Accounts of the naval war can overlook the Dover Patrol when they concentrate on fleet battles. Supporting troops ashore consumed ships and affected operations far beyond the bombardment area. German destroyers and torpedo boats could attack the firing ships, while a larger German sortie might draw in the Harwich Force and Grand Fleet as cover. Naval gunfire support therefore depended on fleet readiness, screening forces, and control of the Channel approaches.
Chapter · 4:42-6:50
Why the Royal Navy mattered on the Western Front
Coastal bombardment belonged to the larger naval effort needed to sustain and protect armies fighting near the Channel coast.