The Atlantic and Mediterranean experience differed from the confined and island-studded waters of the Pacific, Baltic, and Black Sea. In these theatres, small boats often fought land targets, supported troops, and confronted other small craft instead of seeking major warships. Torpedoes remained useful against a larger or more dangerous opponent, but guns became the routine weapons for these missions. The American, Japanese, and Soviet cases show different routes toward the same practical change in employment.
Chapter · 1:09-2:59
Why torpedo boats became gunboats
The opening argument explains why Pacific, Baltic, and Black Sea torpedo boats increasingly used guns, rockets, and troop support rather than treating torpedoes as their sole purpose.