Q&A · 3:18:13-3:18:40

Did destroyers prefer capturing enemy ships?

Capturing ships, especially merchant vessels, remained part of Royal Navy training and doctrine used by destroyers and cruisers.

Question

Was there a destroyer mentality of capturing ships rather than sinking them?

Short answer

No special destroyer mentality is identified; capture remained a broader Royal Navy practice supported by prewar doctrine.

Notes

Royal Navy destroyers and cruisers captured ships during the Second World War. The wider service also valued capture, especially of merchant ships. Prewar training and doctrine included substantial preparation for taking vessels. This gave destroyer crews an established practice to follow.