British ideas differed from those of navies more willing to use eight-inch cruisers in a battle line. Japanese planners considered bringing such ships into the line, while American thinking was less settled. At Denmark Strait the Counties did not form up behind Prince of Wales for a decisive exchange. Their task was to watch a larger enemy, guide supporting forces, and deal with smaller targets while keeping clear of a fight they could not safely win.
Notable Point · 31:11-33:01
The County mission: watch, report, and survive
British doctrine did not treat the Counties as ships meant to line up behind battleships against heavier opponents.