Q&A · 2:52:47-2:53:29

Vian's Tribals alongside Hood would radically alter the Bismarck chase

Vian did attack Bismarck historically, and placing his full flotilla with Hood would create a much more complex opening battle.

Battle Of The Denmark Strait Destroyers German Battleship Bismarck HMS Hood Philip Vian Tribal Class Destroyers (1936)

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Question

Would Philip Vian have taken Tribal-class destroyers into action against Bismarck?

Short answer

Yes; he did attack Bismarck, and having his full Tribal flotilla with Hood would substantially change the battle.

Notes

Vian did attack Bismarck, correcting the premise that he lacked contact with the German battleship. Placing four aggressive Tribal-class destroyers alongside Hood would add torpedo and screening options that the historical force did not possess.