On February 10, 1906, at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in England, a grand launching ceremony was held for a warship. Even Sir John Fisher, the First Sea Lord, made the journey from London to attend. Numerous high-ranking officers from the British Navy were also present, reflecting the immense expectations the Navy held for this battleship.
This vessel was none other than the latest class of battleship in the British fleet—the HMS Dreadnought. The keel had been laid just four months prior, on October 2 of the previous year, and its launch in such a brief period was nothing short of miraculous. Indeed, other shipyards around the world would struggle to match this pace.
"Your Excellency, the First Sea Lord, our construction progress has been remarkably smooth thus far. Following the launch, outfitting will commence immediately. We anticipate that within six to eight months, the ship will be fully completed and ready for sea trials. In just one year, we have constructed the most formidable battleship the world has ever seen," stated the proud director of the shipyard.
Their remarkable speed of construction had indeed set a new record. This achievement was a testament to the extensive shipbuilding experience accumulated by British yards, which far outpaced those of other nations. However, while the Dreadnought may not have stood out among its contemporaries in various performance aspects, its significance as the world's first all-big-gun battleship was epoch-making.
Sir Fisher surveyed the massive battleship on the launching ways, nodding in satisfaction. Once again, the British Navy had outpaced the rest of the world. The Dreadnought, a revolutionary design, would render all existing battleships obsolete almost overnight.
The Dreadnought featured a long forecastle and eliminated the underwater ram at the bow. Its most distinguishing characteristic was the implementation of the "all-big-gun" concept, armed with ten uniform 12-inch main guns with consistent ballistic performance. It housed five twin-gun turrets—one at each end and another amidships behind the boiler room, symmetrically arranged on the centerline. The side armament boasted eight main guns, with a theoretical forward firepower of six, significantly enhancing its offensive capabilities. The consistent ballistic performance of the main guns enabled the adoption of a unified fire control system. The secondary armament consisted solely of smaller caliber guns under 3 inches for defense against torpedo boats. The Dreadnought also pioneered the use of four steam turbine units on a large warship, achieving a speed greater than any previous battleship. With a maximum speed of 21 knots, it could maintain high speeds for extended periods while ensuring excellent reliability, surpassing the older reciprocating steam engines in both power and dependability. Its armor was formidable, employing surface hardening techniques, with critical areas reaching 11 inches in thickness, providing comprehensive protection. The watertight compartments below the waterline were reinforced by eliminating transverse access doors, enhancing the ship's watertight integrity and improving its ability to resist sinking.
The ceremony soon commenced, with Sir Fisher delivering a speech: "Gentlemen, the Royal Navy of the British Empire has been the most powerful navy in the world for centuries. We provide protection for our colonies across the globe and deter other nations. However, we must acknowledge that entering the twentieth century, other nations have begun to invest heavily in their navies, unwilling to let maritime supremacy remain in our hands. Yet, we can take pride that the British Navy remains the world's foremost. Furthermore, for a considerable time to come, we shall maintain this esteemed title. Our fleet of battleships exceeds that of our primary competitor, Germany, by more than double. And now, we are about to welcome the most powerful battleship in the world. This will ensure the continued strength of the Royal Navy—no one can challenge us! Long live the British Empire! God save the British Empire!"
"Long live! God save the British Empire!" echoed the jubilant cheers of countless naval officers and shipyard workers, all filled with pride in the might of the British Empire.
The Dreadnought, having completed its primary construction, gracefully slid into the water, creating a magnificent splash. The hull rocked momentarily as if on the verge of capsizing, but the vessel soon steadied itself thanks to its excellent buoyancy.
Bottles of champagne shattered against the hull of the Dreadnought, marking the peak of the launching ceremony.
Sir Fisher did not linger long at the shipyard; after the ceremony concluded, he promptly returned to London to report on the Dreadnought to Prime Minister Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman.
The Prime Minister was keenly interested in the construction of the Navy's new battleship. After all, the British Empire was a maritime power, and naval strength directly influenced the nation's fate.
That evening, after dinner, Prime Minister Campbell-Bannerman allocated some time to listen to Sir Fisher's report.
"Please, have a seat, First Sea Lord. How fares our new battleship?" asked Campbell-Bannerman.
"Your Excellency, although it has just been launched, I must say it is an extraordinary battleship. I am confident that when she enters service, she will astonish the world. This vessel incorporates many innovative design concepts. I assure you, her unveiling will render all previous battleships obsolete overnight—not only those of our adversaries but also our own," Sir Fisher replied, brimming with confidence.
The British Navy boasted the largest fleet of battleships in the world, with dozens patrolling the seas, safeguarding the Empire's overseas interests. These imposing vessels effectively maintained Britain's colonial territories, ensuring the seamless operation of its global colonial system, allowing the British Empire to continue its dominance over the world.
Campbell-Bannerman nodded in satisfaction. "That is splendid news. While this may render our existing battleships outdated, it is of little concern. The British Empire possesses the financial resources to maintain a formidable navy. Our shipbuilding capacity ensures that we can swiftly construct more battleships, further solidifying our advantage."