A frequently repeated Dove quotation says that Graf Spee was going into northern waters. The wording is probably wrong because Dove knew the raider had been heading south. This does not discredit his whole account; it shows that a memorable quotation can contain a directional error even when credited to a direct participant. Checking it against the ship's route and chronology demonstrates a basic part of historical source criticism.
Notable Point · 9:19-9:39
A repeated Dove quotation points in the wrong direction
A familiar quotation about northern waters is probably wrong because Dove knew that Graf Spee had actually been heading south.