For the the benefit of bast0n and others, using as much official and unofficial data available, I have tried to re-create the events of 25th May. I have a powerpoint graphic which helps to clear up most anomalies but also highlights how inaccurate the recall of some eye witnesses can be. So here we go.
Position of Atlantic Conveyor (ACO).
The BoI gives positions of hulk sightings for 27th and a presumed sinking position for 28th May.
Position of the Task Force.
Working backwards from these positions, we can estimate with reasonable accuracy the position of the TF at that time. David Brown estimates that the CVBG at 60NM NW of Cape Pembroke, CO Alacrity gives it as 80NM and Sharkey Ward as approximately 100NM. Given a realistic amount of drift for the wreck over 2 days, I am inclined to believe the latter and I have used this as the basis for my illustration.
Relative Positions of Escorts.
The CVBG on the slide consists of Hermes with Brilliant and her "Goalkeeper" with Invincible 1NM astern. I have not included other ships like Fort Toronto for clarity.
Alacrity is 5NM ahead of Hermes and Exeter a further 20 miles upthreat
Ambuscade is off Alacrity's starboard bow and ACO is 3NM off her port bow.
Ambuscade detects a Handbrake bearing 338deg (off her starboard bow) which is broadcast and detects Exocet release at 22NM and calls it.
All warships sew chaff for deception.
Reports on what happened next are slightly confused, one Exocet was seen to be deceived by Ambuscade's chaff and re-acquired on ACO travelling at 650kts.
So - how did ACO get hit in her port quarter when she was starboard on to the attack? The answer is in the BOI report. She turned due east on a course of 040deg (as did Hermes - as reported by Sharkey Ward). Thus she exposed her port beam to the attack and was thus hit.
BOI Reports:
Part 1
Part 2