The German sequence suggests that Rawalpindi fired as Scharnhorst was preparing to do so. A lucky hit might have bought time to reach cover, while engaging both German ships could complicate their use of heavy guns in a crossfire. Continued resistance also delayed the Germans after Rawalpindi's sighting report, buying time for British ships responding to the signal. This was a least-bad-option argument: Rawalpindi had no realistic way to outrun, out-armour, or outgun her opponents.
Notable Point · 49:18-52:20
Why Rawalpindi may have opened fire first
The opening shots remain disputed; one argument is that prompt 6-inch fire offered Rawalpindi her only slim chance to delay the Germans or escape.