Submarines had already proved that they could sink major warships and threaten a maritime economy during World War I. The U-boat campaign is described as coming closer to starving Britain in that war than in World War II, after the Royal Navy had spent two decades preparing for a repeat. The loss of Aboukir, Cressy, and Hogue in one action left a strong institutional memory. British cruisers therefore carried hydrophones and ASDIC even when treaty limits made every ton of equipment a design tradeoff. US cruisers often used that weight for armour or other features because their expected role did not carry the same anti-submarine emphasis. The comparison shows how a recent disaster can remain embedded in later warship requirements.
Notable Point · 1:08:13-1:10:47
World War I losses shaped British cruiser ASW
The U-boat threat and the loss of Aboukir, Cressy, and Hogue pushed Britain to spend scarce treaty tonnage on hydrophones and ASDIC aboard cruisers.