The video stops short of claiming a clean annihilation and instead asks what remains of the historical night action. German survivors would run directly for their defensive minefields, even at the risk of additional losses while entering them in darkness. The British might continue to harass the retreat with light forces, but mines, U-boats, damage, and expended torpedoes argue against a reckless pursuit. The counterfactual therefore replaces the historical night battle with a continuation of the daylight escape fight and a rapid German withdrawal. A clearer British victory does not remove Jellicoe's obligation to preserve the fleet that maintains command of the sea.
Chapter · 1:11:07-1:12:46
Why the historical night action disappears
German survivors would race for their minefields, while British caution about mines and U-boats prevents the historical night action from recurring in the same form.