Effective destroyers need officers, doctrine, and ships

Interwar destroyer appointments sought officers inclined to attack who would also think through a method. Glowworm's prolonged attack on Admiral Hipper illustrates the distinction: purposeful action could press a stronger opponent without amounting to an unplanned charge. The comparison concerns intent and persistence rather than a detailed reconstruction of the manoeuvres. Identifying an enemy weakness was part of the decision to act. Suitable ships had to make that action possible, while doctrine gave officers a basis for judging how to use them. Aggressive officers, workable doctrine, and capable ships each depended on the others.