WW2/Battles of WW2/Hour-by-Hour • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
Hour-by-hour account of the chase and destruction of the German battleship Bismarck, from the sinking of HMS Hood to the crippling torpedo hit that sealed her fate. (23–27 May 1941)
Chronological Storyline (22 Milestones)
May 23, 1941 CE
HMS Suffolk joins the shadowing
HMS Suffolk made radar contact with the German squadron and began shadowing them from a safe distance, maintaining contact through the long Arctic twilight and feeding position reports to Admiral Lütjens and the British fleet. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Denmark_Strait
For documentary purposes the German Federal Archive often retained the original image captions, which may be erroneous, biased, obsolete or politically extreme. Seegefecht des Schlachtschiffes "Bismarck" in der Dänemarkstraße. Nunmehr richtet Schlachtschiff Bismarck seine ganze Feuerkraft auf das sich zurückziehende Schlachtschiff "Prince of Wales". Prop.Kp.:MPA Nord Film-Nr. 100/27 Bildberichter: Lagemann Wilhelmshaven; Herausgabedatum: Juni 1941 By Lagemann - This image was provided to Wikimedia Commons by the German Federal Archive (Deutsches Bundesarchiv) as part of a cooperation project. The German Federal Archive guarantees an authentic representation only using the originals (negative and/or positive), resp. the digitalization of the originals as provided by the Digital Image Archive., CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5419339
May 23, 1941 CE
Bismarck sighted by HMS Norfolk
The British cruiser HMS Norfolk spotted Bismarck and Prinz Eugen in the Denmark Strait, reporting their position to the Admiralty and beginning the shadowing that would define the chase. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Denmark_Strait
For documentary purposes the German Federal Archive often retained the original image captions, which may be erroneous, biased, obsolete or politically extreme. Seegefecht des Schlachtschiffes "Bismarck" in der Dänemarkstraße. Nunmehr richtet Schlachtschiff Bismarck seine ganze Feuerkraft auf das sich zurückziehende Schlachtschiff "Prince of Wales". Prop.Kp.:MPA Nord Film-Nr. 100/27 Bildberichter: Lagemann Wilhelmshaven; Herausgabedatum: Juni 1941 By Lagemann - This image was provided to Wikimedia Commons by the German Federal Archive (Deutsches Bundesarchiv) as part of a cooperation project. The German Federal Archive guarantees an authentic representation only using the originals (negative and/or positive), resp. the digitalization of the originals as provided by the Digital Image Archive., CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5419339The Bismarck - Part 1 w/ Drachinifel
May 24, 1941 CE
Hood opens fire at 26,500 yards
Hood opened fire on the lead German ship, initially targeting Prinz Eugen rather than Bismarck due to misidentification. Prince of Wales followed suit six minutes later, and the Denmark Strait action was fully joined. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Denmark_Strait
For documentary purposes the German Federal Archive often retained the original image captions, which may be erroneous, biased, obsolete or politically extreme. Seegefecht des Schlachtschiffes "Bismarck" in der Dänemarkstraße. Nunmehr richtet Schlachtschiff Bismarck seine ganze Feuerkraft auf das sich zurückziehende Schlachtschiff "Prince of Wales". Prop.Kp.:MPA Nord Film-Nr. 100/27 Bildberichter: Lagemann Wilhelmshaven; Herausgabedatum: Juni 1941 By Lagemann - This image was provided to Wikimedia Commons by the German Federal Archive (Deutsches Bundesarchiv) as part of a cooperation project. The German Federal Archive guarantees an authentic representation only using the originals (negative and/or positive), resp. the digitalization of the originals as provided by the Digital Image Archive., CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5419339
May 24, 1941 CE
Prince of Wales engages alone
With Hood gone, Prince of Wales continued the action alone but suffered mechanical failures in her main armament. She was hit by Bismarck and Prinz Eugen, taking casualties and shipping water, before Captain Leach broke off under a smoke screen. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Denmark_Strait
For documentary purposes the German Federal Archive often retained the original image captions, which may be erroneous, biased, obsolete or politically extreme. Seegefecht des Schlachtschiffes "Bismarck" in der Dänemarkstraße. Nunmehr richtet Schlachtschiff Bismarck seine ganze Feuerkraft auf das sich zurückziehende Schlachtschiff "Prince of Wales". Prop.Kp.:MPA Nord Film-Nr. 100/27 Bildberichter: Lagemann Wilhelmshaven; Herausgabedatum: Juni 1941 By Lagemann - This image was provided to Wikimedia Commons by the German Federal Archive (Deutsches Bundesarchiv) as part of a cooperation project. The German Federal Archive guarantees an authentic representation only using the originals (negative and/or positive), resp. the digitalization of the originals as provided by the Digital Image Archive., CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5419339
May 24, 1941 CE
Hood and Prince of Wales make contact
Rear Admiral Lancelot Holland aboard HMS Hood sighted Bismarck at a range of approximately 35,000 yards and altered course to close the range rapidly, bringing his ships into action against the German squadron. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Denmark_Strait
