Admiral Graf Spee's movement showed that she was leaving the eastern and southern Atlantic and heading west toward South America. Harwood still had to choose among several possible destinations. Rio de Janeiro was one possibility, while Montevideo and places farther south toward Argentina offered alternatives. He took a calculated chance on the River Plate because its concentration of trade promised the larger prizes and naval glory Langsdorff was seeking. His prediction combined the geography of merchant shipping with an interpretation of the opposing captain's ambitions. Harwood chose to wait there while Graf Spee's destination was still uncertain.
Chapter · 4:18-5:20
Harwood anticipates Graf Spee at the River Plate
With Admiral Graf Spee moving west and seeking richer shipping, Commodore Henry Harwood chose to wait near the River Plate.