The harbour is too constrained to serve as a permanent capital-ship base, though large vessels might call briefly to refuel. Its real value is as a home for torpedo boats, destroyers, and submarines able to watch the German approaches. Aircraft would later add air defence, meeting German airships over or near the German coast instead of waiting for them above Britain. Heavy coastal artillery and smaller supporting guns would protect this concentrated force and help it hold the island. The result is a compact forward base whose light units matter more than the size of its harbour.
Chapter · 35:34-37:43
A base for light forces and aircraft, not a battle fleet
See the island as a forward base for destroyers, submarines, and later air defence rather than capital ships.