In a column of ships this will usually be the rear.

The compactness of the order attacked, the number of the ships cut off, the length of time during which they can be isolated and outnumbered, will all affect the results.

A very great factor in the issue will be the moral effect, the confusion introduced into a line thus broken.

Ships coming up toward the break are stopped, the rear doubles up, while the ships ahead continue their course.

Such a moment is critical, and calls for instant action; but the men are rare who in an unforeseen emergency can see, and at once take the right course, especially if, being subordinates, they incur responsibility.
In such a scene of confusion the English, without presumption, hoped to profit by their better seamanship; for it is not only "courage and devotion," but skill, which then tells.