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(More customer reviews)I recently watched this special on the History Channel. While I found it to be a little long, it was never boring. It excellently tells the story of the brief life and the death of the pride of the German Kriegsmarine, the Battleship Bismarck.
When the Bismarck was launched at Hamburg on Valentines Day, 1939, it was a proud day for the Third Reich; Another addition to their expanding fleet. However, they where far from being ready for battle with the Royal Navy. But Hitler presumed that war with Britain would not come till at least 1946. However in September, 1939, a few days after German armies invaded Poland, Britain declared war.
Since the German fleet was still too weak to face Britain's navy, it was decided that they would participate in commerce raiding. Instead of attacking offensively, the German fleet would hit the convoys coming from America to Britain, thus strangling Great Britain. In this role, the Bismarck would be the ultimate raider. However, the video also tells about Hitler's dislike of this role for the high seas fleet. He found it to be unsuitable for these glorious ships. He once remarked to fleet commander Admiral Erich Raeder "On land, I am a hero. At sea, I am a coward".
Many survivors from both the German and British sides are interviewed and shed a different light on the Bismarck that a book or a video can't provide. British seaman Ted Briggs tells us that he first wanted to join the Royal Navy when he first saw the H.M.S Hood. Later, he served on that ship when she was sunk by Bismarck and was one of only three of here crew to survive. Another interesting bit of information is told by one of Bismarck's former crewman: He says that Captain Lindemann thought the Bismarck was too big and powerful to be a female. Thus, he told his men that they will call the ship He instead of She.
The video discusses about the various twists and turns in the sea chase as well as the blunders made by both sides: The decision of the Bismarck's builders to ignore the problems that would occur when the rudder was disabled. The decision of German Admiral Lutjens not to refuel the ship when he had the chance. The decision for the Bismarck's crew to break radio silence and give her (I mean Him) position away to the British. The mis-caculation of British Admiral Tovey of the Bismarck's location. The various accidental attacks by British planes on the wrong ships (Fortunately, none where hit). Also, there is the dumb luck of the torpedo plane that crippled the Bismarck's rudder. Finally, there is the controversial decision of the captain of the cruiser Dorsetshire to stop the rescue of Bismarck survivors and steam away because of a U-boat sighting.
I cannot recommend this documentary enough. For another great Bismarck documentary, watch the shorter and more basic but also entertaining "Search for Battleship Bismarck", which also details about Dr. Robert Ballard's successful hunt for the wreck of the Bismarck. Also read a book on the Bismarck, which (Unlike movies) don't have to be edited.
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