Construction and Launch
Ramillies was built by William Beardmore and Company at Dalmuir in Scotland. She was launched on 12 June 1916 and commissioned on 1 September 1917. Commissioning was delayed because her rudder was damaged during launch. She was towed with great difficulty to the Cammell Laird works on the River Mersey for repairs.
In common with other Revenge-class battleships, Ramillies suffered from having her secondary armament, the 6-inch (152 mm) guns, located too low, on the main deck, with the result that in heavy weather they were liable to be awash.
Because of an increasing awareness of the danger of torpedo attack from submarines and destroyers, Ramillies, being completed later than her sisters in this class, had anti-torpedo bulges fitted. These were streamlined external compartments fitted along the waterline and filled with various shock absorbent materials, designed to take the impact of a torpedo before it could breach the hull.
Ramillies had aircraft platforms installed on B and X turrets in 1918 as well as a catapult to launch the aeroplanes. The Fairey Flycatcher was flown during most of the 1918 to 1939 period, useful for both spotting shells and scouting.
Read more about this topic: HMS Ramillies (07)
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