Russian anxiety about Japanese torpedo craft during the voyage followed from knowledge of Japan's order of battle. The high command knew how numerous and capable those forces were and had reports of their fighting around Port Arthur. That knowledge helps explain the fear behind the Dogger Bank incident. Russia's expedition lacked enough supporting ships even by its own force-structure doctrine. Years of underinvestment had left too few assets available to send, while Japan could reinforce an engagement with more light forces.
Notable Point · 51:34-53:07
Russian fear reveals the destroyers' deterrent effect
Knowledge of Japan's numerous and combat-tested torpedo forces helps explain Russian fears during the voyage, while underinvestment left the expedition short of escorts.