How damage in one battle affects the next

Heavy shell hits can start fires, sever cables and reduce a ship's combat capability even when they do not sink it. Damage to armour can also matter in a later engagement. In this technical assessment, a nearby explosion can alter the metal through heat and physical damage even without penetrating the plate. A further hit in the same area would then be more likely to penetrate. An older battleship could therefore leave a victorious raider vulnerable to the next Allied force it encounters.