Captain Dove described Langsdorff as a fine gentleman and received the fair treatment required by law. Such conduct was not something merchant captains necessarily expected from an enemy raider. It points to a cautious and comparatively gentle command style. His caution may have improved Graf Spee's chances of returning intact, although it may have been less suited to an aggressive surface-raiding campaign far from home.
Chapter · 2:57-3:52
Langsdorff's restrained approach to commerce raiding
Captain Dove's favorable description of Hans Langsdorff supports the commander's reputation for lawful and comparatively humane treatment of merchant crews.