Belgian civilians constrain the Ostend bombardment

The proposed Ostend dockyard target lay within roughly 300 yards of Belgian homes on both sides. Bacon ordered special care because the residents had already suffered in the war and friendly damage could poison British relations with them. At the same time, the locations and capabilities of the Hindenburg and other coastal batteries were uncertain. Fire-support accuracy was therefore a coalition concern as well as a technical one: friendly shells hitting the population being liberated could carry strategic costs. Imperfect coastal intelligence increased that risk before the monitors opened fire.