Bismarck

The Bismarck had to be sunk. It posed a huge threat to Allied shipping. And it had just sunk Britain’s Hood.
In a reenactment of David and Goliath, a tiny, flimsy Swordfish biplane torpedoed the 50,000-ton battleship. The torpedo jammed the mammoth ship’s rudder, rendering steering impossible. The German ship can only wait for the British ships to circle round and tear it to shreds.
Late on the night before the deadly encounter, Captain Lindemann tells his crew they may take whatever they want from the ship’s stores, everything from cheese and chocolate to Swiss watches and fountain pens. He knows they’re doomed. May as well have a bit of cheer.
During the night, U-73 finds the crippled ship and watches the British destroyers shadowing the Bismarck dart in and away to fire on the ship. They don’t expect to sink it, but can prevent the men from getting any rest. Where was U-73 when the British capital ships tore their compatriots apart and left hundreds in the sea?
The question arises: Did so many have to die? Several among the British wanted the slaughter to cease. A chaplain said to a captain, “You are firing shells at a ship that can’t reply.” The captain replied, “You go and mind your own business and get off my bridge.”
Out of 2,365 crewmembers, 116 survived, although one died of wounds while aboard the destroyer. This was war.
This short book is a fascinating, quick read.

This book was easy to follow, I liked the way it was set out and it didn't take very long to read. My main purpose for picking this book was a personal challenge. I was at school in the UK in the early 90s and we were taught hardly anything on the subject of WWI and WWII and the history lessons focussed mainly on castles, knights and the medieval period so as an adult I wanted to learn more about what actually went on and to improve my overall knowledge. I do feel I know a bit more about the Royal Navy and Hitler's Kriegsmarine in the period after reading this book - 4 stars from me.

A gripping account of the chase and final destruction of the Bismarck.

Told from the view of the officers and men of the Royal Navy this book gave more insight into the stresses of naval warfare than other books I have read on the subject mainly due to extensive use of first hand accounts.

To paraphrase Wellington "a damn close run thing". Bismarck almost escaped following some navigational screw ups by the RN, but it was a single hit on her steering from an air launched torpedo that had her turning in circles awaiting her doom at the hands of the Home Fleet.


Highly recommended for anyone interested on WW2 naval history.