The shorthand that the German destroyers were driven ashore leaves out why they struggled. Destroyers had received low priority during the interwar period, so many officers lacked experience, though the force still included capable individuals. German commanders prepared another ambush because the method had worked against the British H-class destroyers. The Tribal-class force presented a very different threat, making a repeat of the earlier success unlikely.
Chapter · 1:56-2:57
German destroyer readiness and the failed ambushes
Interwar neglect left the German destroyer arm with uneven officer experience, and an ambush that had worked against H-class destroyers was poorly suited to the later Tribal-class attack.