For documentary purposes the German Federal Archive often retained the original image captions, which may be erroneous, biased, obsolete or politically extreme. Seegefecht des Schlachtschiffes "Bismarck" in der Dänemarkstraße. Nunmehr richtet Schlachtschiff Bismarck seine ganze Feuerkraft auf das sich zurückziehende Schlachtschiff "Prince of Wales". Prop.Kp.:MPA Nord Film-Nr. 100/27 Bildberichter: Lagemann Wilhelmshaven; Herausgabedatum: Juni 1941 By Lagemann - This image was provided to Wikimedia Commons by the German Federal Archive (Deutsches Bundesarchiv) as part of a cooperation project. The German Federal Archive guarantees an authentic representation only using the originals (negative and/or positive), resp. the digitalization of the originals as provided by the Digital Image Archive., CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5419339
May 24, 1941 CE
HMS Hood explodes and sinks
A shell from Bismarck's fifth salvo penetrated Hood's deck armor and detonated her after magazines. The ship broke in half and sank in under three minutes, killing 1,415 men. Only three survived. The loss shocked the British public and the Admiralty. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loss_of_HMS_Hood
May 24, 1941 CE
Bismarck turns to cover Prinz Eugen
Bismarck made a sharp turn toward the shadowing cruisers, allowing Prinz Eugen to break contact and detach for independent raiding in the Atlantic. The cruiser escaped south while Bismarck drew the British pursuit. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prinz_Eugen
May 24, 1941 CE
Bismarck reports damage to Group North
Bismarck had been hit twice by Prince of Wales. One hit forward flooded two bow compartments, reducing her speed and causing a nine-degree trim. Lütjens reported the damage and decided to head for Saint-Nazaire in occupied France for repairs. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_battleship_Bismarck
Bismarck reports damage to Group North By Unknown author - This image was provided to Wikimedia Commons by the German Federal Archive (Deutsches Bundesarchiv) as part of a cooperation project. The German Federal Archive guarantees an authentic representation only using the originals (negative and/or positive), resp. the digitalization of the originals as provided by the Digital Image Archive., CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5438172
May 24, 1941 CE
Victorious Swordfish attack scores one hit
Nine Swordfish torpedo bombers from HMS Victorious attacked Bismarck in heavy seas. One torpedo struck amidships on the main belt, killing one sailor but causing no critical damage. The attack demonstrated the difficulty of hitting a maneuvering battleship in poor weather. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Rhein%C3%BCbung
For documentary purposes the German Federal Archive often retained the original image captions, which may be erroneous, biased, obsolete or politically extreme. Seegefecht des Schlachtschiffes "Bismarck" unter Island. Mit zwei Treffern im Vorschiff verlässt das Schlachtschiff Bismarck den Schauplatz des Seegefechtes unter Island. Prop.Kp.: MPA Nord Film-Nr.: 100/28 Bildberichter: Lagemann Wilhelmshaven, Herausgabedatum: Juni 1941 By Lagemann - This image was provided to Wikimedia Commons by the German Federal Archive (Deutsches Bundesarchiv) as part of a cooperation project. The German Federal Archive guarantees an authentic representation only using the originals (negative and/or positive), resp. the digitalization of the originals as provided by the Digital Image Archive., CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=177882824
May 24, 1941 CE
Bismarck returns fire on Hood
Admiral Lütjens ordered Bismarck to return fire. German gunnery was accurate from the outset, and a shell from Bismarck's third salvo struck Hood near the mainmast, starting a significant fire among ready-use ammunition. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Denmark_Strait
For documentary purposes the German Federal Archive often retained the original image captions, which may be erroneous, biased, obsolete or politically extreme. Seegefecht des Schlachtschiffes "Bismarck" in der Dänemarkstraße. Nunmehr richtet Schlachtschiff Bismarck seine ganze Feuerkraft auf das sich zurückziehende Schlachtschiff "Prince of Wales". Prop.Kp.:MPA Nord Film-Nr. 100/27 Bildberichter: Lagemann Wilhelmshaven; Herausgabedatum: Juni 1941 By Lagemann - This image was provided to Wikimedia Commons by the German Federal Archive (Deutsches Bundesarchiv) as part of a cooperation project. The German Federal Archive guarantees an authentic representation only using the originals (negative and/or positive), resp. the digitalization of the originals as provided by the Digital Image Archive., CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5419339
May 25, 1941 CE
Admiralty misestimates Bismarck's course
Believing Bismarck was heading northeast toward Norway, the Admiralty vectored Tovey's Home Fleet northward. Bismarck was actually heading southeast toward France. The miscalculation cost the British precious hours and nearly let Bismarck escape. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pursuit_of_the_Bismarck
May 25, 1941 CE
Lütjens sends long radio signal
Despite orders for radio silence, Admiral Lütjens transmitted a lengthy situation report to Group North. British direction-finding stations triangulated the signal, revealing that Bismarck was heading toward France, not Norway. ) · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pursuit_of_the_Bismarck
May 25, 1941 CE
Bismarck breaks contact with shadowers
Using a bold maneuver in a rain squall, Bismarck circled eastward around HMS Suffolk and broke radar contact. For over three hours the British lost track of her, and Admiral Lütjens gained a critical window to disappear into the Atlantic. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_battleship_Bismarck
