Battleship Bismarck.
History of the famous German battleship of the Kriegsmarine in the best naval art prints available of the Bismarck. Naval art prints published and
supplied by Cranston Fine Arts.
Bismarck at Hamburg by Ivan
Berryman Bismarck, now complete and newly painted in
full Baltic camouflage, returns to Hamburg for the last time as the harsh
winter of 1940/41 relents and the pride of the German Kriegsmarine
prepares for real action. In the distance, the pre-Dreadnought Schleswig-Holstein
awaits her next commission, the old ship alternating between vital
ice-breaker and air defence duties at this time.
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The Bismarck
Built by Blohm und Voss of Hamburg and launched on the 14th February
1939, The Bismarck spent the following 18 months fitting out, and
receiving of main Officers. On the 24th of August 1940 the Bismarck was
handed over to the German navy
The main Officers of the Bismarck were.
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the Captain. Ernst Lindemann |
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Gunnery Commander. Commander Adalbert Schneider |
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Chief Engineer Commander Walter Lehmann |
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Damage Control Officer Captain Gerhard Junack |
 | Navigating Officer Commander Wolf Neuendorff |
 | Executive Officer Commander Hans Ols |
Specifications of the the Battleship Bismarck.
Armament: eight 15-inch Guns and 12 6-inch Guns. with a secondary armament of
16 40-inch guns and 16 1.5inch AA Guns. Speed 30 Knots Compliment of 2,400 Dimensions Length. 823.5
feet. Width 118 feet Height 29.5 feet Displacement 41,700
tonnes.
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Bismarck at Hamburg by Ivan Berryman.
Bismarck, now complete and newly painted in full Baltic camouflage, returns to Hamburg for the last time as the harsh winter of 1940/41 relents and the pride of the German Kriegsmarine prepares for real action. In the distance, the pre-Dreadnought Schleswig-Holstein awaits her next commission, the old ship alternating between vital ice-breaker and air defence duties at this time.
Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 17 inches (64cm x 43cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 17 inches (64cm x 43cm). Price £135.00
Signature Presentation edition of 5 prints from the limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 17 inches (64cm x 43cm). Price £350.00 Features the mounted original signatures of Unteroffizier Heinrich Kuhnt (deceased), Matrosengefreiter Willi Treinis (deceased) and Maschinenobergefreiter Otto Peters.
Otto Peters signature edition of 100 prints (Nos. 51 - 150) from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 17 inches (64cm x 43cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Maschinenobergefreiter Otto Peters.
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 40 inches x 30 inches (102cm x 76cm). Price £555.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 22 inches (76cm x 56cm). Price £370.00
**Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. (3 reduced to clear) Image size 25 inches x 17 inches (64cm x 43cm). Price £55.00
ITEM CODE DHM1180
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Bismarck Replies to HMS Hood by Ivan Berryman.
The mighty Bismarck returns fire to the fast-approaching HMS Hood a the start of a battle that would see both adversaries tragically sunk.
Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £135.00
Alsen Presentation edition of 5 prints from the limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £350.00 Features the mounted original signature of Signed by Matrosen Obgefreiter Wilhelm Alsen.
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00
Original painting by Ivan Berryman. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £
Restricted edition of individually produced mugs, exclusively available from Cranston Fine Arts. - Single mug only. Standard size earthenware mug, produced in the UK.. Price £12.00
Limited Collectors Edition Stein. Stein size 6.5 inches (height) x 3.8 inches (base diameter) (17cm x 9.5cm). Price £26.00
ITEM CODE DHM1270
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Big brother little sister (Bismarck and Prinz Eugen ) By Randall Wilson.
Bismarck and Prinz Eugen exiting the Denmark Strait before the historic encounter with HMS Hood.
Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £135.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £350.00
Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00
ITEM CODE DHM1267
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KMS Bismarck Returns Fire, May 24th, 1941 by Marii Chernev.
