In Lord Hill-Norton's definition, long-range patrol is the cruiser's principal task. Endurance and the ability to keep the sea in bad weather follow from that mission. Speed allows a cruiser to act as the fleet's eyes, scout ahead, shadow an opponent, and overhaul a target during pursuit. Its guns must be powerful enough to defeat the kinds of enemies encountered on those missions. The ship is designed for maneuver and selective engagement rather than an attritional duel with heavily armed battle-line ships. The distinction is a sniper's contest rather than an artillery slugging match.
Chapter · 6:00-7:26
The cruiser as a long-range patrol ship
A cruiser needs endurance, seaworthiness, speed, and enough gun power to scout, shadow, chase, and defeat suitable opponents without joining the battle line.