The German battleship Bismarck is one of the most famous warships in
history. The lead ship of her class, she was named after German Chancellor Otto
von Bismarck. At the time of her build, she was the largest warship ever
commissioned.
Despite her fame, Bismarck took part in only one operation during
her brief career. She and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen left Gotenhafen on the
morning of 19th May 1941 for Operation Rheinubung, during which she was to
intercept and destroy convoys between the United
States and Great Britain. When Bismarck and
Prinz Eugen attempted to break out into the Atlantic, they were discovered by
the Royal Navy and were attacked in Denmark
Strait. During the short engagement, the British flagship
battlecruiser, HMS Hood, was sunk after several minutes of firing. In response,
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill issued the order to "Sink the Bismarck," spurring a
relentless pursuit by the Royal Navy.
Two days later, Swordfish biplanes launched from the carrier HMS Ark
Royal torpedoed the Bismarck. In the ensuing battle on the morning
of 27th May 1941, Bismarck was heavily attacked for almost two
hours before finally sinking and taking many German soldiers to their watery
grave.
The Super Drawings series focuses on the construction of famous ships
– battleships, carriers, cruisers, and submarines. With ground-breaking 3D
imagery, each corner, angle, and dimension of the ship is viewable. With various
close-up views, and each 3D image based on actual technical scale drawings and
photographs, this makes an exceptional reference tool. Information on the
design, development and combat history of each vessel is also included, as well
as numerous photographs and 1/350th scale drawings.
