The wider gun turrets on German battleships and heavy cruisers, such as those found on the *Bismarck* and other Kriegsmarine ships, were primarily a result of unique design philosophy, technological considerations, and tactical preferences that set German warships apart from other naval powers during World War II.
One key reason for the wider turrets on German battleships, especially compared to ships like the Japanese *Yamato*, was the specific design of the Kriegsmarine’s *Scharnhorst*-class, *Bismarck*-class, and *Admiral Hipper*-class ships, which featured a more spaced-out arrangement of guns. German designers prioritized higher broadside weight and firepower, leading them to space the guns farther apart. This arrangement allowed the ship to unleash a heavier, more devastating salvo, as each barrel would be able to fire independently with greater accuracy.
The design of the *Bismarck*, for example, featured two triple turrets of 38 cm (15-inch) guns, arranged with wider gaps between the barrels. The idea was to avoid interference between the guns' recoil forces, which could impact accuracy if the turrets were placed too closely together. The *Bismarck*'s turret design also allowed for more efficient use of internal space, making room for larger ammunition storage and a more robust internal structure to withstand the intense stresses of combat.
In contrast, the Japanese *Yamato*’s turrets had narrower gaps between her massive 46 cm (18.1-inch) guns because of the different design priorities. The *Yamato* was designed to be the most powerful battleship in the world, with a focus on maximizing the sheer destructive force of its main guns. To achieve this, the designers focused on efficiency and concentrated firepower, with the guns placed closer together, despite the risk of recoil interference.
In summary, the wider turrets on German battleships reflected a different set of priorities, including maximizing broadside weight, ensuring the structural integrity of the ship, and maintaining firepower and accuracy. These design choices were a response to specific naval combat tactics and the limitations of the technology available at the time.