Sherbrooke used torpedo threats to hold off superior ships

Sherbrooke maneuvered his destroyers as though they were launching full torpedo attacks, sometimes adding a real weapon to make the threat credible. He conserved most torpedoes for a decisive attack if bluff and maneuver no longer kept the cruisers away. German orders to avoid damage forced repeated evasive turns, buying time for the merchants. During Hipper's second attack, Onslow suffered severe damage and seventeen men were killed. Sherbrooke was badly wounded in the eye but remained in command until the attack had been beaten off, his ship was secure, and the captain of Obedient had taken over. The defense needed a coordinated handover because individual initiative could not replace someone directing the destroyers together.