As a result of the Denmark Strait dispute Italian Antonio Bonomi decided to start his own research to see if he could find out what was right and wrong. At first Antonio Bonomi worked alone on his project but soon he gathered a group of people which could give him feedback and help him with source material etc.. Now Mr. Bonomi feel he is ready to publish the result of his very comprehensive research which have been made in summer 2003. On this page the visitors can now study the result of the result and this website is very grateful to Mr. Bonomi for permission to publish his work.

Here I would like to explain my view about the tracks of the 2 squadrons approaching the battle, so evaluating the time between 05.30 and 05.52.30, when the HMS Hood opened fire starting the Denmark Strait Battle.

Situation at 05.30 was that Prinz Eugen and Bismarck (German Squadron) were sailing south on a course of 170° (according to the Prinz Eugen (PG) war diary). Since 05.21 the speed was 27 knots for the German Squadron.

I assume Prinz Eugen's speed was 27 knots according to PG speed chart till 06.00, while I will adjust Bismarck speed after 05.47.

Bismarck was in the wake of Prinz Eugen at that moment, and remained there at least until 05.53.

The above is confirmed by Schmalenbach's written report. Paul Schmalenbach was at the alarm station on PG that day since 04.00.

The German squadron were followed by Suffolk at more than 25.000 meters in order not to close the distance too much.

Suffolk was going at 29 knots and made some circles to keep herself at safe distance.

Norfolk was approaching from east, distance more than 33.000 meters.

At the same time the British squadron (Hood and Prince of Wales) were approaching from south-east (not in contact yet) at 28 knots, which was the speed they kept until 06.00 for sure on course 240° (references: PoW maps; Leach Narrative Report; PoW Log for 24. May 1941 - Hood Survivors).

At 05.32: The German squadron turned to a course of 220°, kept speed at 27 knots (from PG war diary), at least until 05.47 (alarm) for both ships.

At 05.35: Prince of Wales observed unidentified smoke in the horizon.

At 05.37: The British squadron first sighted the German squadron, at a distance of 34.700 meters. Prince of Wales spotted Prinz Eugen (38.000 yards, ref.: ADM 234-509) bearing 335° and issued an enemy identification radio report, that might have been intercepted by the German forces.

In fact, at the same time, Prinz Eugen which was ahead of Bismarck, spotted a "suspected light cruiser" on port side at distance of 34.100 meters (37.300 yards, ref.: PG Battle Map ).

At this time the British squadron (Hood and Prince of Wales) turned from 40° to starboard on course 280° now.

At 05.41: Norfolk got visible contact with German squadron too, distance 15 Nautical Miles which is 27.780 meters (30.393 yards) and issued report. She was approaching from the east toward the German ships (consequently from Prinz Eugen port side).

At 05.43: Hood released an update interception radio report about the German units, probably Hood saw the German units at the same time PoW did but did not release a report until 05.43 were distances and bearings were updated accordingly.

The report mentioned the enemy at 17 Nautical Miles, which are equal to 31.484 meters (34.446 yards) at bearing 337°, most likely she got Prinz Eugen with this measurements even if Hood was looking at both ships.

Probably using same logic as before, at 05.43 Prinz Eugen spotted another unit (later identified as the Hood ) and evaluated distance been 39.300 metes (42.997 yards), (ref. PG battle map calculation on proportions and PG war diary).

At 05.47: Prinz Eugen declared the "alarm" status, this to me confirms in case of need, that the German squadron had no reasons to turn before this time in case of doubts.

In fact they were even not on "alarm" status yet before, and Prinz Eugen at least was considered the spotted ships as being cruisers (light ones ??).

Probably only at this point they identified the closing ships to be heavy units (at least Bismarck/Lutjens did, maybe a minute before).

At 05.49: The British squadron (Hood and Prince of Wales) made another 20° turn to starboard on course 300° now closing faster on German ships.

At 05.50: Prinz Eugen (both PG war diary and PG battle map) evaluate the distance between the squadrons to be 30.000 meters (32.882 yards).

Note that at this time Norfolk was at 26.000 meters on east, Suffolk was at 30.000 meters on north and Hood and Prince of Wales were at about 25.000 meters south-east.

At 05.52.30: Hood opened fire from 22.800 meters (25.000 yards, ref. :ADM 116-4351 and PoW Nav Off. Capt. G. Rowell).

At 05.53: Prinz Eugen bridge estimated distance been 29.000 meters (31.728 yards from PG war diary).

Note that at this time Norfolk was at 25.000 meters on east, Suffolk was at 30.000 meters on north and Hood and Prince of Wales were at about 22.000 meters south-east.

At 05.54: Finally we have a good reading of distances by Prinz Eugen.

