The light-cruiser shortage behind German surface raiding

An efficient Scharnhorst-type capital ship is presented as a better repeat build than the more expensive Bismarck design, before the argument turns to the fleet's sharper light-cruiser shortage. German heavy ships needed cruiser escorts for Atlantic operations because destroyers lacked the endurance to accompany them. A purpose-built minelayer would have carried more mines, a torpedo cruiser more torpedoes, and a gunnery cruiser stronger all-round fire. The Königsberg attempt to retain all three capabilities left obvious weak arcs. A coordinated flotilla could exploit those sectors long enough to launch against the cruiser and then threaten the capital ship behind it.