A tribute by artist Marii Chernev, to the men of the Kriegsmarines most famous ship, the battleship KMS Bismarck and all the navy veterans who fought in the cold waters of the North Atlantic during World War II. The Bismarcks excellent gunnery, improved armour protection and greater speed all contributed to the sinking of the pride of the Royal Navy, HMS Hood. the defeat of the Hood led to the epic sea chase where the entire Royal Navys Home Fleet pulled out all the stops in an effort to avenge the Hood and sink the Bismarck. After an incredibly lucky torpedo hit on her steering gear by Swordfish torpedo planes from the carrier HMS Ark Royal, two battleships and two heavy cruisers of the Royal Navy caught up with the Bismarck on 27th May 1941. The resultant battle ranks as one of the greatest sea battles of all time. Of a crew of over 2200 able bodiedseamen, only 116 survived the momentous battle of 27th May 1941. The senior surviving officer was Burkard Baron von Mullenheim-Rechberg, the gunnery control commander.
Limited edition of 300 prints signed by Marii Chernev and Berkard Baron Von Mellenheim-Rechberg (deceased), the sole surviving officer of the Bismarck. Image size 27 inches x 16 inches (69cm x 41cm). Price £180.00
Limited edition of 30 artist proofs. Image size 27 inches x 16 inches (69cm x 41cm). Price £230.00
Limited edition of 10 giclee canvas prints. Size 24 inches x 36 inches (61cm x 91cm). Price £
ITEM CODE DHM2208
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Operation Rheinubung by Randall Wilson.
Bismarck anchored at No.5 buoy takes on main armament ammo in Gottenhaven, before sailing to Norway and the Atlantic.
Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £135.00
Walter Weintz signature edition of 10 prints from the limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £170.00 Signed by Walter Weintz (deceased).
Otto Peters signature edition of 20 prints from the limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £175.00 Signed by Maschinenobergefreiter Otto Peters.
Walter Weintz signature edition of 50 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Walter Weintz (deceased).
Otto Peters signature edition of 30 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Maschinenobergefreiter Otto Peters.
Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00
ITEM CODE DHM0710
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The Hunters by Randall Wilson.
The mighty German battleships Bismarck and Tirpitz operated together for only 6 hours on the 18th May 1941.
Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £
Walter Weintz signature edition of 40 prints from the edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £170.00 Signed by Walter Weintz (deceased).
Walter Weintz signature edition of 50 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Walter Weintz (deceased).
Otto Peters signature edition of 100 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £140.00 Signed by Maschinenobergefreiter Otto Peters.
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 22 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00
Original painting by Randall Wilson. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £3400.00
Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00
ITEM CODE DHM1284
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Breakout by Randall Wilson.
The Bismarck is seen taking the lead from the Prinz Eugen on the breakout from Bergen May 1941.
Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £135.00
Walter Weintz signature edition of 10 prints from the edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £170.00 Signed by Walter Weintz (deceased).
Walter Weintz signature edition of 100 prints from the signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Walter Weintz (deceased).
Limited edition of 5 publishers proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £350.00 Features the mounted original signatures of Unteroffizier Heinrich Kuhnt (deceased), Matrosengefreiter Willi Treinis (deceased) and Maschinenobergefreiter Otto Peters.
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00
Special remarqued print from the signed limited edition. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £230.00
Special remarqued print from the signed limited edition. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £230.00
Special remarqued print from the signed limited edition. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £230.00
Special double-remarqued print from the signed limited edition. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £370.00
Special double-remarqued print from the artist proof edition. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £390.00
ITEM CODE DHM0729
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Battle of the Denmark Straits by Randall Wilson.
With ssalvos landing close, the Bismarck with Prinz Eugen is shown loosing off the salvo that destroyed HMS Hood.
Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 17 inches x 12 inches (43cm x 31cm). Price £60.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 17 inches x 12 inches (43cm x 31cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 5 publishers proofs. Image size 17 inches x 12 inches (43cm x 31cm). Price £250.00 Features the mounted original signatures of Unteroffizier Heinrich Kuhnt (deceased), Matrosengefreiter Willi Treinis (deceased) and Maschinenobergefreiter Otto Peters.
