Either admiral might have won decisively against a less capable opponent. Parker's crews had crossed the Atlantic in worn ships, yet they sustained three hours and forty minutes of close action against an equal force. Their performance depended on trained sailors, experienced officers and noncommissioned officers, and ships that remained effective after a long voyage. Parker also had to hold a ragged squadron together and attempt to reform it after the fighting ships became difficult to control. The Dutch performance showed the same combination of disciplined crews and competent command. The result was a hard-fought battle between forces that neither side could easily break.
Notable Point · 20:18-22:35
Dogger Bank as a test of crews and command
The battle's stubborn balance reflected capable commanders, drilled crews, experienced officers, and ships able to withstand nearly four hours of close action.