Hunt the Bismarck

Hunt the Bismarck by Angus Konstam is a gripping and meticulously researched narrative that delves into one of the most dramatic episodes of naval warfare during the Second World War. The book takes you through the intense and suspense-laden operation known as Rheinübung, undertaken by Nazi Germany's largest battleship, Bismarck, in May 1941, followed by her relentless pursuit by the determined forces of the Royal Navy.

Entering naval service in the summer of 1940, Bismarck was a formidable war machine, boasting eight 15-inch guns complemented by a powerful array of lighter weapons. Her robust armoured protection led many to consider her unsinkable, a claim that would be dramatically tested within a year. In May 1941, Bismarck embarked on a mission into the Atlantic, leading to the legendary battle of the Denmark Strait. During this fierce encounter, she managed to destroy HMS Hood, the pride of the Royal Navy, inflicting a significant loss but also suffering damage that limited her mobility.

With Bismarck now loose in the North Atlantic, a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase unfolded. The Royal Navy, eager to avenge the loss of Hood, deployed the Home Fleet in a massive effort to hunt down the elusive battleship. This operation set the stage for one of the greatest naval chases in history, marked by strategy, bravery, and relentless determination from both sides.

Angus Konstam draws from a wealth of first-hand accounts and intertwines extensive research into a fast-paced and detailed narrative. The result is an exceptionally readable and accurate account of Bismarck’s epic pursuit, offering readers a front-row seat to this dramatic chapter in naval history. From the planning stages of Operation Rheinübung to the climactic final showdown, Hunt the Bismarck captures the tension, the tactical manoeuvres, and the human stories behind this pivotal event.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in naval history, World War II, or those who appreciate thrilling true-life stories of battle and heroism on the high seas.