Vian's four attacking Tribals were separate from another Tribal flotilla that remained with Admiral Tovey's battleships. Eight Tribal-class destroyers therefore took part in the wider hunt, alongside additional destroyers. One flotilla preserved the capital-ship screen while Vian's group took over contact and attacked Bismarck. The two forces guarded British capital ships and contained the German battleship at the same time.
Notable Point · 18:23-18:50
Eight Tribal destroyers divide the hunt's two roles
Four Tribal destroyers harry Bismarck while another Tribal flotilla remains with Tovey's battleships, putting eight ships of the class into the wider hunt.