The pursuing force has a three-knot closing advantage over the escaping French battleship, making an eventual engagement appear inevitable. Those extra knots let the British capital ships reduce the distance even though the process will take time. Their forward-mounted heavy guns can continue bearing during the chase rather than waiting for a broadside turn. Speed therefore matters beyond avoiding battle: it determines whether a commander can force the range and keep a retreating opponent under pressure.
Notable Point · 51:34-52:45
Using speed to force a fleeing ship to battle
A three-knot advantage lets the British capital ships turn an enemy withdrawal into a slow but unavoidable pursuit.