The French battlecruiser carries fifteen 15-inch guns, yet it enters a crossfire from British ships with dense six-inch secondary batteries as well as heavy guns. Fire arrives from several directions, making the engagement dangerous before the largest shells settle it. Broadside strength cannot be reduced to main calibre alone. Secondary batteries and crossfire geometry can dominate a close-range capital-ship fight.
Notable Point · 25:42-29:40
Secondary batteries create a crossfire problem
Concentrated six-inch fire from several directions can punish a lighter French battlecruiser at close range.