The Drydock - Episode 166

Regarding the brief disagreement between KMS Bismarck/Prinz Eugen vs HMS Hood/Prince of Wales in the Denmark straits, I have two questions. First, I have read that Bismarck hit Prince of Wales bridge with a 15” main battery round, killing all there save Captain Leach and his Gunnery Officer, if memory serves. Was this an armored location? If it was, can you discuss the efficacy, or not, of the said armor? Secondly, I have also read that Prinz Eugen fired only high explosive shells versus armor piercing at Hood and Prince of Wales. Is this so? It makes sense on the face of it, but I was a bit surprised by it, if true.

Capitano Lorenzo

Thank you for answering my question. I have a follow up regarding the the formation at the Eastern Solomons. Frank states that North Carolina was 2,500 yards (1.5 miles) BEHIND Enterprise in her wake. Your scenario has the the slower ship in front which seems an eminently more logical disposition. Why was this formation chosen? It was not like the Japanese had to come from a fixed direction and had to come over the North Carolina. It seems the set up ensured that the North Carolina would not be able to stay with and protect properly a wildly maneuvering Enterprise. Is there any evidence in the films of the battle where North Carolina was? I seem to remember destroyers and cruisers coming into frame but nothing I could identify as a battleship. Again thank you for what you do. This will probably be my next Patreon drydock question!

John McDonough

Also regarding September Drydock: that Italian floating shed was a beautiful ship of function over form! Just look at it! No one would think that thing is a ship on the horizon, so the Italian floating shed would also get the first shot off. Honestly it looks better then a US monitor…the floating dock that grew a turret. I would take the Italian ship for picket defending a harbor anytime. Reposted.

Is this the flash protection gear you were talking about in DD166? https://youtu.be/gRTMmpIRUvw?t=178

Bjarki Hilmarsson

Leyte Gulf actions: Consider if Halsey had been in command over Halsey... Would he have survived his own wrath? He was not in charge of 7th fleet. Surigao Straight wasn't his victory, and neither was Samar.

Smokey The Bear

nearly 6 hours, if we're going any deeper I'm going to call Drach Herr Kaleu and report to him we're at Sehrohrtiefe

Reichsbierminister

Joy uncontained - a six hour Drydock to see me through a rainy weekend! Thank you, Drach.