WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Sink The Bismarck! Stringbags vs Bismarck (Part 2)

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Jan 29, 2026
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ANECDOTE

Swordfish Crew's Harrowing Initial Attack

  • A Swordfish attack squadron flew low through intense anti-aircraft fire to locate Bismarck despite severe danger.
  • Several crews reported no hits and returned to Ark Royal after surviving heavy flak and splinter damage.
INSIGHT

Navy-RAF Coordination And Bowhill's Instinct

  • Coastal Command and the Admiralty coordinated searches with Admiralty choosing targets and RAF Coastal Command executing patrols.
  • Air Marshal Bowhill used sailor instincts to predict Bismarck's less-obvious route towards northern Spain.
ANECDOTE

Catalina Z Spots Bismarck

  • Catalina Z's crew included American volunteer Ensign Leonard Tuck Smith who flew long-range patrols from Lough Erne.
  • The PBY Catalina located Bismarck at close range and transmitted precise position and bearing at 10:30:26.
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