Night surface engagement. No matador_spa

[Bill Durrant]

ORIGINAL: Jellicoe

Of course by Cunningham I assume we are meaning Somerville?

Yes you are absolutely right - Somerville

[pontiouspilot]

You were a little unlucky also! I am never afraid to use my old BBs and I can only think of once I was badly lanced.

You may have had too many ships in TF for prime effectiveness. These DDs were all old US 4 pipers if I'm not mistaken. Did they have radar without later upgrades? They are generally badly outmatched. Quere if there are issues with combining US ships with Brits?? I don't think I have ever heard there are command inefficiencies.

[traskott]

Thats one of my "fears" : too many ships, and perhaps, not uniform speed.

The only plus side is the surviving DDs got 60 night xp...

[crsutton]

You could just as easy have some better luck and pound a Japanese surface force. Lots of factors involved and one thing I know is you can never guarantee an outcome in AE. Basically as the Allies I would recommend using smaller TFs (I find 8 ships to be about right) and don't use your old BBs in a night fight. Never use any BB at any time in a fight where the moonlight is less than 70%

You send a six to eight ship TF with CAs, CLs and DDs up against BBs at night and you will find that many times the BBs don't even fire a shot. Especially if he is using a big TF. I would avoid using the old four stackers if you can. A good but cautious leader is not a bad idea. He will attempt to disengage if the battle is not going well.

[John Lansford]

You're better off leaving the "R" class BB's at home early in the war. The RN cruisers and destroyers together can fight even at night on even terms with the IJN, but the BB's are just too big and slow.