Message #244350

[MsRowdyRedhead]

47316

Churchill sent in the Fairey Swordfish. Torpedo planes were launched from Ark Royal to inflict what proved to be the crippling blow. Bismarck’s fire-control system, ironically, was too sophisticated to draw an accurate bead on these cumbersome, slow-moving biplanes, allowing them to release their torpedoes at almost point-blank range. The Bismarck  was hit several times, but only one torpedo caused real damage, and it proved decisive. The torpedo struck the stern on the starboard side, jamming both rudders at 12 degrees to port. Efforts to undo the damage failed, and the great battleship was left turning in a wide circle, unable to steer, and doomed.