Royal Navy destroyers provided gunfire support off Belgium during World War I, although monitors with 6-inch guns received more recognition. Their 3-inch guns could put shells onto the beaches at a rate that impressed German observers, who mistook the speed of British destroyer crews for an automatic 3-inch weapon. Extra pay and competitions rewarded fast firing with trophies, leave passes, and beer. Team competitions were preferred to individual contests because they encouraged cooperation within the crew and rivalry between units. These training incentives helped crews exploit the firing rates of manually worked guns.
Notable Point · 50:30-52:23
Destroyer gunfire on the Belgian coast and the rewards for fast crews
World War I destroyers delivered rapid shore fire with 3-inch guns, while pay and team competitions encouraged crews to sustain exceptional firing rates.