Victory at Sea: Bismarck
The Bismarck was one of two Bismarck-class battleships built for the Kriegsmarine. Named for the Chancellor (Otto von Bismarck), The first battleship was laid down in July 1936 and launched February 1939 as simply the Bismarck. She and her sister ship, Tirpitz, were two of the largest battleships built by Germany or any European power. They welded tremendous firepower and making them dreaded fortresses of the sea.
Unfortunately for Germany, the Bismarcks career lasted only eight months. Under Captain, Ernst Lindeman, she took part in operation Rheinübung, offensive action that lasted just eight days In May of 1941. The Bismarck and accompanying heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, attempted to breakthrough to the Atlantic and raid allied shipping efforts between Britain and North America. The two vessels were detected multiple times off Scandinavia, prompting Britain to initiate naval blocking maneuvers.
"The Battle of the Denmark Strait", saw the British vessels HMS Hood and HMS Prince of Wales engage the two vessels. Hood was destroyed for her efforts and Prince of Wales suffered damage, forcing a retreat. However, Bismarck had suffered significant damage, putting an end to her raiding mission.
The Bismarck was pursued by the Royal Navy, set on retribution for the sinking of HMS Hood. Limping for occupied France for repairs, she was attacked by 16 Fairey Swordfish biplane torpedo bombers deployed by HMS Ark Royal. A direct hit disabled the Bismarcks steering. The following morning, she suffered crippling damage in a battle against two British battleships and two cruisers. On 27 May 1941, she was scuttled by her crew and sank.
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*Models supplied unassembled and unpainted
