Insect and Fly class river support model

The First World War Insect and Fly classes show why the gunboat was more than an instrument of diplomatic pressure. In Iraq, the Army moved along the river while gunboats carried supplies, ranged ahead for reconnaissance, and gave fire support. Some gunboats also towed troop barges, released them toward the bank, and kept firing as the soldiers landed and attacked. A river gunboat could combine logistics, scouting, transport, and close support in places where larger warships or land transport could not do the same work.