Original subtitles

[Music]

Heat. Heat.

[Music]

This is London. Ed Morrow reporting. To

an American reporter, there is something

very special about the people of this

city, this island, this nation.

Never in the long and stormy history of

Great Britain have her fortunes been as

low as they are in this spring of 1941.

Britain is fighting alone for her very

existence, fighting desperately. Yet her

people remain steadfast and unflinching.

Britain's allies have been defeated one

by one as the dark stain of Nazi

conquest spreads across the map of

Europe. In Africa, Raml is giving the

eighth army a very bad time. Greece has

fallen and the Luft Buffa continues to

smash English cities. The worst news of

all comes from the North Atlantic. For

last month, German Ubot and surface

raiders sank 600,000 tons of shipping.

In this battle, Britain's lifeblood is

at stake. This is the battle on which

depends the future course of the war.

The future course of British history.

The battle of the North Atlantic is

fought at sea, but it is directed from

the Admiral here in London.

Buried deep in the ancient Admiraly

building 200 ft underground is the war

room. Here is the guiding brain and

central nervous system of the British

Navy, the operations division.

>> HX2612.

>> Take Captain Shepherd states and put

them in the office.

>> Thank you.

This, of course, is the message center

for incoming and outgoing signal.

>> These tubes lead to the wireless room

just down the hall.

>> Paul Shepherd,

>> anything wrong?

>> That man's uniform.

>> Oh, quite informal here about some

things. You'll find it's much different

from the bridge of a ship at sea.

>> Is that so?

>> Oh, yes. Has to be that way.

>> Shepherd, this is Commander Richards,

the duty plot officer. Captain Shepherd

is the new director of operations.

>> Don't let me interrupt your meal.

>> Captain Shepherd, second officer, Anne

Davis. Captain Shepherd's taking over

from me.

>> How do you do, sir?

>> How'd you do?

>> Be nice to her, Shepherd. If she ever

got angry and walked out, we'd lose the

war.

>> Really?

>> No, seriously. You can depend on this

young lady. I've done it more times than

I care to admit.

>> And be a darling, will you? And get your

plot report in as soon as possible. We

mustn't be late for Jimmy's party

tonight. Right up.

>> I suppose I should shed a few tears at

leaving this place, but quite honestly,

I've hated the job. Too much

responsibility, too much strain. I'm

getting a command at C. That's what I've

always wanted.

>> Congratulations. I hope you find one

that doesn't involve too much strain.

>> Yes. The point is it's a different kind

of strain. After all, if a man's going

to serve in the Navy, he ought to serve

at sea. Unless, of course, it's a man

like yourself who's already seen a

tremendous amount of action. He should

still serve at sea.

>> Yes. Well, I better get along. I'll say

goodbye now unless you have any

questions.

>> I don't think so. Thank you. Good luck.

>> Thank you.

36.

>> We thought we might be of some

assistance. Uh, not knowing your way

around yet, sir. Is there anything I can

do for you?

>> Yes, there is something you can do. A

few moments ago, I saw a rating enter

the war room without his jumper. From

now on, everyone will be properly

dressed at all times.

I cannot have officers eating sandwiches

on duty, Commander Richards, under any

circumstances.

>> I'm sorry, sir. Won't happen again.

>> Excuse me, sir. I think you should know

that Commander Richard stood two watches

without relief.

>> I'm sure Commander Richards doesn't need

an interpreter, Miss Davis.

>> I was also surprised to hear a Ren

officer dressed by her Christian name.

To me, this kind of informality is both

irregular and inexcusable.

>> I'm in.

>> Sorry to interrupt, sir.

>> Priority signal.

>> Excuse me.

25° 36° 04 west 03.

Oh, Shepherd, you know the assistant

chief of naval staff?

>> Yes, indeed, sir. Very well.

>> How are you, Jonathan? I'm awfully glad

to see you here.

>> Thank you. I have a signal here, sir,

from my naval Atachi in Stockholm. He

reports two large German warships

steaming through the Katagat.

>> What ships are they?

>> He doesn't say.

>> Think it might be the Bisma?

>> It's possible, sir. She's just completed

3 months training in the Baltic.

>> Couldn't pick a better time to break

out, could they? With this creek

business going on and our convoy

scattered all over the ocean.

>> Have a nasty hunch. That's the idea,

sir.

>> I hope for once you're wrong. Can't

afford to have that monster on the

loose. Look what Shanho and Nisnar did

to us.

>> 22 ships sunk. 115,000 tons.

>> All in two months. But they don't have

anything like Bismar's firepower. She

could stand off and sink every ship in a

convoy without ever coming under fire.

