Toward a comparison of the placement of medium caliber artillery on battleship era ships. A look through a century

The article reviews the material of independent researcher D. Y. Pustozerov «From the history of naval artillery. Medium-caliber artillery: casemates or towers? Advantages and disadvantages» and the analysis of the above arguments about the choice of the Russian Naval Department of the scheme for the placement of medium-caliber artillery on squadron battleships of the fleet for the 1898 Program and the conclusions drawn by the author on their basis is carried out. The relevance of the review is based on the fact that in the reviewed article the author incorrectly stated the problem (the choice of the layout of medium-caliber guns) is argued by abstract reasoning not based on factual historical material. The terminology used by the reviewed author is briefly analyzed, with an indication of the actual terminology in force at that time. A critical analysis of the information provided by the author of the reviewed article was carried out, and the valid grounds for choosing the type of squadron battleship of the Russian Navy with casemated or turret-mounted medium-caliber artillery were considered. The research method in the form of a comparison has obtained results that refute the very problem of choice and argumentation. The article does not confirm the conclusions of the reviewed author and refutes the thesis about the construction of a certain «technological and easy-to-build, operate and repair casemate battleship» for the Russian Navy. Since such projects themselves were implemented for the Baltic Fleet, the Borodino series of battleships and their development, the Emperor Paul I. For the Black Sea Fleet «Potemkin» and its development «John Chrysostom». As a conclusion, it is suggested that in research it is reasonable to pose a problem, carefully select the source material, introduce sound research tools and, making conclusions confirming or refuting the question posed, adhere to the facts and not apply personal attitude to the compared material.

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