Bismarck breaks contact with shadowers By Unknown author - This image was provided to Wikimedia Commons by the German Federal Archive (Deutsches Bundesarchiv) as part of a cooperation project. The German Federal Archive guarantees an authentic representation only using the originals (negative and/or positive), resp. the digitalization of the originals as provided by the Digital Image Archive., CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5438172
May 26, 1941 CE
Ark Royal Swordfish launch critical strike
Fifteen Swordfish from HMS Ark Royal launched in deteriorating weather to attack Bismarck. In confusion, they initially nearly attacked the cruiser HMS Sheffield, which was shadowing the German ship. The aircraft aborted and re-armed for a second attempt. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swordfish_torpedo_attack_on_Bismarck
May 26, 1941 CE
Second Swordfish strike scores rudder hit
Fifteen Swordfish from Ark Royal attacked Bismarck in near-darkness and heavy seas. Two torpedoes hit, one striking the stern and jamming Bismarck's rudder hard to port. The ship could no longer steer a straight course and was forced to turn in circles. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swordfish_torpedo_attack_on_Bismarck
May 26, 1941 CE
Catalina flying boat rediscovers Bismarck
A PBY Catalina of 209 Squadron, co-piloted by US Navy observer Ensign Leonard Smith, sighted Bismarck heading southeast toward Brest. The report ended a 31-hour blind period and gave the British a final chance to bring her to battle before she reached Luftwaffe cover. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pursuit_of_the_Bismarck
May 26, 1941 CE
Bismarck crew attempts to free rudder
Bismarck's crew made desperate efforts to repair the jammed rudder, including sending divers over the side. The damage was beyond field repair. Admiral Lütjens reported to Group North that the ship was unmaneuverable and could not reach port. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_battleship_Bismarck
Bismarck crew attempts to free rudder By Unknown author - This image was provided to Wikimedia Commons by the German Federal Archive (Deutsches Bundesarchiv) as part of a cooperation project. The German Federal Archive guarantees an authentic representation only using the originals (negative and/or positive), resp. the digitalization of the originals as provided by the Digital Image Archive., CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5438172
May 27, 1941 CE
King George V and Rodney open fire
Admiral Tovey's battleships King George V and Rodney opened fire on Bismarck at approximately 25,000 yards. Rodney fired the first full broadside from a battleship against another battleship in the war. Bismarck returned fire but could not steer effectively. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_battle_of_the_battleship_Bismarck
The German battleship Bismarck on fire in the distance, surrounded by shell splashes. The photo was taken from one of the Royal Navy warships chasing. By Lt. J.H. Smith, Royal Navy official photographer. - This photograph A 4386 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17638605
May 27, 1941 CE
Bismarck capsizes and sinks
Bismarck capsized to port and sank at approximately 10:39, some 400 nautical miles west of Brest. Of her crew of over 2,200, 114 survived. Dorsetshire and Maori rescued survivors before a U-boat warning forced them to withdraw. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_battle_of_the_battleship_Bismarck
The German battleship Bismarck on fire in the distance, surrounded by shell splashes. The photo was taken from one of the Royal Navy warships chasing. By Lt. J.H. Smith, Royal Navy official photographer. - This photograph A 4386 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17638605
May 27, 1941 CE
Cruisers Norfolk and Dorsetshire close in
With Bismarck silenced, cruisers Norfolk and Dorsetshire closed to point-blank range and fired torpedoes and shells into the helpless ship. Dorsetshire fired two torpedoes into Bismarck's starboard side and one into her port side. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_battle_of_the_battleship_Bismarck
The German battleship Bismarck on fire in the distance, surrounded by shell splashes. The photo was taken from one of the Royal Navy warships chasing. By Lt. J.H. Smith, Royal Navy official photographer. - This photograph A 4386 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17638605
May 27, 1941 CE
Vian's destroyers harass Bismarck overnight
Captain Philip Vian's 4th Destroyer Flotilla shadowed and attacked Bismarck through the night, launching torpedoes and illuminating her with star shells. The attacks kept the crew at battle stations, exhausted them, and prevented any rest before the morning engagement. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pursuit_of_the_Bismarck
May 27, 1941 CE
Bismarck's main armament silenced
After sustained hits from both British battleships at progressively shorter ranges, Bismarck's forward turrets Anton and Bruno were knocked out. Her main guns fell silent, and she became a burning wreck, still afloat but incapable of offensive action. · Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_battle_of_the_battleship_Bismarck
The German battleship Bismarck on fire in the distance, surrounded by shell splashes. The photo was taken from one of the Royal Navy warships chasing. By Lt. J.H. Smith, Royal Navy official photographer. - This photograph A 4386 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17638605
