The counterfactual assumes that the Royal Navy judged Swift successful and added a couple of similar leaders to each annual programme of about twenty destroyers. Each leader would probably cost as much as two ordinary destroyers in that year's group. The invitation is to consider how other navies would respond to the larger ships and whether Britain would adopt twin 4-inch mounts sooner. Extra guns would have to fit the available deck space without compromising stability. No settled outcome is offered; the possible consequences remain questions for the audience.
Notable Point · 1:21:38-1:22:38
What if HMS Swift had become the standard flotilla leader?
A closing discussion prompt considers regular Swift-style leader orders, possible foreign responses and twin 4-inch mounts, leaving the counterfactual outcome open.