The Kongos' 14-inch guns would join the battle from the opening action, increasing the pressure on the German battlecruisers. A damaging hit on Derfflinger or Seydlitz before their combined salvo against Queen Mary could change her fate. Powder-handling problems remain part of the explanation for Queen Mary's loss, so extra Allied firepower alone does not settle whether she survives. Indefatigable is still judged a likely loss because she is poorly protected for this fight and comes under damaging fire early. Repeated integration exercises could also improve target selection and make confusing signals easier to interpret.
Notable Point · 1:10:48-1:15:59
Extra shellfire could change Queen Mary's fate
Early damage to the German battlecruisers could spare Queen Mary their concentrated fire, while Indefatigable remains especially vulnerable.