>> Shepherd, get on to the

commander-in-chief home fleet. Tell him

we're not sure, but we're very much

concerned. Tell him we'll let him have

every scrap of information we get.

>> I s Shepherd,

>> I wish you'd prepare your

recommendations. Case it is the Bismar.

>> There you go, sir.

>> Pretty rough assignment for a new man on

the job, isn't it?

>> I suppose it is, sir, but I'm not

worried about Shepherd. He's one of the

ablest men in the service.

>> I'm also told he's as cold as a witch's

heart.

>> That may be a slight exaggeration, sir.

>> I want a man who's cold. I'd like a man

with no heart at all. No soul, just an

enormous brain.

Battle of the North Atlantic is a grim

business, and it isn't going to be won

by charm and personality. We've had too

much of that around here.

>> I've known Shepherd for years. We've

served together before. He was quite

different in those days.

>> Any particular reason for the change? I

suspect there are many reasons, sir.

Reasons of a personal nature.

>> Oh, I see. Well, how are we going to get

the information on those two ships?

>> We have an agent in southern Norway,

sir.

>> Better get in touch with him.

>> We don't want to get in touch with him

directly. It's much too dangerous. There

isn't time to go through his Uric or

Stockholm.

>> In this case, I'm afraid you'll have to

make direct contact.

>> Sir, this man is in Nazi occupied

territory.

I realize that.

All the same, we must get in touch with

him immediately.

I see.

[Music]

Heat. Heat.

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

The enemy ships were cited coming out of

the Baltic. Obviously heading out to

sea. Obviously not in the service of the

kings. Now what have we got over here at

Scarpa Flow? Battleships King George V,

Prince of Wales, Battle Cruiser Hood,

and a few cruisers and destroyers. The

rest of the fleets out on convoy escort.

>> Excuse me, sir.

>> It's from Admiral Cunningham. Sir,

situation in CIT is deteriorating.

German airborne troops have captured

Malam airfield.

>> Why is it we never get our bad medicine

in small doses.

>> Perfect timing for an enemy breakout in

the North Atlantic.

>> Cunningham and his fleet busy down here

in Cree. Someville's got his hands full

trying to reinforce mortar with Force H.

Sean H and Nisner up here at breast

ready to come out again. So we must keep

them covered.

>> And 16 convoys to guard scattered all

over the Atlantic.

If

>> we had 100 more ships, we still wouldn't

have enough.

>> Sir, we've just had a signal from our

agent in Norway. The message is

incomplete. Cited two enemy ships off

Christian Sand at 0335 sailing due west.

Cruiser Prince and transmission stopped

abruptly at that point. Sir,

>> did you try to get him back?

>> Yes, sir. No further contact.

>> Where is Christian center?

>> Off here, sir. Southern tip of Norway.

>> What do you think, ACNS?

>> I don't think this man would have

transmitted in the circumstances if it

hadn't been something really important.

>> Then we'll proceed on the assumption

that it's Bismar.

>> May I suggest, sir, we put Coastal

Command to work on air reconnaissance?

By all means, everything from Bergen

southwards. Tell him to photograph

everything that looks suspicious. I'll

talk to commander-in-chief at Scarflow.

>> I sir,

[Music]

>> excuse me, sir. First sea lord in the

line, something.

>> Hello, Jack. How are you?

>> I'm fine. Those two German ships were

cited off southern Norway at 0335.

One is the Prince Oegan, and we're not

sure about the other.

>> Do you think it's

>> I suggest you proceed on the worst

possible assumption that it's Bismar,

and she's trying to break out.

>> All right.

>> I may be wrong, but I can't think of

anything worse at the moment.

>> Yes, I quite agree, sir. We can't afford

to let that ship get loose in the

Atlantic.

>> I'll come to immediate notice for

Stevens.

>> All right. Goodbye.

We're directed to assume that it's

Bismar accompanied by Prince Organ and

they're attempting to break out into the

convoy lanes. Now, gentlemen, they'd

have four available passages, wouldn't

they? There's the Denmark straight,

the passage south of Iceland, the

Pharaoh Shetland passage, and the Fair

Island Channel between the Ornis and the

Shedlands.

Anyone care to place a bet?

>> What about the Iceland Pharaoh's

channel, sir? Not too near our bases and

plenty of room for maneuver.

>> Oh, why wouldn't you take the nearest

exit? Their island channels only a few

hundred miles.

>> Much too close to our air patrol.

>> You're of no help to me, gentlemen. All

you're saying is it could be any one of

the four.

