B-class losses were concentrated in the early war, before the Royal Navy had more ships and better technology. In peacetime, distributing ships in small 'penny packet' groups maximizes visible presence across a worldwide network. Once war begins, the same dispersion leaves small forces more exposed. After 1942, larger numbers and improved technology let the Royal Navy deploy stronger formations with layered defence, reducing its losses. A navy may therefore need to shift from broad peacetime coverage to concentrated wartime protection.
Notable Point · 19:13-19:53
Why peacetime presence gives way to wartime concentration
Worldwide peacetime presence rewarded dispersion, while wartime survival required concentrated forces and layered defence.