Without a doubt, the most famous Naval surface action of World War II saw the pride of the Royal Navy, HMS Hood, versus the terror of the German Kriegsmarine, KMS Bismarck. Action commenced at 05 52 1/2 hours, as Hood's two forward turrets fired the first salvoes. Half a minute later, Prince of Wales forward turrets followed suit. Hood's first salvo fell near Prinz Eugen but did not actually hit. Prince of Wales's opening salvo was observed to be some distance away from Bismarck. The Germans were shocked to learn that the approaching vessels were not cruisers - they were in fact major combatants - and even worse, the famed and feared battle cruiser H.M.S. Hood. Her legend and reputation were great and she was well respected in the Kriegsmarine. Hood was a well-built for her day (1920), but by 1941 was nonetheless an aged battle cruiser. She had adequate protection in some key areas, but not all. Because of her machinery, she was filled with large, somewhat open spaces. Though her speed had been reduced over the years, at 29 knots, she was still fast for her size. Her guns were deadly, but she suffered from out-dated gunnery systems. She did boast advanced radar, but her crew had hardly enough time to become proficient in its use. Simply put, in a one-on-one fight, Bismarck could absorb more damage while firing faster and more accurately than Hood. Bismarck could take AND give more in battle. Each ship had the ability to sink or severely damage the other, but the advantage clearly was with Bismarck - an observance that Bismarck was 20 years more modern than Hood. Bismarck's design reflected all that had been learned between the times the two ships were built. (Narrative is from the HMS Hood Association narrative of the battle). Original Oil Painting 24" x 36" (Sold). |
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S/N Prints - (300) |
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Artists Proofs - (30) |
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Giclees on Canvas (10, 24" x 36") |
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