Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:06:39-4:10:32

If Hood survives the Denmark Strait hit

A Hood disabled by machinery damage could withdraw, but the panel disagrees over whether the admiral would release Norfolk and Suffolk to attack from the opposite side.

Battle Of The Denmark StraitFleet Air ArmHMS HoodHMS NorfolkHMS Prince Of WalesHMS Suffolk
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Question

What if Bismarck's hit mission-killed Hood without destroying her?

Short answer

Withdrawal is likely in this scenario, but the use of Prince of Wales, Norfolk, and Suffolk depends on whether Hood's admiral changes his orders.

Notes

The question assumes that Bismarck's shell disables Hood's machinery without causing the historical catastrophic explosion. One proposed response has Prince of Wales laying smoke while Norfolk and Suffolk engage Prinz Eugen from the other side. The counterargument is that Hood's surviving admiral would continue holding the cruisers back, preventing that attack. Pressure from both sides would complicate German observation and maneuver, but it depends on a different command decision. An alternative outcome has Hood and Prince of Wales withdrawing together while the cruisers shadow until King George V and Victorious arrive.