The forward part of the British centre approached in line ahead and opened a long-range exchange instead of carrying out Howe's close attack. That choice also let French ships harass Defence ahead of them. Captain Thomas Pakenham broke from the cautious pattern and brought Invincible close to the larger Juste despite taking heavy damage. Rear Admiral George Bowyer lost a leg early, after which Barfleur moved up to support Invincible. The episode shows how a subordinate captain's initiative could recover momentum when senior command and the original formation no longer delivered the intended attack.
Notable Point · 1:50:47-1:53:21
Initiative breaks the central division's long-range fight
Caldwell and Bowyer's ships initially stayed at range until Pakenham drove Invincible in and Barfleur followed after Bowyer was wounded.