By 17 November, Graf Spee was beginning its return toward the Atlantic. British forces were still searching, and one hunting group occupied an area the raider had used for waiting. Returning to that familiar area therefore carried a risk of meeting pursuers where the ship had previously avoided them. The timing of the group's departure would matter if Graf Spee approached again.
Notable Point · 1:06:31-1:07:22
A British hunting group occupies Graf Spee's waiting area
Graf Spee's return route approached a waiting area now occupied by a British hunting group, making the timing of their movements important.