Q&A · 36:49-38:36

How the Tribals might have entered the Denmark Strait fight

Doctrine suggested the unengaged side, though the Tribals' record supports an expectation that they would press wherever they could divide Bismarck's fire control.

Question

Would the Tribal destroyers have attacked from the engaged or unengaged side at Denmark Strait?

Short answer

Doctrine favoured the unengaged side, but their record suggests they would have pressed aggressively wherever they could best split Bismarck's fire.

Notes

Doctrine put destroyers on the unengaged side. The Tribals' operational record suggests they would have pressed a more direct attack if one became possible. Their value would have been in forcing Bismarck to divide guns and fire-control attention. If smoke or sea conditions obscured the range, they might have made a wide approach.