Bismarck

German battleship of World War II. Launched in February 1939, it was a constant threat to Allied convoys in the Atlantic until sunk by the British in May 1941.

The Bismarck displaced 50,900 tons at full load, and was armed with eight 38‐cm guns, twelve 15‐cm guns, and sixteen 105‐mm and sixteen 37‐mm anti‐aircraft guns. It was protected by a 320‐mm armour belt, and had a top speed of 30 knots.

After setting out with the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen to attack convoys in the Atlantic in May 1941, the Bismarck was attacked by HMS Hood and HMS Prince of Wales on 24 May. The Hood was sunk and the Prince of Wales forced to withdraw, although they inflicted some damage. The Bismarck turned back toward Brest and was attacked by torpedo bombers from HMS Ark Royal on 26 May, which damaged the steering gear. The final blow came on 27 May when HMS King George V and HMS Rodney attacked and caused severe damage to the German vessel. A torpedo attack by HMS Devonshire finally sank the ship. Only 107 of the 2,192 crew survived; Admiral Gunther Lütjens was among the casualties.

In June 1989, the wreck of the Bismarck was found, by US scientist Robert Ballard, 600 miles west of Brest, France, at a depth of 4,790 m/15,700 ft.