When secondary batteries do the killing

With only four heavy guns in two twin turrets, a pre-dreadnought relied heavily on its intermediate battery to accumulate hits. The episode describes a tactical sequence in which heavy guns might first damage or slow an opponent, allowing 8-inch or 6-inch weapons to deliver decisive closer-range fire. These faster-firing weapons could supply a much larger share of the hits than their secondary label suggests. Dreadnought combat reverses that emphasis by making long-range main-battery volume central and assigning secondaries defensive tasks against light craft, submarines, and aircraft.