The targets are merchant ships with small guns at either end rather than purpose-built warships. The cruiser has enough ammunition to continue hunting through a convoy of roughly ten or more vessels. Sinking the formation is worthwhile in the campaign because the losses will inflict substantial damage on the French economy. The sequence connects commerce raiding with the limits of armed-merchant self-defense and the strategic value of protecting maritime trade.
Chapter · 1:49:36-1:52:17
Armed merchant ships and the economics of convoy raiding
A cruiser dismantles a large convoy whose merchant ships carry only light defensive guns, turning tactical destruction into damage to the French economy.