Kpt Ltnt P. Jasper (1st Artillery Officer) first distance estimate really applies here. He did not have permission to open fire yet and he estimated British ships (probably Hood) being at 21.000 meters (22.975 yards, ref.: Jasper report), which matches perfectly with British readings and disqualify some Prinz Eugen bridge evaluations and war diary inputs.

At 05.55: Prinz Eugen opened fire from 20.200 meters (Jasper Report) or 20.700 meters (PG battle map that now is closer to reality).

On same time PoW plot refers to 21.570 meters and ADM 116-4351 to 21.000 meters.

Note that at this time Norfolk was at 24.000 meters on east, Suffolk was at 29/30.000 meters on north and Hood and Prince of Wales were at about 20/21.000 meters south-east.

We left the ships at 05.52.30, when Hood opened the fire from 22.800 meters (25.000 yards, ref.: ADM 116-4351) executing Adm Holland orders to shoot at the lead German ship bearings 337°, so on Prinz Eugen, most likely thinking that it was the Bismarck, and he was wrong.

This was the Hood's first salvo fired with A+B turrets (2+2=4 by 380 mm or 15 inch guns) from now on till 06.02 the British ships fired only with the forward turrets, consequently also Prince of Wales fired only with A+B turrets (4+2=6 by 356 mm or 14 inch guns).

At 05.53: The Prince of Wales opened fire with 1st salvo from 22.800 meters (25.000 yards Ref. PoW Gunnery report) right on Bismarck (thanking Artillery Officer McMullen which properly identified the Bismarck) and this was an over. (PoW plot says 24.221 meters and 26.500 yards which is a wide over to the right).

Prinz Eugen bridge estimated distance to be 29.000 meters (??) or 31.728 yards, and most likely this was absolutely wrong, the German heavycruiser was sailing at 27 knots still ahead of Bismarck because of the forward Radar problem of Bismarck (out of action).

Bismarck was speeding up and got ready to respond fire. Schneider asked the Bismarck command bridge for permission to open fire. No answers. Prince of Wales was firing her 2nd salvo on Bismarck (PoW plot 23.764 meters or 26.000 yards) another over, speed still at 28 knots.

Hood fired her 2nd salvo but still on Prinz Eugen, also her speed is at 28 knots.

Norfolk entered the scenario from east at 25.000 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at 29.000 meters.

Mullenheim-Rechberg at the Bismarck aft fire control position had been ordered by Admiral Lutjens to watch carefully the 2 British cruisers, he suspected they would join the battle soon. This confirms that Bismarck was the aft ship in the German squadron and the closest to the British cruisers.

At 05.54: The British ships turned 20° to port from a 300° course to a 280° course. Admiral Holland recognized his mistake and ordered to change target to the ship on the right which was the Bismarck following Prinz Eugen.

Prince of Wales fired the 3rd (22.278 meters or 24.375 yards) and 4th (21.570 meters or 23.600 yards) salvo on Bismarck, both over.

Hood fired 3rd salvo now finally on Bismarck. This one to find the range.

Prinz Eugen starts measuring distances right, but it is Kpt Ltnt Jasper, the First Artillery Officer in command of PG fire that is measuring distance to be around 21.000 meters (22.975 yards). This is perfectly in line with British estimations and consequently disqualifies the bridge guys on PG for the previous wrong readings (the distance cannot be reduced between the 2 squadrons by 8.000 meters in one minute, given the speed/courses).

Prinz Eugen still hold the fire waiting for permission to open fire.

On Bismarck Kpt zur See Lindemann said that he would not see his ship being shot at without responding the fire and gave the order to "OPEN FIRE".

Norfolk entered the scenario from east at 25.000 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at 29.000 meters.

At 05.55: Finally the German squadron opened fire. Bismarck and Prinz Eugen both opened fire on Hood. Bismarck kept on speeding up and moving out on Prinz Eugen port side, running parallel course still aft of the German heavy cruiser.

Kpt Ltnt Jasper measured on board Prinz Eugen the distance to Hood at the time PG opened fire to be 20.200 meters (the PG battle map says 20.700 meters).

Note that both Bismarck and Prinz Eugen used to shoot first A+B turrets and after a while C+D turrets, a "Ripple-Firing" methodology.

Consequently they counted the salvo sometimes as half or partial or semi-salvos with only 2 turrets at a time. Kpt Ltnt Jasper used this measurement system and when he changed target from Hood to Prince of Wales he restarted the counter from zero.

For Bismarck (not knowing Schneider's method to count) I will count the full salvo broadside (all 4 turrets for Bismarck).

Anyway I will show both methods so you can use the one you like better.

Still remain the fact that the German Ships shot "Ripple-Fire" from both ships.

