The opening action develops quickly, with Admiral Graf Spee firing at about 6:15. The interval after first sighting is uncertain here: the ships might have spotted each other only a minute earlier. Firing at the longest available range is interpreted as an admission of weakness. HMS Exeter has hardly advanced when the shooting begins.
Notable Point · 1:28-2:10
Graf Spee opens fire near maximum range
Graf Spee opens fire near maximum range, a choice interpreted as an admission of weakness in the opening action.