The formation stays together instead of splitting for the firing angle suggested by the game. Turning toward the threat preserves mutual support among the ships and keeps Italian small craft within reach of British secondary batteries. The immediate gunnery opportunity gives way to protection against a close torpedo threat. Fleet cohesion outweighs the local firing advantage.
Notable Point · 2:23:05-2:23:38
Fleet cohesion over an ideal firing angle
A tempting firing angle is rejected because fleet cohesion and keeping small attackers inside secondary range matter more.