Updating the KGV class

From the Washington Naval Treaty to the end of the Second World War.
User avatar
Dave Saxton
Supporter
Posts: 3148
Joined: Sat Nov 27, 2004 9:02 pm
Location: Rocky Mountains USA

Re: Updating the KGV class

Post by Dave Saxton »

Accounts of Prince of Wales operations in the tropics indicate that the KGV's were poorly suited for operations in such environments. They were not equipped with air conditioning and ventilation below decks was poor. In fact the crew engaged in unauthorized ventilation improvements which probably compromised to some extent water tight integrity. Reports were the crew was greatly affected by conditions onboard and probably their performance was inhibited.

There was a toll taken on radars in such conditions so far away from home base and support. There was not enough spare parts and skilled technicians to keep them up and running. The most important Type 273 was not functional when POW sailed from Singapore. They had enlisted RAF technicians to help repair the radars while at Singapore but they were unsuccessful.

There are reports that tropical rot conditions affected some of the AA ammunition.
Entering a night sea battle is an awesome business.The enveloping darkness, hiding the enemy's.. seems a living thing, malignant and oppressive.Swishing water at the bow and stern mark an inexorable advance toward an unknown destiny.
HMSVF
Senior Member
Posts: 347
Joined: Sun Jun 17, 2018 10:15 am

Re: Updating the KGV class

Post by HMSVF »

Dave Saxton wrote: Wed Apr 15, 2020 4:19 pm Accounts of Prince of Wales operations in the tropics indicate that the KGV's were poorly suited for operations in such environments. They were not equipped with air conditioning and ventilation below decks was poor. In fact the crew engaged in unauthorized ventilation improvements which probably compromised to some extent water tight integrity. Reports were the crew was greatly affected by conditions onboard and probably their performance was inhibited.

There was a toll taken on radars in such conditions so far away from home base and support. There was not enough spare parts and skilled technicians to keep them up and running. The most important Type 273 was not functional when POW sailed from Singapore. They had enlisted RAF technicians to help repair the radars while at Singapore but they were unsuccessful.

There are reports that tropical rot conditions affected some of the AA ammunition.
It certainly would explain why it had been apparently observed that hatches were found open on the wreck that shouldn't have been . Having said that as you pointed out they were very poorly ventilated - something that been identified during Operation Halberd in HMS Prince of Wales. Fatigue will set in very quickly if a person is working in very hot humid conditions, so you can see why efficiency may deteriorate. Of course the "cure" was just as fatal as the illness. By having hatches open you are bypassing all of the checks and balances built into the design.

The KGV's get a lot of stick, most unwarranted.I would say however, that given the likelihood of the ships serving in the Far East that the poor ventilation of theses ships was a flaw.

Just my thoughts


Best wishes HMSVF
dunmunro
Senior Member
Posts: 4394
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2005 1:25 am
Location: Langley BC Canada

Re: Updating the KGV class

Post by dunmunro »

HMSVF wrote: Fri May 01, 2020 5:12 pm
Dave Saxton wrote: Wed Apr 15, 2020 4:19 pm Accounts of Prince of Wales operations in the tropics indicate that the KGV's were poorly suited for operations in such environments. They were not equipped with air conditioning and ventilation below decks was poor. In fact the crew engaged in unauthorized ventilation improvements which probably compromised to some extent water tight integrity. Reports were the crew was greatly affected by conditions onboard and probably their performance was inhibited.

There was a toll taken on radars in such conditions so far away from home base and support. There was not enough spare parts and skilled technicians to keep them up and running. The most important Type 273 was not functional when POW sailed from Singapore. They had enlisted RAF technicians to help repair the radars while at Singapore but they were unsuccessful.

There are reports that tropical rot conditions affected some of the AA ammunition.
It certainly would explain why it had been apparently observed that hatches were found open on the wreck that shouldn't have been . Having said that as you pointed out they were very poorly ventilated - something that been identified during Operation Halberd in HMS Prince of Wales. Fatigue will set in very quickly if a person is working in very hot humid conditions, so you can see why efficiency may deteriorate. Of course the "cure" was just as fatal as the illness. By having hatches open you are bypassing all of the checks and balances built into the design.

The KGV's get a lot of stick, most unwarranted.I would say however, that given the likelihood of the ships serving in the Far East that the poor ventilation of theses ships was a flaw.

Just my thoughts


Best wishes HMSVF
When the KGV class were sent into the IO and PTO in 1944-5, they were first given refits to improve ventilation. However, even the existing ventilation was often not being run at full power, according to an account I recently came across,by RJ Daniel, The End of an era, and in many cases he discovered fans that had been wired wrong, and/or were running backwards.
Post Reply