Q&A · 1:54:02-1:55:43

How Hood's survival could compress the pursuit of Bismarck

A surviving Hood and Prince of Wales could inflict more damage, maintain contact, and bring British carrier and battleship forces into action sooner.

Question

If Hood survived the Denmark Strait action, would she remain in the pursuit through Bismarck's final battle?

Short answer

She might not have the fuel to stay to the end, but her survival could damage Bismarck more, preserve contact, and bring later British attacks forward.

Notes

If Hood avoids the magazine explosion, she and Prince of Wales can remain in the fight longer and potentially force Bismarck to turn back or continue in worse condition. Working radar could also help the British retain contact and prevent the temporary loss of the German ship during the pursuit. That in turn might bring Victorious's aircraft and the pursuing battleships into action earlier. Hood might lack the fuel to reach the final battle, but her continued presence changes the sequence well before that point.