What follows if the First Scouting Group is destroyed?

Destroying most of the First Scouting Group would make later German raids and traps much harder to conduct. Von der Tann would remain, and Germany could try to finish the later Derfflinger-class ships, so the loss would not eliminate every battlecruiser. The possible loss of Hipper and other experienced commanders would compound the material damage. British light forces under William Goodenough and Reginald Tyrwhitt could press the attack once German heavy ships were disabled. The comparison gives Britain 37 destroyers against 18 and seven light cruisers, creating a larger force able to exploit the situation. Even a fast German cruiser could lose its escape advantage if drawn into the fight and damaged. British losses are expected, but the argument is that Britain could absorb them more readily than Germany could replace its scouting force.