Paper speed has to be read alongside the tactical circumstances of an encounter. USS Chester reached about 26.5 knots on trials but normally made closer to 24 knots, while HMS Duke of Edinburgh could make roughly 23. That left the scout cruiser only a one-knot practical advantage unless exceptional anthracite coal supported its best performance. A ship accelerating from near rest would need time to establish even that narrow margin against an armoured cruiser already moving at full speed. Chester's lighter armament and protection made failure to disengage especially dangerous. Maximum trial figures cannot by themselves answer whether one warship can escape another.
Notable Point · 1:10:27-1:12:00
Why USS Chester could struggle to escape Duke of Edinburgh
USS Chester's impressive trial speed offered only a narrow practical margin over the armoured cruiser Duke of Edinburgh, especially if the British ship began the chase already at speed.