Best predreadnought for Craddock?

There is some conflicting data with different versions and roles.

On one hand either the last or 2nd last Mk was considered inaccurate and wore out quickly. OTOH the same guns served around the world in shore batteries for 50 years and was considered accurate falling in a ballistic sweet spot.

I don't know. 100 years of confused sources.

The 9.2" was very accurate when it was a new gun being fired, but a worn gun was very inaccurate due to the high velocity of the weapon, causing increased dispersion. Shore batteries often fired lighter shells or reduced charges for practice, so that might contribute to their longer life.
 
Triumph was the least one he needed. If Jerram had stuck to the preWar plan (and ignore Churchill’s orders) going to Tsingtao in August 1914 he would have taken Spees fleet train colliers and sunk Emden with Hampshire, Minotaur and Newcastle except he was ordered to concentrate at Hong Kong where Triumph was mobilising. With the loss of the coal, Spee won’t make South America.

Another 'what if' HMS Australia's Captain was allowed to follow his 'hunch' - the man very accurately predicted Spees course and intentions.

Obviously the Admiralty decided on a risk averse strategy instead and without hindsight correctly so.

But had Australia found him!!!
 
Another 'what if' HMS Australia's Captain was allowed to follow his 'hunch' - the man very accurately predicted Spees course and intentions.

Obviously the Admiralty decided on a risk averse strategy instead and without hindsight correctly so.

But had Australia found him!!!
It would have sunk a ship or two and had to retire from a lack of ammunition
 
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