Fisher studies Tsushima and favors enough forward-firing weapons to establish the range while a fleet closes. In that tactical setting, rapidly firing 6-inch guns are expected to produce most of the damage. The heavy battery has prestige and coup-de-grace value, but it is not yet assumed to deliver a coordinated long-range engagement by itself. The logic changes as fire control improves, making this passage a useful marker between close-range mixed-caliber doctrine and the later big-gun battle line.
Notable Point · 18:32-19:32
Fisher's forward-fire doctrine before long-range gunnery
Fisher's preference for six guns firing ahead reflects an era when rapid 6-inch fire did most of the expected damage and heavy guns supplied the finish.