Raising an aft gun mount gave Asashio clearer rearward firing arcs than the earlier arrangement. Repeated attrition attacks required destroyers to break contact, withdraw and attack again. Covering that withdrawal mattered because disengagement exposed a force to particular danger. Heavy firepower aft therefore made sense for Japanese doctrine, even within a critique that preferred less armament concentrated at the stern. The larger hull moved beyond 2,000 tons and the earlier treaty restrictions, although the torpedo equipment remained high.
Chapter · 1:25:44-1:27:47
Asashio's aft guns and the danger of withdrawal
Asashio's aft firepower is linked to covering a destroyer force as it breaks contact after an attack.