A torpedo boat could not rely on torpedoes for every encounter. Landing craft and other small vessels rarely justified expending a limited weapon intended for more dangerous targets. Submarines faced the same problem and used deck guns against merchant shipping to preserve torpedoes. A submarine that tried this method against a Flower-class corvette risked discovering that the escort carried more guns and was built for a surface fight. Gun armament therefore served ammunition economy as well as tactical versatility.
Notable Point · 39:18-40:33
Torpedo scarcity made gun armament essential
Torpedoes were too scarce to spend on every landing craft or merchant vessel, so small combatants needed guns for routine targets and self-defence.