement to a maximum of 35.000 tons and further more was the calibre of the main armament discussed. The choice was 14-16” with a first choice for 15” guns, However in October that same year it was decided that the calibre was to be 10-14” guns instead of 15”, a decision heavily protested by First Lord of Admiralty in 1935 Winston Churchill.
2. This must be the North Carolina-class fast battleships consisting of the North Carolina and the Washington, built between 1937-1941 with a displacement in 1942 of 37.2000 (standard)-45.500 (full load) tons and a main armament of 3x3-40,6cm/16” /45cal Mark 6 guns. In May-July 1935 was started with designing this class which resulted in an huge number of designs, with first 14” guns.
