Vian's report helped move destroyers ahead in the allocation of flashless cordite, which had previously been prioritized for cruisers. Reducing muzzle flash removed the blinding effect of the ships' own gunfire. Searchlights created a separate danger by giving enemy gunners conspicuous aiming points. Star shell provided equally useful illumination without that drawback, and the later Battle-class destroyers carried a dedicated 4-inch star-shell gun.
Notable Point · 57:48-58:23
Flashless cordite and star shell reduced the hazards of night gunnery
Flashless propellant preserved destroyer crews' vision, while star shell illuminated targets without giving the enemy a searchlight to aim at.