Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 50:37-51:48

If the fatal shell against Hood were a dud

A surviving Hood keeps closing the range while Prince of Wales improves its fire, rapidly worsening Bismarck's position.

Alternate HistoryBattle Of The Denmark StraitGerman Battleship BismarckHMS HoodPrinz EugenRoyal Navy
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Question

What if the shell that destroyed Hood at the Denmark Strait had been a dud?

Short answer

The action would continue with Hood and Prince of Wales gaining a stronger close-range position against Bismarck and Prinz Eugen.

Notes

If the fatal shell is a dud, Hood continues closing alongside Prince of Wales. Hood would reach a position from which all eight main guns could bear, while Prince of Wales's fire becomes more accurate. Shorter range would improve British shell penetration and reduce Hood's immediate vulnerability. Further pressure on Prinz Eugen could allow British 8-inch cruisers to finish her or intervene against Bismarck. Attacks from another bearing would make the German position more difficult as the main British ships closed.