Initiative, hesitation, and the ragged British attack

Defence became the first British ship to cut the French line, and Marlborough followed with the raking and close action Howe intended. Bellerophon and Leviathan entered despite damage from the earlier engagements, adapting when they could not complete the ideal manoeuvre. Royal Sovereign misjudged the distance and suffered a severe pounding before she could close. Russell allowed Téméraire to damage her rigging instead of forcing the prescribed breakthrough. The contrast shows that a fleet signal created an opportunity, but ship condition, local judgment, and willingness to accept risk determined the actual result.