Drachinifel proposes a combined attack on Bismarck, Scharnhorst, and Gneisenau if the three capital ships were together in a French port. Ark Royal would ostensibly return to Britain for refit before rejoining Force H, then sail south with Victorious and Furious carrying as many Swordfish and Albacores as possible. After dark, the carriers would turn towards the French coast and launch their torpedo aircraft to coincide with a routine-looking RAF night bombing raid. Bombs, fires, and flares would illuminate the targets and draw attention upwards while the naval aircraft approached at wave height. The estimate reaches roughly seven squadrons, about eighty-four strike aircraft, with the prospect of putting more than fifty torpedoes into a confined target area. Fast minelayers would close the harbour entrance while T-class submarines waited beyond the minefield for escaping ships. Adding a commando raid is rejected because it could reveal that something more than the usual bombing attack was underway. The concentration of German capital ships is the condition that would justify committing these resources and accepting the risks. He identifies the scheme as an adaptation of existing Royal Navy plans.
Notable Point · 3:03:23-3:09:47
A hypothetical carrier, bomber, and submarine attack on Bismarck in France
A proposed surprise attack combines carrier torpedo aircraft with RAF illumination, then uses mines and submarines to obstruct escape from harbour.