Hmm, I agree, although neither is 100% correct, a vertical bow is closer to reality.
Well, as I promised here is both versions of the ships finished. They have a late 19th century 4 inch gun, which can go to the parts sheet, the hull number is that of RHN "Leon" (Lion) as she appeared at the beginning of her carrier, and at the start of world war 2. She was sunk by Luftwaffer in Souda bay during the battle of Crete. I could also do a 3rd variant of one of her sisters with a ww2 camo.
Really liking these drawings, you should definitely do a WWII camo version!
It's a shame they didn't upgrade the primary armament later on (simply from a drawing point of view).