Bismarck fired 2 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D) (or the 1st full salvo if you like it better), obviously on Hood. It was ahead on Hood bow to starboard. Prinz Eugen fired 2 semi-salvos too (A+B and C+D) so 1st salvo for her as well to Hood. The second semi-salvo hit the Hood and draw first blood, causing fire on mid-ship aft.

Prince of Wales fired her 5th (20.199 meters or 22.100 yards) which was over and 6th (19.331 meters or 21.150 yards) salvos, and the 6th hit the Bismarck, (21.000 meters for ADM 116-4351) for the first time.

Hood fired her 4th salvo at Bismarck.

Norfolk entered the scenario from east at 24.000 meters.

Suffolk was far away at north at 29.000 meters.

At 05.56: Both Bismarck and Hood had suffered hits already. Hood was on fire from hit received by Prinz Eugen 1st salvo.

Bismarck got a hit (1st) from Prince of Wales 6th salvo on the bow, oil started to leak and sea water entered fuel deposits. Bismarck started to leave an oil track behind her.

Bismarck fired 2 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D) or the 2nd full salvo on Hood, that fell betweeen Hood and Prince of Wales.

Prinz Eugen fired 4 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D, A+B and C+D) so 2nd and 3rd salvo to Hood.

Prince of Wales fired her 7th (18.120 meters or 19.825 yards) and 8th (18.325 meters or 20.050 yards) salvos at Bismarck, both over.

Hood fired her 5th and 6th salvos at Bismarck, the ship was on fire at midship aft due to a Prinz Eugen hit.

Norfolk entered the scenario from east at 23.000 meters.

Suffolk was far away on North at 29.000 meters.

At 05.57: The battle continues. Bismarck still accellerated to try to catch up on Prinz Eugen to place the cruiser on the lee (starboard) side, but Prinz Eugen was still well ahead.

Bismarck fired 2 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D) or the 3rd full salvo on Hood and this time hit the Hood.

At this point the port side 150 mm secondary guns on Bismarck started to fire at Prince of Wales being at proper range, around 18.000 meters.

Prinz Eugen fired 4 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D, A+B and C+D) so 4th and 5th salvo against Hood.

Prince of Wales fired her 9th (16.680 meters or 18.250 yards) salvos at Bismarck and hit the German battleship.

Meanwhile Prince of Wales secondary armament 133 mm (or 5,25 inch) starboard guns opened fire on Bismarck too.

Hood fired her 7th salvo at Bismarck (I should assume that also Hood secondary 140 mm (or 6 inch) starboard side started to fire at this point).

Norfolk entered the scenario from east at 22.500 meters.

Suffolk is far away on North at 29.000 meters.

At 05.58: Now Admiral Lutjens ordered Prinz Eugen to switch target from Hood to Prince of Wales and Kpt Ltnt Jasper executed it accordingly. He states on his report that Bismarck and Prinz Eugen crossed the lines of fire to shoot at each given target.

This consequently confirm that Prinz Eugen still was well ahead of Bismarck and Hood ahead of Prince of Wales.

Bismarck fired 2 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D) or the 4th full salvo on Hood. Meanwhile she receives a second hit from Prince of Wales 9th salvo the shell went under waterline midship broke several compartments causing water floading on board.

Several compartments were damaged, generator and engines had problems and oil deposits were broken, a serious hit.

Prinz Eugen fired 4 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D, A+B and C+D) so 6th salvo on Hood. The 7th salvo was fired at Prince of Wales to find range.

Prince of Wales fired her 10th (15.675 meters or 17.150 yards) and 11th (15.629 meters or 17.100 yards) salvos at Bismarck, both short.

Hood fired her 8th and 9th salvo at Bismarck, after having being hit by Prinz Eugen and on fire in the aft position. Now being hit by Bismarck, the fire developed also midship close to the main tower.

The RAF airplane Sunderland Z/201 (Pilot Flight Ltnt R.J. Vaughn) coming from Iceland would soon arrive to the battle scene and clearly reported this (ref.: AIR 14/415 Air Ministry Record).

Norfolk was now to the east on the horizon at 22.000 meters.

Suffolk still on the horizon north-west, but out of the dispute still at 29.000 meters.

At 05.59: Prinz Eugen now zero-ed/restarted quickfiring on her target which was now Prince of Wales (see Jasper report) while Bismarck received fire from both Hood and Prince of Wales. Bismarck still fired at Hood.

Late at this minute Admiral Holland ordered another 20° turn to port from 280° to 260° course to both British Hood and Prince of Wales and both ships started to execute the order accordingly.

The British RAF airplane Sunderland Z/201 (Pilot Flight Ltnt R.J. Vaughn) passed above Hood and reported the 2 places on fire.

