The claim that the Bismarck was sunk because an American aircraft gave her position to the Royal Navy is not accurate. The Bismarck, the pride of the German Kriegsmarine during World War II, was located and ultimately sunk by the British due to their own efforts, involving reconnaissance aircraft, surface ships, and codebreaking intelligence.
Here’s how events unfolded:
The Hunt for the Bismarck
Initial Tracking: After Bismarck and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen were spotted in the Denmark Strait, where they sank HMS Hood, British forces pursued them aggressively. Although the Royal Navy lost contact with the Bismarck for a period, British reconnaissance aircraft and ships worked to locate her.
Pivotal Sightings:
- A British Catalina flying boat (an American-designed aircraft operated by the Royal Air Force) eventually spotted Bismarck heading toward occupied France, where she sought refuge. This sighting played a critical role in narrowing down her location.
- The Catalina was manned by a mixed crew, including an American observer, Ensign Leonard Smith of the U.S. Navy, who was part of a U.S.-UK exchange program. However, Smith’s role was as an observer, and the actual sighting and reporting were conducted by the RAF crew.
Final Engagement: Once located, British forces, including Fairey Swordfish torpedo bombers from HMS Ark Royal, launched an attack. A crucial torpedo hit damaged Bismarck's rudder, leaving her unable to steer effectively. This allowed British ships to close in and engage her in a final surface battle, leading to her sinking on May 27, 1941.
American Involvement?
While there was American involvement in terms of personnel like Ensign Leonard Smith, the claim that an American aircraft or direct American action was responsible for Bismarck's sinking is misleading. The Royal Navy’s own efforts, including the use of reconnaissance, codebreaking (via the breaking of Enigma codes by Bletchley Park), and aggressive naval pursuit, were the decisive factors.