Fifteen knots was the usual benchmark for cruising endurance. A destroyer escorting a fast capital ship often had to sustain much more in a seaway. The Tribal bow shape and apparently stronger reinforcement helped them sustain speed in rough weather. The Royal Navy therefore looked to the Tribals and the larger J, K and N classes for fast escort work.
Notable Point · 15:35-16:13
Which destroyers could keep up with fast capital ships
A destroyer's speed in rough weather mattered as much as its cruising benchmark when screening capital ships.