A destroyer laying smoke offers the damaged Ajax a way to disengage from the German secondary battery. The proposed escape depends on support absent from this isolated battleship duel. An accidentally short starting range is initially suspected because earlier trials allowed Ajax to remain outside seven-inch range. The final settings check indicates that the battle began at roughly 32-35 kilometres, a distance considered adequate. The cause of the unexpectedly close action remains unresolved, although engine hits and the German ship's increased main-gun battery remain relevant to the result.
Notable Point · 2:30:16-2:35:40
Destroyer smoke and the unresolved cause of Ajax's close engagement
Ajax needs screening support to disengage, while a final settings check overturns the initial suspicion that the battle started too close.