Q&A ยท 2:30:14-2:30:43

How a damaged Hood might escape after sinking Bismarck

A counterfactual asks how a badly damaged, half-speed Hood could withdraw after defeating Bismarck.

Question

How could a badly damaged, half-speed Hood escape after sinking Bismarck?

Short answer

She would probably escape because the Royal Navy would concentrate every available ship around her as a protective task force.

Notes

The scenario leaves a refitted HMS Hood with damaged upperworks, lost equipment, a list and only about half speed after sinking Bismarck. She would probably still get away because the Royal Navy would surround her with as much of a task force as it could assemble. Her prospects for withdrawal depend on the protection that other ships can provide.