A commander resembling Willoch or Askim would likely use the negotiation delay to train and range Nidaros's guns on the German destroyer. The red flare beside Eidsvold would then be an unmistakable signal to fire. At no more than about 900 meters, a 9.2-inch shell's kinetic energy alone could devastate the lightly built target even if its fuze failed to arm cleanly. The most credible initial divergence is one rapid German destroyer loss rather than an effortless Norwegian victory.
Notable Point · 50:11-54:24
A point-blank salvo against Wilhelm Heidkamp
While Eidsvold negotiates, Nidaros can train her guns and strike Wilhelm Heidkamp with 9.2-inch shells at less than a kilometer.