An account from the destroyer Echo describes bridge observers learning to identify the moment a bomber released its weapon. Destroyers then accelerated and altered course because their limited gun elevation left high-flying attackers beyond effective reach. The danger increased after anti-aircraft cruisers wore out their guns through sustained use, while near-continuous Norwegian daylight deprived ship companies of rest. An enemy hit remained possible during every approach, and the wait for each falling bomb placed the crew under severe strain. A signalman's irreverent Morse message to the attacking aircraft broke the tension with laughter, making humour a practical way to endure repeated attacks.
Notable Point · 7:09-9:12
Destroyer survival under Luftwaffe attack in Norway
An account of the Norway campaign explains why destroyers often relied on speed and violent course changes when their guns could not reach high bombers.