Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 36:16-36:40

How cautiously to treat the destroyers' torpedo claims

Wartime crews could overclaim, though three reported hits from sixteen documented launches remains a plausible ratio for this practiced formation.

Hunt for the BismarckNaval HistoriographyNight FightingTorpedoesTribal Class Destroyers (1936)
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Question

Could Vian's destroyers have overstated their claimed torpedo hits on Bismarck?

Short answer

Yes. Rough seas and darkness made overclaiming possible, but three claims from sixteen documented launches remain plausible enough to leave the question open.

Notes

Wartime forces often overstated claimed successes. Rough seas, darkness, and explosions in the water could mislead destroyer crews, so the reports are not proof. Three claimed hits from sixteen documented launches nevertheless seems plausible for a well-practiced formation. That is a judgment about probability, not a definitive reconstruction of damage to Bismarck.