Decisive-fleet narratives can obscure the direct value of ships firing in support of troops ashore. At Jaffa, M29, M30, and M32 joined the old cruiser HMS Grafton and the destroyers Lapwing and Lizard in supporting the land campaign. In the First World War, ships were among the most mobile heavy artillery available because they moved their guns, ammunition stocks, protection, and sustaining facilities together. The battle demonstrates sea power as a direct battlefield contribution alongside blockade, fleet deterrence, and the prospect of a decisive engagement.
Chapter · 26:58-29:37
Naval guns as mobile artillery
The Battle of Jaffa frames the M29-class monitors as mobile artillery whose guns, ammunition, and protected support arrangements could follow the campaign by sea.