A visibly hard chase might protect Milne by showing that his force had made every practical effort, even if Admiralty confusion remained the underlying cause. Beatty's political influence could limit his share of blame, but he would return without the prestige of a victory. Because he was still only an acting vice admiral, Doveton Sturdee's later success at the Falklands might create a credible rival for battlecruiser command. The failed branch therefore changes careers and command appointments even when Goeben's operational escape remains historical.
Notable Point · 40:20-42:46
Failure could reopen battlecruiser command
If Goeben still escaped, blame, rank, and Sturdee's later Falklands victory could determine whether Beatty retained command of Britain's battlecruisers.