The British line keeps only about a one-knot speed advantage, enough to prevent the French battlecruiser escaping while giving the firing solution more time to settle. As range falls, the secondary six-inch batteries can add a much larger volume of fire. Speed then drops to 25 knots and the ships form line ahead, after which the engagement ends quickly. The sequence shows why maximum speed is not always the best tactical speed when pursuit, formation keeping, accuracy, and weapon range all matter.
Notable Point · 1:57:31-2:00:41
Slowing into line ahead improves the firing solution
A pursuit balances closing speed, formation, accuracy, and secondary-gun range instead of simply running the battle line at maximum speed.