Fleet speed determines what a stronger British pursuit might actually destroy. The Deutschland-class pre-dreadnoughts could make only about 18.5 to 19 knots, while even the Nassau and Helgoland classes were roughly 20-knot ships. If Jellicoe received better reports and drove the Grand Fleet harder, those slower divisions could impede Scheer's withdrawal. The German commander might have to sacrifice pre-dreadnoughts, battlecruisers, or both to cover the escape of the newer battleships. A more decisive Jutland therefore depends on formation speed, rear guards, and which ships a fleet can afford to leave behind.
Notable Point · 2:27:19-2:31:32
Why a tighter Jutland pursuit threatens Germany's slow battleships
Better British information and a more aggressive pursuit could force the High Seas Fleet to abandon slow pre-dreadnoughts and perhaps its battlecruisers to save the modern battle line.