Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:01:02-2:02:10

Why a 1942 Bismarck hunt brings Lion and Vanguard

Delaying the war gives Britain enough time to field Lion- and Vanguard-class ships while moving King George Vs toward the Mediterranean.

Bismarck Class BattleshipsHMS VanguardLion Class BattleshipsMediterranean Theatre
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Question

Which British capital ships hunt Bismarck if European war is delayed until 1942?

Short answer

Probably one Lion and one Vanguard, with Hood in refit and the King George Vs serving in the Mediterranean.

Notes

A Bismarck sortie in 1942 occurs after another year of British capital-ship construction. Hood would probably be in reconstruction rather than leading the interception. A mixed Lion and Vanguard pair is likely because two or three ships of each type might then be available. The King George V class could be concentrated in the Mediterranean against Italy, although improved Italian ammunition would make that assignment more dangerous.