Honor in defeat versus the duty to preserve crews

Is there honor in defeat, or only when victory justifies a commander's tactics?

There can be honor in defeat, but commanders should prefer victory and the survival of their crews unless sacrifice serves a necessary mission.

A force can be honorable in defeat, though a commander should still prefer to keep the crew alive. The Royal Navy's stated preference here is to win while preserving its people whenever possible. Coronel is the exceptional case in which an outmatched squadron knowingly fought to weaken and delay a stronger enemy. Its sacrifice served the next British force rather than honor alone.