The normal destroyer formation began as line astern because it was manageable in darkness. Radar displays later made line abreast and encircling tactics more feasible without navigation lights. The Bismarck example shows the value of several destroyers maintaining contact from different directions and threatening torpedo attacks whenever the target turned. The technology amplified skills already concentrated in elite flotillas, and trained formation keeping remained essential.
Notable Point · 38:12-40:12
Radar-enabled destroyer formations
Plan-position indicators made ambitious night formations more practical and helped destroyers maintain contact around targets such as Bismarck.