OT: One for Harry - The first and last voyage of the Bismarck

[Chris Hogg]

For Brian: it describes in detail the gun battle between the German capital ships Bismarck and Prince Eugen, and HMS Hood and HMS Prince of Wales in the Denmark Strait in 1941, followed by the destruction of the Bismarck off Brest a few days later. Mostly verbal commentary, with still pictures and some film.

[Cursitor Doom]

I read a book about this about 30 years ago. It's a truly epic episode in British naval history; well worth getting acquainted with. Inspiring stuff!

[Chris Hogg]

I was surprised at just how few shells from both sides actually hit their targets, especially during the battle of the Denmark Strait. I guess range and a pitching and rolling gun platform make it difficult. It was the veteran HMS Rodney, with her 16" shells, who did most of the damage to the Bismarck in the final battle.

[Tim Streater]

I think typically everyone's guns were stabilised, so corrected for a bit of sea.

[harry]

There is a whole series of videos (this is just one of them) on various warships.

Dreadnought

Nelson Vanguard