Second Narvik: Warspite, reconnaissance, and fighting destroyers

The costly first battle contrasts with the better-supported second action. Warspite brought heavy guns and a Swordfish able to scout ahead, while Cossack, Bedouin, Eskimo, and Punjabi supplied the Tribal flotilla's rapid-firing gunnery. The aircraft found the damaged German destroyer Erich Koellner waiting near an ambush position, allowing the British force to bring guns and a torpedo onto her first. Punjabi later absorbed heavy punishment, withdrew briefly for repairs, and returned combat-capable. Reconnaissance, battleship support, sustained destroyer fire, and resilient construction turned likely ambushes into British advantages.