Dalrymple-Hamilton's successive commands provide a visual history of destroyers becoming larger and more capable between the wars. Their growth reflected demands for longer deployments and more varied work rather than a simple preference for bigger ships. The same procurement logic applies whenever a service expects one platform to perform more functions. A modern comparison suggests that renewed interest in sustained gunfire and programmable long-range ammunition may likewise favour larger naval guns and the ships able to support them.
Notable Point · 28:18-31:26
Why expanding missions made destroyers larger
The growth from small destroyers to flotilla leaders illustrates how added endurance, personnel, weapons, and missions drive warship size upward.