Hawke placed aggressive captains toward the rear of his line at the Second Battle of Cape Finisterre because his fourteen-to-eight numerical advantage depended on those ships joining the fight. Rodney's Eagle formed part of that group. British ships reached the far side of the French rear, engaging opponents from both sides. French crews then had to serve both broadsides, while each British attacker could concentrate its men on one and replace casualties more easily. That difference offset the heavier armament of many French ships. Six French ships of the line, seven merchantmen, and roughly 4,000 sailors were captured, strengthening British control of the Channel.
Notable Point · 24:25-28:52
How Hawke brought his numerical advantage into action
Aggressive rear captains and attacks from both sides of the French line turned Hawke's larger fleet into a practical advantage in gun crews and concentrated fire.