A World War I destroyer had to keep pace with battlecruisers and capital ships, then move quickly around the force. At Jutland, the battle line could comb torpedo tracks by turning away while escorts shifted to the engaged side and turned toward the attackers. Turning away also exploited the torpedo's limited range, while the screen bought time by moving between the attackers and the battle line. It also explains why destroyers needed speed and offensive torpedo capability in addition to defensive guns.
Notable Point · 18:52-20:23
World War I destroyers need speed for the battle line
The World War I section connects destroyer speed to fleet maneuver, battlecruiser support, and torpedo-attack screening.