The extended barrage of British fire against the Bismarck during the final engagement on May 27, 1941, raises important questions about the durability of the German battleship and the challenges faced by the Royal Navy in sinking her. The lengthy bombardment was not a result of poor British gunnery but a combination of factors related to Bismarck’s design, the tactical situation, and the goals of the British fleet.
1. Bismarck's Sturdy Design
Heavy Armor: The Bismarck was one of the most heavily armored ships of its time. Her main armor belt (320 mm) and internal armored decks were designed to withstand direct hits from battleship-caliber shells.
British shells often failed to penetrate critical compartments due to this protection.
Hits above the waterline, while damaging, did not compromise her ability to stay afloat.
Redundancy in Design: Bismarck’s compartmentalization and internal systems were built to endure significant damage. Her design emphasized survival in battle, making it extremely difficult to sink her outright through gunfire alone.
2. Tactical Situation
Disabling Rather than Sinking: The British priority was to render the Bismarck incapable of continuing the fight. The ship had already been heavily damaged in earlier engagements, with her rudder stuck and her mobility compromised due to torpedo strikes from aircraft.
British warships aimed to neutralize her offensive capability, such as disabling her main guns and fire control systems, rather than sinking her immediately.
Systematic Shelling: British forces systematically targeted different sections of the ship, pounding her superstructure, turrets, and exposed areas to ensure total incapacitation. This prolonged the engagement but was strategically necessary.
3. Intensity of British Gunnery
Massive Volume of Fire: HMS King George V, HMS Rodney, and other supporting ships unleashed an overwhelming barrage:
HMS Rodney fired 16-inch shells from close range, while King George V used 14-inch guns.
The cruiser HMS Dorsetshire later fired torpedoes to deliver the final blows.
Gunnery Challenges: Despite their firepower, hitting critical, vulnerable points on a heavily armored battleship like Bismarck was challenging.
The rolling seas and the distances involved made precise targeting difficult.
Many shells destroyed Bismarck’s superstructure and upper decks but failed to penetrate deeply enough to compromise her hull or magazines.
4. German Damage Control
Effective Crew Efforts: The German crew’s damage control efforts prolonged Bismarck’s survival. Even as the superstructure was obliterated and fires spread, critical compartments were kept watertight, delaying her sinking.
Scuttling Orders: It is widely believed that the Germans scuttled Bismarck to prevent her from being captured. Charges set by the crew and intentional flooding contributed significantly to her sinking.