18 Inch Monitors: Large Guns on Small Ships

Описание: Step back in time to uncover the remarkable history of the Royal Navy’s 12-inch gun monitors, some of the most unique and innovative warships of World War I. Originally constructed in 1915 to house surplus 12-inch guns from pre-dreadnought battleships, these monitors were designed for coastal bombardment and shallow-water operations. Named after British generals, the ships, including General Wolfe, Lord Clive, and Prince Eugene, played vital roles in the English Channel and beyond during the Great War.

With Winston Churchill as First Lord of the Admiralty and John Fisher as First Sea Lord, the Royal Navy embraced bold and unconventional designs to overcome the challenges of modern warfare. The monitors’ shallow draft and massive firepower made them ideal for attacking enemy positions in the Low Countries, supporting operations at the Dardanelles, and fulfilling Fisher’s vision of a potential Baltic offensive.

But these ships didn’t just stop at 12-inch guns. Late in the war, two of the monitors underwent incredible modifications to house 18-inch guns, some of the largest naval weapons ever fitted to a Royal Navy ship. Taken from HMS Furious, these guns were designed for long-range bombardment, targeting key German positions such as railway infrastructure near Ostend. General Wolfe made naval history in September 1918, firing the largest shell at the longest range during a live bombardment, striking targets over 36,000 yards away.

The video delves into the technical challenges these massive guns posed for the relatively small ships. From their semi-fixed mountings requiring precise anchoring, to the recoil affecting their stability in coastal waters, these ships pushed the limits of naval engineering. Despite these hurdles, the monitors were effective in their roles, with General Wolfe and Lord Clive proving their worth in the closing months of the war.

The post-war fate of these ships is just as fascinating. Lord Clive, for example, was refitted in the 1920s to test a new triple 15-inch turret, part of a canceled design for modern battlecruisers. Although these experiments were successful, her career was short-lived, and she was scrapped in 1927. General Wolfe and her sister ships, too, were retired and dismantled after the war, leaving behind a legacy of ingenuity and adaptability.

This video explores the operational history, design, and ultimate fate of these monitors, highlighting their unique contributions to naval warfare and their place in maritime history. From their origins as 12-inch gun platforms to their transformation into 18-inch gun powerhouses, these ships showcase the Royal Navy's determination to innovate in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Intro 0:00
Background 1:16
18-Inch Monitors 8:29
Conclusion 18:29

Sources/Other Reading:
https://www.amazon.com/Big-Gun-Monito...

https://www.amazon.com/Monitors-Royal....

https://www.amazon.com/War-Mediterran...

https://www.amazon.com/Naval-War-Medi...

https://www.amazon.com/Castles-Steel-...

Video Information: Copyright fair use notice. All media used in this video is used for the purpose of education under the terms of fair use. All footage and images used belong to their copyright holders, when applicable.