Q&A · 1:38:18-1:38:55

Why Hood reached Denmark Strait without her destroyers

Hood sailed with destroyers, but weather forced the smaller escorts to fall behind before contact.

Question

Why was Hood sent out without an escort?

Short answer

She was not; destroyers accompanied the force but fell behind in bad weather.

Notes

Hood and Prince of Wales did have a destroyer screen, but the smaller ships could not maintain the capital ships' pace in the prevailing conditions. The tactical picture at contact therefore differed from the force originally dispatched.