Bismarck fired 2 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D) or the 5th full salvo on Hood, and this (probably C+D late in the minute) hit (from 15.700 meters) and sunk the British battlecruiser.

Prinz Eugen fired 4 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D, A+B and C+D) so 8th and 9th salvo to Prince of Wales from 16/17.000 meters (Jasper).

Prince of Wales fired her 12th (15.629 meters or 17.100 yards) and 13th (15.035 meters or 16.150 yards) salvos at Bismarck. 12th was short, but 13th hit Bismarck for the 3rd time.

Hood fired her 10th salvo at Bismarck, the last one with the fully efficient ship.

Norfolk manouvres to close at 21.500 meters

Suffolk still on the horizon but out of the dispute at 28/29.000 meters.

At 06.00: Hood received the fatal hit and exploded. As said, probably the last semi-salvo (C+D) from Bismarck of the 5th salvo.

The British Ships were just making the turn when this occurred.

The RAF airplane Sunderland Z/201 (Pilot Flight Ltnt R.J. Vaughn) now moved toward the German ships that started an anti-aircraft firing reaction by Bismarck (ref.: AIR 14/415 Air Ministry Record).

Bismarck fired 2 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D) or the 6th full salvo on Hood. The salvo was already planned and could not be diverged so it went out to where Hood had been.

At this point Bismarck received the 3rd hit from Prince of Wales 13th salvo. The damage occurred midship boat/catapult then the shell went outboard.

Prinz Eugen fired 4 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D, A+B and C+D) so 10th and 11th salvo against Prince of Wales.

Prince of Wales fired her 14th (14.898 meters or 16.300 yards), 15th (13.710 meters or 15.000 yards) and 16th (13.801 or 15.100 yards) salvos at Bismarck, all of them fell short.

Hood exploded and was divided on 2 pieces, while it started to sink, the forward turrets (A+B) fired for the last time.

Norfolk turned to port after Hood exploded, doing so it reduced closing rate distance to the German ships. Now it was 21.000 meters from them.

Suffolk still on the horizon but out of the dispute at 28.000 meters.

At 06.01: Hood was sinking, Prince of Wales had to change course quickly, turning to starboard in order not to hit the remains of the British battlecruiser.

Kpt Ltnt Jasper saw on the rangefinders that Prince of Wales turned towards him. Kpt zur See Brinkmann on Prinz Eugen asked Kpt Ltnt Reimann to launch torpedoes at Prince of Wales which was now well into launching range.

Bismarck now changed target to Prince of Wales that now was under the fire from both German ships and was forced to turn towards them, closing distance.

The RAF airplane Sunderland Z/201 (Pilot Flight Ltnt R.J. Vaughn) return to the clouds due to heavy anti-aircraft fire from Bismarck (ref.: AIR 14/415 Air Ministry Record).

Bismarck fired 2 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D) or the 7th full salvo at PoW to acquire range from less than 15.000 meters.

Prinz Eugen fired 4 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D, A+B and C+D) so 12th and 13th salvo at Prince of Wales from 14.500 meters.

Prince of Wales fired her 17th (12.887 meters or 14.100 yards) and 18th (13.253 meters or 14.500 yards) salvos at Bismarck, both short.

Hood started to sink and the bow is high in the air.

Norfolk was still closing on the German ships being 20.500 meters from them.

Suffolk still on the horizon but out of the dispute, at 28.000 meters north from them.

At 06.02: Hood was still sinking. Prince of Wales turned around the remains of Hood under close and heavy fire.

Bismarck started to make a turn to starboard to avoid potential torpedo from the RAF airplane Sunderland Z/201 (Pilot Flight Ltnt R.J. Vaughn) just disappeared in the clouds keeping the anti-aircraft (flak) reaction on it.

During this turn Bismarck crossed Prinz Eugen track and was now moving on Prinz Eugen's starboard.

Bismarck fired 2 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D) or the 8th full salvo against Prince of Wales and scored a big hit (1st) on the compass platform from 14.000 meters.

Prinz Eugen fired 4 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D, A+B and C+D) so 14th and 15th salvo to Prince of Wales.

Kpt Ltnt Reimann does not launch torpedo yet, and at this point she is at 14.000 meters from Prince of Wales, well within launching range and with the enemy ship in clear difficulties (not even shooting anymore).

Prince of Wales didn't fire anymore now, the 1st hit received from Bismarck had almost killed everybody on the compass platform. The ship was in clear danger.

Hood had almost totally disappeared under the sea, some remains floated around.

Norfolk opened fire (3 salvos) but the shells fell short to Bismarck, from 20.000 meters or 21.800 yards distance.

Suffolk still on the horizon but out of the dispute at 28.000 meters.

