•BISMARCK•
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0The KMS Bismarck was a German battleship and the largest warship built by a European power during World War II, famous for its single operational sortie and dramatic sinking in May 1941. It was named after Chancellor Otto von Bismarck.
Operational History
The Bismarck was commissioned into the German Kriegsmarine in August 1940. Its primary mission during its only operation, "Rheinübung", was to act as a long-range commerce raider, sinking Allied supply convoys in the Atlantic Ocean that were vital to Britain's war effort.
Battle of the Denmark Strait: In May 1941, the Bismarck and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen were intercepted by British ships, including the battlecruiser HMS Hood and the battleship HMS Prince of Wales. In the ensuing battle, a shell from the Bismarck struck the Hood's magazine, causing a massive explosion that sank the ship within minutes, with the loss of over 1,400 men. The Prince of Wales was damaged and forced to retreat.
The Pursuit and Sinking: After the battle, the damaged Bismarck, leaking oil, headed for German-occupied France for repairs. A massive British naval and air pursuit followed. A torpedo from an antiquated Fairey Swordfish biplane, launched from the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, jammed the Bismarck's rudder, leaving it unable to steer effectively.
Final Battle: On the morning of May 27, 1941, the British battleships HMS King George V and HMS Rodney, along with cruisers, closed in and heavily bombarded the crippled ship. After hours of relentless fire, and once its main guns were disabled, the Bismarck's remaining crew scuttled the vessel with explosive charges, and it was hit by final torpedoes from HMS Dorsetshire. Out of a crew of over 2,200, only about 110 men survived.
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