Introduction to Older Warships and Modern Naval Artillery

The age of armored warships spanned from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, during which time they dominated the seas. These formidable vessels were designed to withstand the barrage of modern naval artillery fire. Let’s explore the layers of protection that made these steel fortresses impervious to the fierce bombardment of their times.

Armor Design and Materials

The foundation of an armored warship’s defense was its armor. This did not consist of just a single layer of steel but multiple layers designed to withstand different types of threats. Steel, the primary material, was strengthened with additives like nickel, tungsten, and various other metals to enhance its hardness and durability. An amazingly high percentage of a warship's mass—around forty to fifty percent—was dedicated to armor, making it a crucial element of naval warfare.

The armor was not just a simple steel sheet but rather a complex construction. The armor belts along the sides, the armored decks, and the sloping armor below formed a multi-layered system. The use of sloping armor added an additional layer of protection by causing the incoming shells to ricochet off the angle, reducing the likelihood of penetration. The armor belts and decks also helped distribute the impact of a shell, spreading the force across the entire structure.

Additional Protective Measures

Each crucial component of the warship was armored to further enhance its survivability. The turrets, which were vital for firing the guns, were heavily armored and housed within protective cylindrical vaults called barbettes. These structures were designed to shield the turrets from direct hits and contain the damage if an accidental explosion occurred.

The conning tower, if present, was also a heavily protected area. It was not only armored but also designed to be a hub of command where the crew could navigate and direct the ship through battle.

Compartments within the warship were also designed with safety in mind. Watertight bulkheads and doors ensured that if one compartment was breached, the rest of the ship could remain afloat. The magazines, which housed the ammunition, were even more heavily fortified. Fireproof and blast-proof doors isolated the magazines from other parts of the ship, preventing potential explosions from spreading to other critical areas.

Handling Ammunition and Enhancing Survivability

The storage and handling of ammunition were meticulously planned. The guns were fed by hoists that took the shells and propellant charges to the guns above. These hoists were designed with safety in mind, minimizing the risk of accidental ignition. In the event of an explosion, the design of the hoists would prevent any detonation from traveling down and igniting the magazines below.

The extensive compartmentalization and the careful design of the ship’s systems significantly enhanced its survivability. Even if multiple hits were sustained, the ship could remain afloat and operational. However, this survival was achieved by shifting the damage away from the most critical areas like the engineering rooms and the magazines, which contained the ship’s power and ammunition supply.

Training and Battle Strategies

The crew of an armored warship was trained in damage control techniques to quickly patch up any breaches and prevent water from flooding critical sections of the ship. In addition, the officers and captains were experts in navigating and engaging in battle, leveraging their training and experience to give their ship an edge even when facing superior numbers and firepower from their opponents.

Despite these robust defenses, the vulnerability of armored warships to aerial attacks and submarine warfare eventually became too great. Air attacks from aircraft carriers and the threat posed by submarines led to the decline of these warships. This is why many of them now lie rusting on the ocean floor, while others are preserved as museums and memorials, honoring the ships and the crew who manned them during one of the most dangerous eras of naval warfare.

Modern naval strategies and technologies have evolved significantly since the heyday of armored warships. Yet, the ingenuity and dedication of those who designed and crewed these fortresses remain a testament to the complexities of naval warfare.