If Prince of Wales is destroyed at Denmark Strait and Hood survives, does Hood continue the engagement and how does that change the next two years?
Short answerHood likely keeps shadowing or engaging while King George V comes up; losing Prince of Wales could push Lion-class battleships or accelerate carriers depending on how Bismarck is stopped.
NotesThe answer treats the loss of a new King George V-class battleship as a signal that could revive pressure for the Lion class. Hood, meanwhile, probably continues the engagement or shadows Bismarck with cruisers and destroyers, using speed despite worn machinery. A carrier strike guided by Hood and escorts could shift emphasis toward carrier acceleration instead.