Lütjens refused to allow Lindemann to give chase, giving no explanation. Lindemann repeated his request, this time more assertively. Lütjens held firm orders from the German Naval Commander, "Groß Admiral" Erich Raeder, to avoid unnecessary combat with the Royal Navy, especially when it could lead to further damage that could hasten delivering "Bismarck" toward the waiting hands of the British. He broke off combat instead of pursuing "Prince of Wales" and ordered a course of 270°, due west. "Bismarck" had fired 93 of her 353 base-fused Armour Piercing (AP) shells during the engagement.