The scale of the British response demonstrates that Scharnhorst was not treated as a weak opponent. Britain rerouted two convoys and assembled Duke of York, several cruisers, and numerous destroyers for the interception. HMS Belfast's 6-inch fire damaged Scharnhorst's radar and other sensors before Duke of York closed for a decisive engagement. The sequence follows Royal Navy doctrine: blind the opponent, concentrate superior force, and then grind the ship down. Scharnhorst's resistance shows how much coordinated force was required to finish an isolated ship.
Chapter · 1:01:12-1:02:40
How the Royal Navy ground down Scharnhorst
Britain rerouted convoys and assembled a fast battleship, cruisers, and destroyers before closing to decisive range against a radar-blinded Scharnhorst.