POW's hit did have consequences, not only did Bismarck lose a good deal of fuel but the bow down reduced her maximum speed to 20kts, at 28kts after Denmark Straight there was no way the RN was going to catch her before she came within range of the Luftwaffe from Brittany.

The reduced speed allowed first Victorious to close and launch a torpedo attack of which one of eight hit - Lt Philip Gick - which detonated against the starboard armour plate. Lindemann with his skilled helmsman Hansen avoided all the others but the maneuvering cost Bismarck too much time.

The following day fifteen further Swordfish were launched from Ark Royal under atrocious weather conditions and were superbly led to their target by Lt. Cmd T Coode. Attacking from all points and again under intense AAA fire from Bismarck thirteen successfully dropped with two hits, one again against the nickel steel armour (Sub Lt. A Beale) but the other one of the most decisive blows in modern history with Sub Lt J Moffatt's torpedo striking the very end of the port quarter and permanently damaging Bismarck's steering. That was it, all over, Bismarck was going nowhere except in circles and the next day was caught and pounded.

Don't forget the most significant contribution played by the very brave Swordfish pilots and crew of the RN's FAA. Without Moffatt's hit it is very possible that Bismarck would have reached the safety of air cover and a French port.

Perhaps Hood did 'throw a rod' and sink herself, as you can see from her photo she was very long (hull to beam ratio was 8.239/1!) which during her life made her prone to bending stresses and after twenty years and Holland's pursuit/intercept on the day, became too much.

When the evidence changes I'll change my mind and so until Mr Ballard goes back to the middle of nowhere and sends his robot to the depths to find conclusive proof of a major malfunction, it is still Bismarck's hit.