The proposed German formation places the carrier and two 15-inch ships in the center, with 11-inch ships ahead and on both wings. Those screen positions give the central group warning and maneuvering room. They also make the first batch the most likely ships to take damage or be abandoned if the formation must preserve speed. That arrangement supports the estimate that Germany could lose two 11-inch ships without losing the entire force.
Notable Point · 2:15:56-2:16:51
The 11-inch ships screen the Norway formation
Putting the three 11-inch ships ahead and on the wings protects the carrier and 15-inch ships, but exposes the first batch to the earliest attacks and losses.