Tovey gave Dalrymple-Hamilton freedom to manoeuvre, allowing Rodney to close farther than King George V. Turning toward the fall of Bismarck's shots changed the angle the German fire-control team had to judge while also carrying Rodney closer. Bismarck's damaged bridge, directors, and forward guns already made that calculation harder. More ships could not simply crowd into the attack: torpedoes missing their target could strike British ships in the congested fighting area. Force concentration therefore still required room to manoeuvre and attention to friendly fire.
Notable Point · 2:21:30-2:23:07
Rodney turns toward Bismarck's shell splashes
Dalrymple-Hamilton combined evasive turns with a steadily closing approach, complicating an already damaged opponent's gunnery.