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00
Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm). Price £2.00
ITEM CODE DHM0714
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Bismarck by Ivan Berryman.
Fairey Swordfish I, L9726 4M of 818 Sqn, HMS Ark Royal pulls a tight, climbing turn through a hail of anti-aircraft fire as its torpedo strikes home, jamming the steering gear of the mighty Bismarck and setting in motion the beginning of her dramatic end.
Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £135.00
Limited edition of 5 artist proofs, signed by John Moffat. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £165.00
Signature Presentation edition of 5 prints from the limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £350.00 Features the mounted original signatures of Unteroffizier Heinrich Kuhnt (deceased), Matrosengefreiter Willi Treinis (deceased) and Maschinenobergefreiter Otto Peters.
Limited edition of 300 prints, signed by John Moffat. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £135.00
Limited edition of 10 remarques. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £335.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 36 inches x 24 inches (91cm x 61cm). Price £480.00
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £370.00
ITEM CODE DHM0933
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Sink the Bismarck by Geoff Lea.
Shows the action on 26th May 1941 by Swordfish from HMS Ark Royal on the German battleship Bismarck. Fresh from her triumphant encounter with HMS Hood, Bismarck was struck by Swordfishs torpedo which jammed her rudder and was finished off by the home fleet on 27th May 1941.
Signed limited edition of 1000 prints. Special Promotion : This print is 30% off for a limited time only! Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £79.80
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £135.00
Limited edition of 20 artist proofs, signed by John Moffat. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £150.00
Limited edition of 80 prints, signed by John Moffat. Image size 25 inches x 15 inches (64cm x 38cm). Price £135.00
Original painting by Geoff Lea. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £2400.00
ITEM CODE DHM0267
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Death of the Bismarck by Brian Wood.
The battered Bismarck fires its final salvos, during the last stage of the battle, 27th May 1941.
Signed limited edition of 1000 prints. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £95.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £135.00
Otto Peters signature edition of 20 prints from the limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £175.00 Signed by Maschinenobergefreiter Otto Peters.
Walter Weintz signature edition of 50 prints from the signed limited edition of 1000 prints. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £145.00 Signed by Walter Weintz (deceased).
Otto Peters signature edition of 30 prints from the signed limited edition of 1000 prints. Image size 24 inches x 15 inches (61cm x 38cm). Price £155.00 Signed by Maschinenobergefreiter Otto Peters.
Limited edition of 50 giclee canvas prints. Image size 30 inches x 20 inches (76cm x 51cm). Price £460.00
ITEM CODE DHM0568
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HMS Eagle and HMS Albion by Ivan Berryman.
HMS Eagle and the commando carrier HMS Albion during the withdrawal from Aden in November 1967. One of HMS Eagles Sea Vixen is passing overhead and RFA Stromness is at anchor in the distance.
Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 12 inches x 7 inches (31cm x 17cm). Price £24.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 7 inches (31cm x 17cm). Price £43.00
Original acrylic painting by Ivan Berryman. Image size 14 inches x 10 inches (36cm x 25cm). Price £450.00
ITEM CODE B0106
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Bismarck Replies to HMS Hood by Ivan Berryman.
The mighty Bismarck returns fire to the fast-approaching HMS Hood a the start of a battle that would see both adversaries tragically sunk.
Signed limited edition of 1150 prints. Image size 12 inches x 7 inches (31cm x 18cm). Price £24.00
Limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 7 inches (31cm x 18cm). Price £43.00
Alsen Presentation edition of 5 prints from the limited edition of 50 artist proofs. Image size 12 inches x 7 inches (31cm x 18cm). Price £220.00 Features the mounted original signature of Signed by Matrosen Obgefreiter Wilhelm Alsen.
ITEM CODE B0116
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Sighting the Bismarck by Robert Taylor.
