The North Cape example returns to the Royal Navy preference for imposing a close-range night engagement. Admiral Fraser's approach in Duke of York echoed Cunningham's willingness to close at Cape Matapan. At night, observing shell splashes and correcting fire at long range could be difficult even with low-light aids. Closing on Scharnhorst reduced that uncertainty and made a damaging impact far more likely.
Notable Point · 1:17:25-1:18:24
Closing on Scharnhorst at North Cape
At North Cape, Fraser closed HMS Duke of York on Scharnhorst so that darkness and uncertain fall of shot could not deny a decisive hit.