Light-cruiser gunnery and torpedo risk

A small surface action comes down to fire volume and torpedo discipline. The British light cruiser carries eight 6-inch guns against four slightly heavier 6.1-inch weapons, giving it the stronger stream of gunfire. Torpedoes remain the main danger, so the British ship waits for the opponent to spend more of its torpedo inventory before launching its own. One torpedo hits but proves to be a dud, a reminder that the threat can shape manoeuvre even when the weapon fails.