More torpedoes for independent convoy defence

These destroyers were expected to screen and escort forces beyond the Grand Fleet. In a fleet action, numerous destroyers shared the torpedo attack and had cruisers and heavier ships behind them. A convoy escort could face a surface raider with much less immediate support, giving each destroyer a greater need for torpedoes of its own. The escort could hold the raider until heavy cover arrived, destroy it, or persuade it to abandon the attack. Success meant getting the convoy to its destination. Destroying the attacker was one possible means of achieving that result.