The presence of Tribal-class destroyers can indicate how seriously the Royal Navy rated a convoy's surface threat. Their numerous 4.7-inch guns could fix an enemy by fire during a night engagement. Hits and resulting fires could illuminate and mark a ship for other destroyers lining up torpedo attacks. This supported a deliberately close-range doctrine intended to replace uncertain long-range hits with a concentrated spread capable of sinking the target.
Notable Point · 43:47-45:47
Tribal-class gunfire prepared targets for night torpedo attacks
Heavy destroyer gunfire could start fires and reveal an enemy clearly enough for British torpedo forces to close and launch at decisive range.