In the event of war between Britain and France it is possible that Warrior would have been involved in a multi-ship action or a single ship duel, most probably in the Channel area. It is only in the event of a single ship action that we can predict Warrior's course of action through notes made by the first Captain - Arthur Cochrane.

Cochrane would have used his superior speed of 17.5 knots compared to the 12 of Gloire to bring the enemy to action. Initially firing with the bow chaser 110lb gun, he would have turned on a parallel course to the enemy to discharge broadsides. Whilst doing so he would attempt to keep out of Gloire's range and protect his stern. When an opportunity to do so emerged, preferably after French fire had been surpressed, or at the very least reduced, he would close to a decisive range in order to complete his victory. Whether such tactics would have proved effective is debateable,but the balance of probability lies with victory for Cochrane.



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Warrior in Battle

Warrior entering Portsmouth Harbour

In the event of an action against the Monitor, Cochrane's likely course of action can be discerned. Assuming Warrior, whilst stationary, opened fire at 4,000 yards with her bow chaser, it would take 20 minutes for Monitor to close to within 1,500 yards. In this time 22 rounds would have been discharged from the chaser. Assuming 15% of the projectiles hit their target, we would expect 3 hits before Monitor closed to open fire with her two Dahlgren guns. At 1,500 yards the 68 pound guns of Warrior could be brouht to bear, with perhaps 1 in 3 shot hitting their taget. The remaining 110lb guns could also be used, with a hit rate of 45%. In the ensuing quarter of an hour it would take Monitor to close on Warrior, Warrior would discharge 213 68lb shot and 108 110lb shot. During this time Monitor would be hit by 71 68lb shot and 48 110lb shot, whilst returning no more than 4 shot.

We know from tests that Monitor's guns could not pierce Warrior's armour plating, which consisted 4.5" of wrought iron, 18" of Teak, a further 5/8" wrought iron and finally 1 3/4" pine cladding. Warrior could pierce 6 inches of Monitor's turret armour plating at up to 500 yards.

As Nelson said 'nothing is certain in a sea fight above all others', but the balance of probability would again suggest a victory for Warrior.