Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:24:30-1:24:53

Modern Dog Boats would supplement major escorts

The appeal of a cheap, fast coastal combatant comes with limits on mission breadth, command use, and informal adaptation outside wartime.

Fairmile D Motor Gun and Torpedo BoatsFast Attack CraftField ModificationsForce StructureTrade Protection
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Question

Should the Royal Navy build a modern Dog Boat for trade protection and Gulf operations?

Short answer

The idea is tempting, but such boats would supplement larger warships, and peacetime rules would probably prevent wartime-style crew modifications.

Notes

A modern Dog Boat is an attractive idea for confined waters and support to allies. Such a small craft would remain an adjunct to frigates and destroyers rather than become their budgetary replacement. Peacetime organizations would also be less tolerant of the uncontrolled modifications that made wartime Dog Boats so adaptable. The answer supports experimentation within a larger balanced fleet.