The pursuing ship stays off the broadside even though a turn would expose more guns to the target. The French light cruiser is running at high speed and laying smoke, so maintaining the pursuit line helps the heavier ship continue searching, closing, and firing. The target's ability to reverse flooding makes repeated hits important, while the range bands determine when additional batteries can join. The sequence demonstrates how firing arcs, target visibility, speed, and damage control interact during a chase. Maximum theoretical gun availability matters less when the maneuver loses contact or lets the quarry escape.
Notable Point · 1:44:25-1:47:00
Pursuit geometry over broadside firepower
A heavy ship keeps its bow toward a fleeing light cruiser because opening the broadside would hinder pursuit and search while smoke complicates the firing solution.