Chris, were all non ironclads withdrawn from service in short order or was there a tactical change to form mixed squadrons? I’m assuming ironclads were only deployed in theatres where other nations had them? And after the French and British (and presumably USA) who else made a rapid shift to armoured vessels?
I must admit it isn't something I know a great deal about (I'm working on it slowly!) but there sheer number of ships already in commission meant they couldn't all just be withdrawn quickly. Both us and the French kept pace in ship building so despite the original head start by them we caught up and immediately switched to Ironclad vessel construction. It was quite a shock though!
Chris, were all non ironclads withdrawn from service in short order or was there a tactical change to form mixed squadrons? I’m assuming ironclads were only deployed in theatres where other nations had them? And after the French and British (and presumably USA) who else made a rapid shift to armoured vessels?
I must admit it isn't something I know a great deal about (I'm working on it slowly!) but there sheer number of ships already in commission meant they couldn't all just be withdrawn quickly. Both us and the French kept pace in ship building so despite the original head start by them we caught up and immediately switched to Ironclad vessel construction. It was quite a shock though!