WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk Hood vs Bismarck: Battle of the Denmark Strait (Part 4)
Jan 15, 2026
Dive into the intense moments of the Denmark Strait as Hood and Bismarck confront each other. Explore the strategic maneuvers and gunnery challenges faced during the battle. The catastrophic magazine explosion that shattered Hood is vividly recounted, alongside the shockwaves felt throughout the British Empire. Discover the implications of this pivotal moment in naval history and how it affected wartime morale. James and Al delve into Holland's decisions and the immediate fallout, painting a gripping picture of bravery and loss.
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Electra Crew's Harrowing Discovery
- Jack Taylor of HMS Electra described finding floating wreckage and expecting hundreds of survivors but seeing none.
- He recalled an awestruck shipmate saying, "Good Lord, she's gone with all hands!"
Closing Range Reduces Plunging-Fire Risk
- Closing to reduce plunging-fire vulnerability forced Hood to limit its available guns and accept risk.
- James Holland explains shorter range flattens shell trajectory, reducing deck-penetration danger.
Naval Gunnery Is A Difficult Science
- Naval gunnery at sea is extremely complex because ships move and ranges change constantly.
- The hosts stress hitting is difficult and corrections require fast calculations under fire.