AT THIS POINT PG FILM STARTS !

At 06.03: Hood was sunk. Prince of Wales was in clear danger and both Prinz Eugen and Bismarck kept firing on her from a very close distance now down to 14.000 meters or even less (PoW gunnery report states 14.500 yards or 13.253 meters).

Prince of Wales started to develop a smoke screens to try to make it more difficult for the fire from the German units.

Also the German ships heavy flak (105 mm) guns on port side are shooting at Prince of Wales now.

Bismarck crossed Prinz Eugen track and now sailed west on Prinz Eugen's starboard.

Prinz Eugen still followed original track and now, being within torpedo launching range since a good couple of minutes, misses the clear chance to launch a set of torpedo against Prince of Wales. the hydrophonic system intercepted a noise on bearing 220° that was assumed to be a torpedo launched against Prinz Eugen which prepared to turn to starboard. Kpt zur See Brinkmann missed a great chance to launch torpedo against the enemy ship and Admiral Schmundt commented this in his later report.

PoW started to make a 160° fast conversion on her port side trying to disengage quickly and released some smoke screens to protect herself.

Bismarck fired 2 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D) or the 9th full salvo to Prince of Wales and scored again from 14.500 meters on the British ship stern under the waterline (2nd) and puts the 133 mm secondary fire control direction out of action on the starboard side (3rd).

Prinz Eugen fired 4 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D, A+B and C+D) so 16th and 17th salvo to Prince of Wales scoring a hit (1st) on the stern under waterline, but did not launch the torpedoes even that it was 14.000 meters from her.

Prince of Wales now tried to react, firing (1st salvo) with Y turret (back) on local control, shell splashes not very close to Bismarck, she received 3 hits.

Hood was completely gone leaving only 3 survivors on some rafts.

Norfolk ceased fire from 20.500 meters.

Suffolk still on the horizon but out of the dispute at 28.000 meters.

At 06.04: Prince of Wales was still in huge difficulties and both Prinz Eugen and Bismarck kept on firing on her, but now, due to the aircraft alarm on Bismarck and the torpedo alarm on Prinz Eugen, both German ships had turned hard to starboard loosing firing range and now sailing away from her.

In addition the smoke screen slowly started to be effective, partially covering the Prince of Wales.

Distance increased (more than 14.000 meters), German ships fire was now less accurate and Prinz Eugen has not launched any torpedo against Prince of Wales. The most difficult moment was over. Instead of been under killing fire from a very short distance by both enemy ships and maybe targeted by torpedo, now she has a chance to escape sailing south-east.

Bismarck was on Prinz Eugen's starboard and both German Ships was sailing a western course now, increasing distance to Prince of Wales.

Prinz Eugen had just sharply turned to starboard too (1st sharp turn - ref.: Jasper report).

Bismarck fired 2 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D) or the 10th full salvo to Prince of Wales and scored the last of her 4 hits from 15.500 meters on the British ship, on the Walrus aircraft crane.

Prinz Eugen fired 2 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D) so 18th salvo at Prince of Wales after having adjusted range due to the 1st sharp turn and scores again from 14.500 meters for the last time 2 hits (2nd and 3rd), again on the stern and on a 133 mm turret ammunition deposit, the shell did not explode.

Prince of Wales kept firing (2nd salvo) with Y turret (aft) on local control, shell splashes not very close to Bismarck, she received 3 hits.

Hood was gone.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowed the German ships from 21.000 meters.

Suffolk still on the horizon but out of the dispute at 28.000 meters.

At 06.05: Prince of Wales was now much safer at 15.000 meters from Prinz Eugen and 16.000 meters from Bismarck. The distances increasing progressively.

The developing smoke screen now even more covered the British ship.

Fire from German ships was now less and less accurate. Bismarck was on Prinz Eugen's starboard. Prinz Eugen kept on turning sharply (2nd time).

Bismarck fired 2 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D) or the 11th full salvo against Prince of Wales.

Prinz Eugen fired 2 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D) so 19th salvo against Prince of Wales. Then it had to adjust range again due to another sharp turn (2nd time - ref.: Jasper Report).

Prince of Wales kept on firing (3rd salvo) with Y turret (back) on local control, shell splashes not very close to Bismarck.

Hood was gone.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowed the German ships from more than 21.000 meters.

Suffolk still on the horizon but out of the dispute at 28.000 meters.

At 06.06: Prince of Wales was now at more than 16.000 meters from Prinz Eugen and 17.000 meters from Bismarck.

Smoke screen increased at Prince of Wales aft.

Fire from German ships was now less and less accurate. Bismarck started a turn to south coming back closing distances to Prince of Wales again.

Prinz Eugen made another sharp turn (the 3rd time).

