The screening failure prompts consideration of a self-escorting battleship. In the simulation, that means fitting enough secondary guns to engage lighter threats that slip past or overwhelm an inadequate screen. The preceding battle has already demonstrated the value of destroyers and cruisers. Secondary armament therefore provides local protection when a capital ship enters a confused close-range action, without replacing the fleet screen.
Notable Point · 2:06:20-2:06:46
A self-escorting battleship needs layered firepower
After losing a capital ship amid lighter attackers, the design question becomes whether a battleship can carry enough secondary guns to defend itself.