In the simulated engagement, the battlecruisers target destroyers before the enemy cruisers. One surviving destroyer can launch torpedoes with consequences out of proportion to its size. The faster battlecruisers can outpace and outmanoeuvre the cruisers while they eliminate the immediate torpedo threat. Four-inch fire performs that protective task quickly enough for the heavier batteries to return to larger opponents. Target priority follows both the danger of an attack and the ship's ability to control the range.
Notable Point · 12:26-16:48
Why the battlecruisers target destroyers first
Destroyers receive priority because an overlooked torpedo attack can be more dangerous than cruisers the faster battlecruisers can outpace.