Bismarck fired 1 semi-salvos (A+B) or the half- 12th full salvo to Prince of Wales.

Prinz Eugen fired 2 semi-salvos (A+B and C+D) so 20th salvo to Prince of Wales than had to adjust range due to the sharp turn (3rd time - ref.: Jasper Report ), after these shots the A+B turrets of Prinz Eugen stopped firing because of the bearings (ref.: Jasper Report ).

Prince of Wales didn't fire anymore.

Hood was gone.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowed the German ships from more than 21.000 meters.

Suffolk still on the horizon but out of the dispute at 28.000 meters.

AT THIS POINT PG FILM PROBABLY ENDS !

At 06.07: Prince of Wales was now at more than 17.000 meters from Prinz Eugen and 18.000 meters from Bismarck, smoke screen increased.

Fire from German ships was now less and less accurate and intense. Bismarck was sailing south and kept on firing slowly now.

Prinz Eugen passed on Bismarck's starboard side, just in front of Bismarck coming south, and issue another torpedo alarm (see PG battle map).

Bismarck fired 1 semi-salvos (C+D) or the half-12th full salvo against Prince of Wales.

Prinz Eugen fired 2 semi-salvos (C+D and C+D ) so 21st salvo to Prince of Wales, Kpt Ltnt Jasper had just passed control to aft firing control and stopped shooting with front turrets (A+B - ref.: Jasper Report) so after the 28th semi-salvo on Prince of Wales.

Prince of Wales didn't fire anymore.

Hood was gone.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowed the German ships from 21.500 meters.

Suffolk still on the horizon but out of the dispute at 28.000 meters.

At 06.08: Prince of Wales was now at more than 18.000 meters from both Prinz Eugen and Bismarck and smoke screen protected her retreat.

Fire from German ships was now less and less accurate and intense. Bismarck was sailing south, crossing Prinz Eugen's track and kept on firing.

Prinz Eugen was now on Bismarck's starboard, for the first time she is not the closest German unit to the British battleship.

Bismarck fired 1 semi-salvos (A+B) or the half- 13th full salvo to Prince of Wales.

Prinz Eugen fired 2 semi-salvos (C+D and C+D) so 22nd salvo to Prince of Wales.

Prince of Wales didn't fire anymore.

Hood was gone.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowed the German ships from 21.500 meters.

Suffolk still on the horizon but out of the dispute at 28.000 meters.

At 06.09: Prince of Wales is now at more than 18.500 meters from Bismarck and 19.000 meters from Prinz Eugen and now the smoke screen starts really covering the British battleship.

Fire from German ships was now less and less accurate and intense and it would soon end.

Bismarck was sailing south, passed ahead and fired the last semi-salvo, then fire ceased.

Prinz Eugen received the order not to overshoot Bismarck coming under

Prinz Eugen line of fire, and immediately after, the order to cease fire (ref.: Jasper Report).

Bismarck fired 1 semi-salvos (C+D) or the half-13th full salvo to Prince of Wales, then fire ceased.

Prinz Eugen fired 2 semi-salvos (C+D and C+D) so 23rd salvo to Prince of Wales, then fire ceased.

Prince of Wales didn't fire anymore.

Hood was gone.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowed the German ships from 21.500 meters.

Suffolk still on the horizon but out of the dispute at 28.000 meters or 30.600 yards.

At 06.10: The battle was over.

Hood was sunk.

Bismarck had received 3 hits from Prince of Wales.

Prince of Wales had received 7 hits (4 from Bismarck and 3 from Prinz Eugen).

Prinz Eugen had not suffered any damage.

Norfolk and Suffolk had not been targeted by the German ships.

We left the ships at 06.09. All the ships on both sides had ceased fire and for a short while the battle area was silent. Prinz Eugen was speeding up to her maximum speed to take the lead on Bismarck.

At 06.10: Again was the RAF Sunderland Z/201 (Pilot Flight Commander R.J. Vaughn) airplane to come out of the clouds from the portside abaft Prinz Eugen which immediately reacted with an Aircraft ALARM and mostly opened fire with his anti-aircraft (flak) guns, meanwhile the German cruiser speed up to 32,5 knots.

Prinz Eugen was on Bismarck starboard side again after the second crossover going south.

Bismarck was sailing south as well just after having ceased fire at 18.500 meters from Prince of Wales.

Prince of Wales was into his smoke screen at 18.500 meters from Bismarck and 19.000 meters from Prinz Eugen.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowing the German ships from 21500 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 28.000 meters (30.600 yards).

From 06.11: Situation did not change that much with Prinz Eugen still shooting with anti-aircraft (flak) guns.

Prinz Eugen was on Bismarck starboard side going south.

