The claimed destroyer-hunter rationale is tested against a belt of roughly 24 mm and similarly light deck and turret protection. Destroyers could close rapidly in groups and engage the larger, more visible cruiser at ranges where their guns remained dangerous. A pack of smaller opponents could dictate the approach while the cruiser offered the easier target to acquire. Speed alone did not solve the vulnerability created by the mission.
Chapter · 43:13-44:39
Why the Cadorna class made fragile destroyer hunters
If built to counter French large destroyers, the Cadorna class lacked the protection needed to survive the close, fast engagements that mission implied.