What if the shell that hit HMS Hood disabled machinery instead of causing a magazine explosion?
Short answerHood would probably survive, withdraw under escort, and undergo a long major reconstruction while the hunt for Bismarck continued.
NotesA hit disabling machinery instead of detonating a magazine would slow Hood and take her out of line. Prince of Wales and the cruisers would cover her withdrawal, while the sudden speed change would alter distances and gun ranges quickly. The hunt for Bismarck would continue after the damage to Hood. A major reconstruction is envisaged at a standard comparable with Vanguard, with Scotland preferred over sending such a prominent ship to America. John Brown at Clydebank is selected because it built Hood and had the capacity to handle her size and damage.