Diagrams and photographs distinguish motor gunboat and motor torpedo boat versions before the discussion turns to their combined attacks. Gunboats approached from offshore and opened fire, forcing an enemy to answer and reveal its position, while torpedo boats worked in more quietly from inshore for the decisive attack. The gunboats did not need to match every last knot of a torpedo boat's dash, but they had to share enough speed and seakeeping to enter and withdraw without becoming a liability. German Schnellboote were faster in calm water, whereas the Fairmile D retained more speed in rough North Sea and Norwegian conditions and could sometimes overtake them there.
Notable Point · 2:01:26-2:07:45
Fairmile D coastal attack tactics
Dog boats used gunfire, concealment, and complementary approach routes to expose targets for torpedo craft, while their hull form gave them an advantage over E-boats in rough seas.