Ramillies only had to deny the convoy, not sink both raiders

The German ships had to destroy the convoy and survive; Ramillies needed only to preserve the convoy or cripple one attacker. At decisive ranges her 15-inch guns, independent fire-control options, smoke cover, and accompanying destroyers complicated German identification and attack. A raider that pushed past her would still enter a defended mass where destroyer depth charges could damage a surface hull, as HMS Glowworm's action against Admiral Hipper had demonstrated. An injured German capital ship in the British-controlled North Atlantic would become prey even if it survived the initial engagement. This asymmetry explains why comparing gun counts alone understates the escort's tactical leverage.