Destroyers and Restrained Naval Gunfire

Why did the Royal Navy rely on destroyers and 4.5-inch guns for fire support?

Destroyers gave accurate support while planners sought to limit civilian casualties rather than employ the heaviest available naval guns.

The operation relied chiefly on destroyers firing 4.5-inch guns rather than bringing cruisers and battleships into the bombardment role. Seven of the eight Daring-class destroyers and eight of the twenty-four Battle-class destroyers appeared in the force, making smaller surface combatants central to the gunfire plan. Cruisers remained available if heavier fire became necessary, but planners deliberately avoided beginning with their larger weapons. The choice combined accurate support for troops ashore with restrictions intended to reduce civilian casualties in Port Said.