Valiant found the French Patriote unable to press the action and shifted instead to the already damaged Achille. Captain Pringle then looked toward the troubled British van rather than remaining fixed on one opponent. Orion and Queen concentrated on Northumberland and rapidly dismasted her, despite Queen's own damage from 29 May. Queen then moved against Jemmappes as the local battle changed again. These decisions show captains reallocating force inside the melee instead of treating Howe's initial pairing of ships as permanent.
Notable Point · 1:55:32-1:57:27
Valiant, Orion, and Queen exploit local openings
British captains abandoned weak or damaged opponents to reinforce more important local fights and dismast Northumberland.