Six 6-inch guns could appear modest when an Arethusa was compared directly with a larger cruiser. The intended duties included fleet screening, trade protection, and reconnaissance. A scout finding a stronger enemy was supposed to report and fall back towards heavier friendly ships rather than fight every contact itself. That division of work changes the firepower required of the smaller vessel. A recalled joke from Renown to Hood about a spare aft turret then illustrates the fleet's aggressive reputation, without replacing the specific doctrine of scouting and reporting.
Notable Point · 5:56:06-5:57:39
Why six guns could suit a fleet scout
A scout's duty to report and fall back helps explain why its battery need not match every opponent it encounters.