German destroyer thinking is criticised for remaining tied to short-range torpedo-boat operations in the Baltic and coastal waters. That outlook fits poorly with the long-distance raiding role associated with the Deutschland class and other surface ships. Diesel propulsion is offered as a way to give escorts the range their task requires. Even raiders operating independently would need screening during part of their passage. Destroyers could add anti-aircraft and anti-surface fire support while the larger ships crossed confined approaches.
Notable Point · 50:53-51:56
A raiding fleet needs escorts with matching reach
Destroyers designed around coastal operations would restrict a fleet intended to send surface raiders into the Atlantic.