After 2 December, the hunter groups turn north. The move leaves them far from South America when Graf Spee meets the British cruisers at the Battle of the River Plate on 13 December. Their failed southern search explains why Forces H and K were not close enough to join the later battle. Ships assigned to hunt the raider could not influence the engagement because they had been sent toward its earlier cruising area.
Notable Point · 5:44-6:18
Forces H and K are absent from the River Plate battle
When the southern search ends, the hunter groups turn north and remain far from the 13 December Battle of the River Plate.