Kountouriotis hoisted the Z flag for independent action and took Averof away from the slower Greek ships. At about twenty knots, the flagship used her speed, armour and firepower to cross the Ottoman formation. The range closed from roughly twelve kilometres to less than three. Separating Averof from the Hydra-class ships created an unintended pincer and alarmed the Ottoman force. Ottoman ships turned rapidly toward the Dardanelles while Averof pursued them into the range of the coastal guns. The engagement lasted less than an hour and left the Greeks in control of the field.
Chapter · 1:49:37-2:00:42
Averof hoists the Z flag and attacks independently
Kountouriotis used Averof's speed to leave the slower Greek line, cross the Ottoman formation, and create an unintended pincer that drove it back into the Dardanelles.