The earlier Town-class cruisers had a more passive intended role in scouting, convoy escort, and trade protection. They did go out hunting, although that was not their principal design purpose. The expectation behind the design was that converted merchant cruisers would be too vulnerable to proper warships to make sensible surface raiders. Such ships nevertheless entered that role, and the Towns could hunt them. Their wartime use therefore needs to be distinguished from the tasks and anticipated opponents that shaped the design.
Notable Point · 1:45-2:13
First World War Town cruisers and unexpected merchant raiders
The earlier Towns went hunting despite their more passive intended role and the expectation that converted merchant raiders would be too vulnerable to use.