A destroyer designed for independent action became especially useful when the Royal Navy revived coastal raiding and dispersed operations. Tribal-class ships supported raids such as Operation Claymore and had enough internal space to carry senior commanders. During the central Norwegian campaign around Namsos, HMS Somali reportedly embarked about one hundred army staff officers while supporting combined land and naval command. Internal volume for people and command work could matter as much as armament.
Chapter · 9:23-11:22
Independent raiding and command work in Norway
The Tribal design suited World War II raiding, picket, and command duties, including Operation Claymore and combined land-sea command work around Namsos.