Destroyers needed different weapons for the threats facing the ships they protected. Guns could hold off enemy destroyers, torpedo boats, and aircraft. Torpedoes provided an offensive response to cruisers or capital ships attacking the protected force. Depth charges and ASDIC, where available, addressed submarines. These requirements explain why a fleet screen needed a balanced armament even when its navy valued torpedo attacks.
Notable Point · 33:17-34:29
Match destroyer weapons to the threat
Guns protect against light attackers, torpedoes threaten larger ships, and depth charges with ASDIC address submarines.