Bismarck was sailing south as well.

Prince of Wales was into her smoke screen at 19.000 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowing the German ships from 21.000 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 28.000 meters (30.600 yards).

From 06.12: Situation did not change that much with Prinz Eugen still shooting with anti-aircraft (flak) guns.

Prinz Eugen was on Bismarck starboard side going south.

Bismarck was sailing south as well.

Prince of Wales was into her smoke screen at 20.000 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowing the German ships from 21.000 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 28.000 meters (30.600 yards).

At 06.13: Bismarck started turning to starboard to re-connect on Prinz Eugen wake and take a course 220° again to South.

Prinz Eugen was on Bismarck starboard side going south on a 220 course.

Bismarck was turning to starboard to take again Prinz Eugen wake.

Prince of Wales was into his smoke screen at 21.000 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowing the German ships from 21.000 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 28.000 meters (30.600 yards).

At 06.14: Suddendly another torpedo alarm occcurred while Prinz Eugen was still shooting with anti-aircraft (flak) guns.

Prinz Eugen turned to starboard on torpedo avoindance manouvre .

Bismarck was sailing now a west course almost 270° and now was following

Prinz Eugen almost parallel on her back.

Prince of Wales was into his smoke screen at 22.000 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowing the German ships from 21.000 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 28.000 meters (30.600 yards).

At 06.15: Prinz Eugen was still shooting with anti-aircraft (flak) guns and making fast speed manouvres turning again to starboard.

Prinz Eugen turned again to starboard on torpedo avoindance manouvre, now sailing North West.

Bismarck was sailing now a west course almost 270° and now was approaching again Prinz Eugen back tracks.

Prince of Wales was into his smoke screen at 23.000 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowing the German ships from 21.000 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 28.000 meters (30.600 yards).

At 06.16: Prinz Eugen was still shooting with anti-aircraft (flak) guns and now sailing north-west towards Suffolk.

Bismarck was sailing now a west course almost 270° and now was crossing again Prinz Eugen track.

Prince of Wales was into his smoke screen at 24.000 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowing the German

ships from 21.500 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 28.000 meters (30.600 yards) but now seems be aware of Prinz Eugen coming on her (19.000 yards radar contact for sure wrong).

At 06.17: Prinz Eugen was still shooting with anti-aircraft (flak) guns and now sailing north-west towards Suffolk.

Prinz Eugen was sailing north-west towards Suffolk.

Bismarck was sailing now a west course almost 270° and now was in the middle of Prinz Eugen previous semi-circle manouvre back track.

Prince of Wales was into his smoke screen at 26.000 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south west still following and shadowing the German ships from 22.000 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 27.000 meters (29.540 yards) but now seems be aware of Prinz Eugen coming on her.

At 06.18: Prinz Eugen was still shooting with anti-aircraft (flak) guns and now turned hard to port to start a semi-circle and come back to a south 220° course and re-join Bismarck.

Prinz Eugen was turning to port.

Bismarck was sailing now a west course almost 270° and now was after last Prinz Eugen track, decreasing her speed.

Prince of Wales was into his smoke screen at 27.500 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south west still following and shadowing the German ships from 22.500 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 26.000 meters (28.446 yards) but now starts the procedure to engage Prinz Eugen with fire.

At 06.19: Prinz Eugen was still shooting with anti-aircraft (flak) guns and now turned hard to port again to close the semi-circle and take a south 220° course to take the lead on Bismarck.

Prinz Eugen turned to port again.

Bismarck was sailing now a west course almost 270° and is still slowing down.

Prince of Wales was into his smoke screen at 29.000 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south west still following and shadowing the German ships from 22.500 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 27.000 meters (29.540 yards) but now starts firing 1st broadside towards Prinz Eugen (assuming target been at 19.400 yards, of course a mistake by his Radar).

At 06.20: Prinz Eugen now ceased firing with anti-aircraft (flak) guns and kept on going south-west with 220° course to take the lead on

Bismarck, speed now is at 30,5 knots, no response to Suffolk fire.

Prinz Eugen increased speed compared to Bismarck that slowed down, to take lead of the German squadron.

Bismarck was still sailing a west course but starts a slow semi circle to take Prinz Eugen track again, still slowing down and now sees the

Prinz Eugen passing ahead on her bow.

Prince of Wales comes out of the smoke and shoots some salvos that falls short of German ships from more than 30.000 meters (32.800 yards).

Norfolk now sailed south west still following and shadowing the German ships from 23.000 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 28.000 meters (30.600 yards) but now fires 2nd broadside towards Prinz Eugen.

At 06.21: Prinz Eugen kept on going south-west with 220° course to take the lead with her forward working radar.

Prinz Eugen increased speed to take lead of the German squadron, still no response to Suffolk fire.

