How might larger destroyers have changed Holland's approach at Denmark Strait?
Short answerThey could have remained with the force and enabled a multi-axis attack, though Holland might still have chosen his historical sectional engagement.
NotesLarger destroyers could have kept up with Holland more easily in rough weather, though their presence would not guarantee a torpedo attack. Clarke prefers an attack from several directions, using the County-class cruisers from the other side both to spot shell splashes and keep the Germans engaged. Harwood divided his force at the River Plate, and the later destroyer attacks on Bismarck also came from several bearings. Both sectional fighting and envelopment were available within contemporary British doctrine. The criticism acknowledges hindsight and presents envelopment as a personal tactical preference, while recognizing the doctrinal basis for Holland's choice.