93

90

fleets is out of place here where we are examining only the di-
tance up to which the line abreast, from its extent, can be main-
tained before beginning a change into column.

In the figure AB and CD are the first positions of hostile
[Figure] fleets, 320 yds.apart. C'D' one fleet has advanced
[Figure] in line at 12 knots and is just being passed by B'
[Figure] van ships of other fleet in column, rear ship at A'
[Figure] C"D",B" ,A" third positions of the two fleets.

[Figure] Time of AB's evolution equals (Two wheels +
[Figure] 1134yds at 12 knots)=3 min.+ 3 min.= 6 min; to
[Figure] which is to be added an estimate allowance of
[Figure] 1 min.for loss of speed in wheeling. Total
[Figure] 7 minutes.

[Figure] In 7 minutes CD steaming 400yds per minute
[Figure] comes abreast A". In 8 minutes CD will have
[Figure] reached the first position of AB.

[Figure] (The ships which wheel all perform the
[Figure] same evolutions and maintain their distances.
The van ship however is moving ahead of 12 knots, while its next
astern is making two wheels, which two wheels will carry it 1700ft
equals 566yds to the right, nearly two intervals past the right
ship. That is, the two ships to the right have noground to gain to
the right, but the reverse.

What shall be done - the Thunderer's figures give 56 sec.say
1 minute for the time to change course 45^o. In one minute B will