Bismarck executed a slow semi circle to take Prinz Eugen back track again, still slowing down. No response to Prince of Wales fire.

Prince of Wales ceased fire and restarted making smoke at 31.500 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south west still following and shadowing the German ships from 23.000 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 28.000 meters (30.600 yards) but now fires 3rd broadside towards Prinz Eugen.

At 06.22: Prinz Eugen kept on going south-west with 220° course to take the lead.

Prinz Eugen increased speed to take lead of the German squadron, still no response to Suffolk fire.

Bismarck executed a slow semi circle to take Prinz Eugen back track again, still slowing down.

Prince of Wales was covered by his smoke screen at 33.000 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south west still following and shadowing the German ships from 23.500 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 28.000 meters (30.600 yards) but now fires 4th broadside towards Prinz Eugen.

At 06.23: Prinz Eugen kept on going south-west with 220° course to take the lead sailing 30,5 knots.

Prinz Eugen increased speed to take lead of the German squadron.

Bismarck executed a slow semi-circle to take Prinz Eugen track again, still slowing down around 26 knots.

Prince of Wales was covered by his smoke screen at 34.000 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south west still following and shadowing the German ships from 23.500 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 28.000 meters (30.600 yards) but now fires 5th broadside towards Prinz Eugen, short by 10.000 meters.

At 06.24: Prinz Eugen kept on going south-west with 220° course to take the lead sailing 30,5 knots.

Prinz Eugen increased speed to take lead of the German squadron.

Bismarck executed a slow semi-circle to take Prinz Eugen track again, still slowing down around 26 knots.

Prince of Wales was covered by her smoke screen at 35.000 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowing the German ships from 23.500 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 28.000 meters (30.600 yards) but now fires 6th broadside toward Prinz Eugen, then fire stops.

At 06.24.30: An aircraft was noticed by Suffolk (Sunderland Z/201) coming from the enemy ships position.

At 06.25: Prinz Eugen kept on going south-west with 220° course now adjusted exactly to 220° and takes the lead sailing 30,5 knots.

Prinz Eugen increased speed to take lead of the Bismarck now it has close to 2.000 meters advantage on Bismarck.

Bismarck was almost done with his semi-circle to take Prinz Eugen back track again, and now restart speeding up to 27 knots.

Prince of Wales was covered by her smoke screen at 36.000 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowing the German ships from 23.000 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 29.000 meters (31.700 yards) now silent again.

At 06.26: Prinz Eugen kept on going south-west 220° course sailing around 30 knots.

Prinz Eugen was now leading the German squadron again with around 2.000 meters advantage on Bismarck.

Bismarck was done with is semi-circle and takes Prinz Eugen back track, speeding up to 28 knots.

Prince of Wales was covered by her smoke screen at 37.000 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowing the German ships from 23.000 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 30.000 meters (32.800 yards).

At 06.27: Prinz Eugen kept on going south-west 220° course sailing around 30 knots.

Prinz Eugen was now leading the German Squadron again with 2.000 meters advantage on Bismarck.

Bismarck was now on Prinz Eugen back track, speeding up to 28 knots.

Prince of Wales was covered by her smoke screen at 38.500 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowing the German ships from 23.000 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 31.000 meters (33.900 yards).

At 06.28: Prinz Eugen kept on going south-west 220° course sailing around 29 knots.

Prinz Eugen was now leading the German Squadron again with around 2.000 meters advantage on Bismarck.

Bismarck was now on Prinz Eugen back track, speeding up to 28 knots.

Prince of Wales was covered by her smoke screen at 39.500 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowing the German ships from 22.500 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 32.000 meters (35.000 yards).

At 06.29: Prinz Eugen kept on going south-west 220° course sailing around 29 knots.

Prinz Eugen was now leading the German Squadron again with around 2.000 meters advantage on Bismarck.

Bismarck was now on Prinz Eugen back track, speeding up to 28 knots.

Prince of Wales was covered by her smoke screen at 40.000 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowing the German ships from 22.000 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north and issues a report on German ships been 18 Nautical Miles (33.300 meters or 36.000 yards) on bearing 240° from her.

At 06.30: Prinz Eugen kept on going south-west 220° course sailing around 29 knots.

Prinz Eugen was now leading the German Squadron again with around 2.000 meters advantage on Bismarck.

Bismarck was now on Prinz Eugen back track, speeding up to 28 knots.

Prince of Wales was covered by her smoke screen at 41.500 meters from Bismarck.

Norfolk now sailed south-west still following and shadowing the German ships from 21.500 meters.

Suffolk was far away on north at more than 33.300 meters (36.000 yards) and starts a circle turn to keep her distance from the German Squadron.