Howe's plan aimed to turn British professionalism into a close-range advantage. Each ship was to breach the French line independently, fire into vulnerable bows or sterns, and fight on the leeward side to cut off retreat. Earlier battles had involved breaking an enemy line, but having every ship turn through independently was unusual. Uneven execution produced a ragged spearhead, with some captains attacking much faster than others.
Chapter · 2:09:45-2:15:53
Howe's order to break the line everywhere
Howe replaced a conventional parallel exchange with an order for each ship to turn through the French line and rake its opponent.