A capital ship's secondary battery must be assessed against the targets and ranges it is expected to engage. The 5-inch/38 is praised for destroyer and dual-purpose service but judged short of anti-cruiser power at longer ranges. The 5.25-inch is preferred here for a capital ship because it can open surface and anti-aircraft fire farther out. Four-inch guns are considered capable against destroyers, yet their higher firing rate is judged insufficient to offset their lighter effect. Larger shells are valued for penetrating and exploding inside the target. Dido-class service and battleship engagements are cited against the claim that 5.25-inch guns saw little surface use.
Notable Point · 1:58:40-2:04:38
Surface power versus anti-aircraft rate in secondary batteries
The 5.25-inch is preferred here for capital ships because of its range and surface effect, while the 5-inch/38 remains a strong destroyer system.