Alex Clarke's simulations test what could happen if three Japanese heavy cruisers intercept the departing British convoy. The Japanese force wins, but closing to identify the ships and communicate exposes it to Birmingham's torpedoes. In the tested encounters, at least one Japanese cruiser is lost while none of the British ships escapes. One attempt to intimidate Birmingham with cruisers approaching from port, starboard, and astern lets her fire torpedoes to both sides and sink two cruisers. These simulated outcomes illustrate how a superior force can still suffer heavy losses when an interception requires closing the range.
Notable Point · 47:01-48:21
Birmingham's torpedoes complicate a three-cruiser interception
Simulated Japanese victories still incur heavy cruiser losses when close identification and intimidation expose the attackers to Birmingham's torpedoes.