Early aircraft did not need to sink a battleship to change the strategic situation. Bombs that did little to a ship's structure could still set fire to warehouses, disrupt rail connections, and show that the anchorage was not immune from attack. Repeated incursions would also damage confidence inside a fleet whose deterrent value depended partly on appearing secure and ready. Commanders could then face a coercive choice between accepting falling morale and public humiliation or risking a sortie on the attacker's terms.
Notable Point · 6:00-7:13
Bombing as a morale and deterrence problem
Even small air attacks could erode a harbour fleet's credibility, morale, and ability to function as a deterrent.