In the early hours of May 24, 1941, as the mighty German battleships Bismarck and Prinz Eugen slipped through the Denmark Strait, they were dramatically intercepted by the Royal Navy battleships Hood and Prince of Wales. Within six minutes of the first salvo being fired, the Hood, pride of the Royal Navy, was blown out of the water in one of the most gigantic explosions ever witnessed at sea. Bismarcks fourth salvo landed a shell forward of the Hoods after turrets, piercing her deck, exploding the 4-inch magazine. Simultaneously this detonated the adjacent 15-inch magazine, and in one mighty eruption the battleship broke in two. Within seconds she was gone. Of the ships company of 1400 officers and sailors only three survived. Outraged at the grievous loss Winston Churchill signaled the Admiralty just three words: Sink the Bismarck! Thus began one of the epic sea chases in the history of naval warfare. Damaged by shells from the Prince of Wales 14-inch guns and losing fuel oil, Admiral Lutjens broke off the engagement and steamed Bismarck towards the anonymity of the North Atlantic. Evading the British warships for 32 hours he had hopes of reaching the safety of Brest, but when spotted by a Catalina of RAF Coastal Command, Lutjens knew it was the beginning of the end for the mighty German warship. When an attack by Ark Royals Swordfish torpedo planes jammed her rudder Bismarcks fate was sealed. As she limped haphazardly through the waves trailing oil, the Home Fleet closed in for the final encounter. Overwhelmed by British guns and torpedoes, Bismarcks crew fought a gallant last battle, but the odds were too great. Watching Bismarcks final moments from King George Vs bridge, Admiral Tovey said: She put up a noble fight against impossible odds, worthy of the old days of the Imperial German Navy.
Signed limited edition of 850 prints. Paper size 33 inches x 24 inches (84cm x 61cm). Price £ Signed by Obergefreiter Hans Hellwig, Maschinenobergefreiter Karl-August Schuldt, Matrose II Josef Statz (deceased) and Maschinenobergefreiter Johannes Zimmermann (deceased).
Limited edition 85 artist proofs. Paper size 33 inches x 24 inches (84cm x 61cm). Price £325.00 Signed by Obergefreiter Hans Hellwig, Maschinenobergefreiter Karl-August Schuldt, Matrose II Josef Statz (deceased) and Maschinenobergefreiter Johannes Zimmermann (deceased).
ITEM CODE DHM2169
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Battleship Bismarck by Robert Taylor
The pride of the German Navy, this magnificent battleship attracted the full wrath of the Royal Navy when, by brilliant gunnery, she sank the Hood. Within three days she was herself sunk by the Home Fleet with the loss of all but 110 of her crew.
Signed limited edition of 1500 prints. Paper size 24 inches x 20 inches (61cm x 51cm). Price £ Signed by Bismarck Gunnery Officer Von Mullenheim-Rechberg (deceased).
ITEM CODE DHM2105
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| KMS Bismarck Returns Fire, May 24th, 1941 by
Marii Chernev At 0555 hrs, after being fired upon
for over 3 minutes without a reply, the Bismarck unleashed her first salvo
against the British Battlecruiser HMS Hood. The first salvo fell
short, however the Prinz Eugen's fire scored hits along the mainmast of
the Hood that caused severe fires along her deck extending to her funnel.
At 0600, the Hood and Prince of Wales commenced a 20 degree turn to
port in order to bring their rear turrets around and place them into
action. At this time, at a range of 18,236 yards, the fifth salvo
from the Bismarck found its mark. At least one shell found its way
through the armoured belt and exploded in the Hood's magazine. The
German observers onboard the Bismarck were awestruck by the enormity of
the resultant explosion. The Hood, the Mighty Hood, pride of the
Royal Navy and for over 20 years the largest warship in the world split in
two and sank in three minutes. Of a crew of over 1,416 men, only
three survived. Immediately after the sinking of the Hood, Bismarck
turned its attention to the HMS Prince of Wales. Hitting the bridge
of the Prince of Wales, Bismarck was clearly at the advantage in this
engagement. At 0603, the Prince of Wales initiated a smoke screen
and retreated from combat. At 0609, the Bismarck fired its final
salvo.
