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May 27, 1941 The German battleship Bismarck was sunk by the Royal Navy. Just three days after sinking the HMS Hood and after one of the greatest sea chases in history, the British caught up with the Bismarck. Only able to steer in circles, Bismarck was pummeled by the ships of Force H, King George V, Rodney, Norfolk and Dorsetshire. The battle lasted almost two hours with the Rodney firing the first shots. Bismarck's Captain, Ernst Lindemann, ordered the valves opened and the scuttling charges armed. The charges exploded around 10:00. After this Bismarck was hit by three torpedoes fired by the Dorsetshire. Bismarck finally sank at about 10:30. Of the 2,221 members of the crew only 115 survived. Picked up by the Dorsetshire and Maori were 110. A U-boat rescued 3 more later in the day and a German weather ship picked up the final two the following day. The Bismarck remained in the dark until Dr. Robert Ballard located the wreck in June 8, 1989. Since then James Cameron has filmed the wreck. The photographic work he did was wonderful. He has produced a DVD titled James Cameron's Expedition Bismarck. Highly recommended by the webmaster. I have also been fortunate enough to interview a survivor from the Bismarck. In 2004 over the course of several phone calls and a two day visit I was able to have a very nice chat with him. Sadly Bruno has since passed away. Today there are thought to be less than 15 men still alive from the Bismarck crew. |
© 2005 Michael W. Pocock MaritimeQuest.com |
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German Battleship Bismarck |