Germany's destroyer shortage affected movement as well as battle. Escorts could have protected coastal convoys, reduced some dependence on railways, and supported operations in the Baltic or, if vessels could be transferred there, the Black Sea. Around Tirpitz and other surface ships, a credible destroyer screen would have made attacks on Arctic convoys more dangerous. The comparison is with Italian practice in the Mediterranean, where battleships, cruisers, and destroyers sailed as mutually supporting groups. Germany's wider disadvantages remained. A credible escort force could still have expanded its operational reach.
Notable Point · 30:57-32:08
Destroyers could support coastal convoys and regional operations
A functioning destroyer force could have protected German coastal movement, reduced dependence on rail transport, and made Baltic, Black Sea, and Arctic task groups more credible.