Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:46:59-4:48:50

If Bismarck exploded immediately after sinking Hood

Bismarck's immediate destruction would expose Prinz Eugen to the remaining British ships and weaken the propaganda value of sinking Hood.

Battle Of The Denmark StraitGerman Battleship BismarckHMS HoodPrinz Eugen
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Question

What if Prince of Wales detonated Bismarck immediately after Hood was lost, with Prinz Eugen filming it?

Short answer

Prinz Eugen is likely overwhelmed by the remaining British ships, and Germany loses both Bismarck and the propaganda benefit of Hood's destruction.

Notes

In this counterfactual, Prince of Wales detonates Bismarck immediately after Hood is destroyed, and Prinz Eugen records it on film. Prinz Eugen would then face Prince of Wales and the British County-class cruisers without Bismarck's support. Her prospects are judged bleak against 14-inch gunfire or cruiser guns and torpedoes. Germany would also struggle to promote Bismarck as an exceptional warship after its newest battleship had been destroyed immediately after sinking an older battlecruiser.