Due to damage from hits scored by the Prince of Wales, Bismarck found
that a significant oil leak developed that severely impacted her ability
to carry out its primary mission. The resultant damage forced
Admiral Lutzens to make a hard choice, continue the mission or return to a
friendly port for necessary repairs. Lutzens choice of sailing to
the French port of St. Nazairre led to the greatest ship to ship
engagement in World War II. For the British, "Remember the
Hood" became the battle cry of the Royal Navy. The hunt for the
Bismarck took a new and desperate tone. They had to "Sink the
Bismarck".
Operation Rheinubung by Randall Wilson
Bismarck is shown anchored at no 5 buoy taking on
main armament ammo in Gottenhaven, she was to sail later for Norway then
the Atlantic.
The Hunters by Randall Wilson
The mighty German battleships Bismarck and Tirpitz operated
together for only 6 hours on the 18th May 1941.
Breakout by Randall Wilson
The Bismarck is seen taking the lead from the Prinz Eugen on the breakout
from Bergen May 1941.
Battle of the Denmark Straits by Randall Wilson
With salvos landing close! The Bismarck with Prinz Eugen is shown loosing off
the salvo that destroyed HMS Hood.
Bismarck by Ivan Berryman.
Fairey Swordfish I, L9726 4M of 818 Sqn, HMS Ark Royal pulls a tight,
climbing turn through a hail of anti-aircraft fire as its torpedo strikes
home, jamming the steering gear of the mighty Bismarck and setting in
motion the beginning of her dramatic end.
SINK THE BISMARCK BY GEOFF LEA Shows the action on 26th May 1941 by Swordfish from HMS Ark Royal on the
German battleship Bismarck. Fresh from her triumphant encounter with HMS Hood,
Bismarck was struck by Swordfishs torpedo which jammed her rudder and was
finished off by the home fleet on 27th May 1941.
Death of the Bismarck. by Brian Wood
The battered Bismarck fires its final salvos, during the last stage of the
battle, 27th May 1941.
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| Sighting the Bismarck by Robert Taylor
The fateful moment the Bismarck was located by RAF Coastal Command.
Greeted by a defiant barrage of fire from Bismarck's anti-aircraft guns,
the Catalina veers away, but already the radio operator has transmitted
her position. Like the Hood just two days earlier, the pride of Hitler's
Kriegsmarine was by now destined for the deep. Signatures: Hans
Hellwig, Karl-August Schuldt, Josef Statz, Johannes
Zimmermann.
In the early hours of May 24, 1941, as the mighty German battleships
Bismarck and Prinz Eugen slipped through the Denmark Strait, they were
dramatically intercepted by the Royal Navy battleships Hood and Prince
of Wales. Within six minutes of the first salvo being fired, the Hood,
pride of the Royal Navy, was blown out of the water in one of the most
gigantic explosions ever witnessed at sea. Bismarck's fourth salvo landed a shell forward of the Hood's after
turrets, piercing her deck, exploding the 4-inch magazine.
Simultaneously this detonated the adjacent 15-inch magazine, and in one
mighty eruption the battleship broke in two. Within seconds she was
gone. Of the ships company of 14000 officers and sailors only three
survived. Outraged at the grievous loss Winston Churchill signalled the
Admiralty just three words: "Sink the Bismarck!" Thus began
one of the epic sea chases in the history of naval warfare. Damaged by shells from Prince of Wales' 14-inch guns, and losing fuel
oil, Admiral Lutjens broke off the engagement and steamed Bismarck
towards the anonymity of the North Atlantic. Evading the British
warships for 32 hours he had hopes of reaching the safety of Brest, but
when spotted by a Catalina of RAF Coastal Command, Lutjens knew it was
the beginning of the end for the mighty German warship. When an attack
by Ark Royal's Swordfish torpedo planes jammed her rudder Bismarck's
fate was sealed. As she limped haphazardly through the waves trailing
oil, the Home Fleet closed in for the final encounter. Overwhelmed by
British guns and torpedoes, Bismarck's crew fought a gallant last
battle, but the odds were too great. Watching Bismarck's final moments
from King George V's bridge, Admiral Tovey said: "She put up a
noble fight against impossible odds, worthy of the old days of the
Imperial German Navy."
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