In Harper's critique, the Fifth Battle Squadron's position undermined its intended role as a free wing able to concentrate against part of the enemy fleet. Beatty placed the slower battleships five miles northwest of Lion, although his cruiser screen showed that he expected contact farther east or southeast. Turning to cut the enemy off from its base therefore left his heaviest ships approaching from the wrong side of the formation. The criticism concerns the delay built into that disposition and the resulting division of the British force.
Notable Point · 46:29-49:09
Beatty places the Fifth Battle Squadron on the wrong side of his screen
Stationing the Fifth Battle Squadron northwest of Lion delayed its approach when the expected enemy contact came from the other direction.