Cumberland raced from the Falklands after Exeter was forced away, making the passage in 34 hours at an average of about 25.5 knots to support Ajax and Achilles. Her presence would have added another eight-inch battery to the British force facing Admiral Graf Spee. Concentration changed the balance because a ship that could defeat one opponent might still be trapped by several less powerful cruisers working together. Britain’s broad repair network also made damaged cruisers more recoverable than a German raider with few friendly yards.
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Cumberland’s dash after the River Plate battle
Cumberland’s arrival near the River Plate reinforced the pressure on Admiral Graf Spee even without joining the battle itself.