Why twenty-five German boats failed to destroy four sloops

The German force had the speed, weapons, and a twenty-five-to-four numerical advantage, yet it concentrated enough vessels to sink only Arabis and did not pursue the survivors effectively. These World War I sloops were less formidable than the later Black Swan class and closer to World War II corvettes in cost, armament, and role. One possible explanation for the cruiser identification is that the Germans mistook Arabis's bridge for a third funnel, although this remains conjecture rather than a firm answer. The survival of three sloops cannot be explained by superior combat capability. Their crews handled the ships well, while German caution left an overwhelming tactical advantage unused.