Peacetime gunboats are compared with modern helicopters as tools for projecting power inland along rivers and confined waterways. In war they support amphibious landings and commandos, cover torpedo boats, and assist minelaying and minesweeping. The globally useful Fairmile D is contrasted with American patrol gunboats that would have suited river work but not the fast coastal mission for which they were selected. Inexpensive small combatants perform many unglamorous tasks that a fleet misses badly when they are absent.
Notable Point · 2:52:00-2:53:41
Gunboats and the small necessary functions of war
The conclusion defines gunboats by the overlooked jobs they make possible: inland presence, close fire support, torpedo-boat cover, mining work, and commando or amphibious operations.