The 1,850-ton destroyer-leader allowance permitted larger, fast destroyers. Most navies used that extra capacity for a substantial torpedo armament. The Royal Navy considered replacing some torpedoes with guns so these vessels could perform duties associated with small cruisers. Its cruiser shortage therefore influenced destroyer armament as well as cruiser procurement.
Notable Point · 37:57-38:23
Destroyer leaders as substitutes for scarce cruisers
Britain could trade some torpedo armament for guns in 1,850-ton destroyer leaders to help cover duties left by the cruiser shortage.