Interesting article on what was a very couragous attack. It could have been described as almost suicidal because they were using the old and slow stringbag!
This is certainly the most comprenhensive history of Bismark that I have ever seen! Another site to bookmark in the vain hope of having time to read it properly! I have an account in a book of the ordeal of Lt Jackson and his crew, who spent eight days at sea in a derelict lifeboat before being rescued by an Icelandic boat. It was a rather more horrific experience than the website article implies. If anyone is interested, I can scan and post it. Adrian
Yes please, Adrian! Didn't know Eugene Esmonde (posthumous VC in Channel Dash) was involved in attack on Bismarck.
Descending below the clouds with his squadron, Esmonde located the cruisers still shadowing, and HMS Norfolk directed the aircraft towards their target some fourteen miles ahead on the starboard bow. Imagine being on the Norfolk and watching the Stringbags go passed knowing what they were heading into. One of the best articles I've read.
Here is the story of Jackson and his Swordfish crew - start at paragraph "Atlantic Miracle". From: "Courage in the Skies", by Johnnie Johnson and Laddie Lucas. (extract from one of Lucas' other books). Adrian Edit: when I tested the thumbnails they were illegible, but by clicking on them and zooming in I was able to read them.
Thanks for posting that Adrian. That's one grim story. Makes one wonder the ordeals suffered by other aircrew, and sailors, lost at sea. Cheers
That must have been a hard task turning away from the Norwegians but a decision that possibly saved them.
Regarding sinking the Bismarck,.. Sometimes ago I read, A team of experts were sent to the wrecks of Bismarck, and after they evaluate the damages, possible hits etc. They came to conclusion that, Bismarck actually able to float at least for another 24 hours when British ceased the shellings and torpedoing her. It was also statement by a surviving crew of the doomed battleship that it was scutled instead. Infact one of the still alive surviving crew answered " it was sunk by both side"
I imagine this might have been the team led by David Mearns - the guys who re-discovered the Bismarck and surveyed the Hood. Interesting explanation. Was it HMS Dorsetshire that went in with torpedoes at the end? It's pretty much accepted fact but it would not surprise me if the Bismarck was still capable of staying afloat...not that it would have been of any worth.
