Q&A · 1:35:27-1:36:42

What use would Britain make of a captured Bismarck?

Halifax offers security and publicity in the captured-Bismarck scenario.

Question

Would a captured Bismarck mostly be used for testing and then scrapped?

Short answer

Taking her to Halifax for publicity and prize purposes is the suggested use, with possible symbolic commissioning but no settled operational role.

Notes

A question about testing and scrapping the captured battleship instead leads to prize money and publicity. Halifax is favoured as a destination both beyond German air attack and accessible to American reporters and politicians. Displaying the German flagship with its admiral and crew as prisoners would advertise Britain's continuing war effort. A Royal Navy flag and discussion of recommissioning might serve that purpose even if the ship never undertook useful operations.