Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:36:44-1:38:45

Would the Royal Navy rename a captured Bismarck?

President and the several Neptunes illustrate the tradition behind the proposed HMS Bismarck name.

German Battleship BismarckHMS PresidentNaval TraditionsShip NamesWar Prizes
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Question

Would the Royal Navy rename Bismarck if it captured her?

Short answer

The name is expected to be retained, drawing on traditions of preserving captured ship names.

Notes

Bismarck's name is expected to be kept and become a continuing Royal Navy name. President provides the main historical analogy, with an explanation connecting its retained name to the president of the Board of Trade. The London reserve establishment illustrates the name's later survival. Foxo adds the example of British, French and Dutch Neptunes, including overlapping use of the name.