Actually, of course, you're perfectly

right. I'm afraid somehow or other we've

got to guard them all.

>> Have we any idea where they are now,

sir?

>> Nothing. Definitely.

Jets, check with coastal command.

They're still caring out of search.

>> I I

[Music]

[Music]

Looks like two cruisers. That's what the

pilot said.

>> One's a cruiser. All right.

The other one's Bismar. Bismar's been

located in Norway.

>> Definitely identified.

>> Bismar's instant fuel.

>> They want us to send everything we've

got. Bombers, torpedo planes,

everything.

>> How are they?

>> No luck, nothing.

>> Visibility down to nil.

>> Down to 200 ft. Sir,

>> you're trying to get a bombing run like

that.

>> No, we came in as low as we could. 200

ft along the

>> What convoy is that, Miss Jackson?

>> OG 62, sir. Right

>> now, Miss Davis, take the Althus from

OG62

and put her with the home fleet.

Good.

Now, take the Victorious from that

convoy forming up in the Clyde WS8B.

Put her with a home fleet.

>> Sir, operations home fleet calling.

Director of operations.

>> No, I'm sorry. We still have no

information.

Well, the weather's closed in over there

and aircraft can't see a thing.

>> Yes, as soon as soon as I hear. Right.

Right. I will.

>> Take the repulse from WS8B and put her

with a home fleet.

>> OB 325 hasn't maintained the speed

during the last.

>> Right.

Home fleet looks better now, doesn't it?

>> Yes, sir. But I wouldn't give much for

the convoy.

>> You do recall that's a true convoy,

don't you, sir?

>> Yes, I do.

>> Well, they've got a long way to go

around the Cape to the Middle East. This

leaves them with practically no

protection at all, sir.

>> I'm quite aware of the circumstances,

Miss Davis.

>> In my opinion, this is a risk we have to

take.

>> We have to take, sir,

[Music]

>> what do you have in mind?

>> I think we must reinforce the home

fleet, sir. We can't expect them to

patrol everything from here to Greenland

with what they've got now.

>> Well, where do we get the ships?

>> We'd have to take ships away from other

duty. Would involve some risk. We could

take Victorious and Repulse off escort

duty. That would give the

commander-in-chief an aircraft carrier

and another battle cruiser.

>> What convoy are they covering?

>> WHSB sailing from the Clyde tomorrow.

It's a large troop convoy, sir. 20,000

men. We'd be exposing them to a long and

dangerous voyage without proper escort.

>> Is that what you're recommending?

>> Yes, sir.

>> You're willing to gamble the lives of

20,000 men?

>> I think there's a difference between a

gamble and a calculated risk.

>> Good for you, Shepherd.

Of

>> course, I realize it's it's not an easy

decision to make.

>> The important ones never are.

All right, go ahead and detach those two

ships from the convoy. Inform

commander-in-chief home fleet.

>> Hi, Isa.

>> They're giving us victorious and

repulse.

And now we can send Hood and Prince of

Wales out to support the patrols in the

Greenland area. I want them ready to

sail within an hour.

>> Yes, sir. The Prince of Wales has

civilian workers aboard, sir. They're

still making adjustments to the gun

turrets.

>> Well, if they finish their work on time,

have them put ashore. If not, they'll

have to sail with the ship.

>> My eyes, sir.

As far as the rest of the fleet's

concerned,

>> we'll wait here for some definite

information.

>> I suppose my nerves can stand it if

yours can.

>> I've just been talking to Captain

Shepherd in London, sir. He says the

visibility over the coast of Norway is

absolutely nil.

>> She may still be there. She may have

sailed hours ago. What's the latest

forecast?

>> Pretty bad, I'm afraid, sir. Looks like

two days of very thick weather.

[Music]

The weather report is very good,

Admiral. Two days of heavy overcast.

>> Good news. Is it not so, Captain?

>> It is, sir.

>> Thank you, Barnard.

We have a most interesting chess game

here, Lindamman. The important moves

this time are the opening.

>> To break out into the Atlantic would not

be easy, sir. Yes, but we have the

advantage because they do not know what

we are going to do. We can move out

immediately or we can hide for a while

under this beautiful overcast. Also, we

have a choice of four different exits.

>> Group North has suggested the Iceland

pharaoh's passage. You're not forgetting

that, sir.

>> We have to take orders from Group North.

We do not have to take suggestions.

>> Yes, sir. Lindaman, we have a great

opportunity here. I do not intend to let

Group North or anyone else lose it for

me. There can be great glory in this

voyage.

>> Glory for the third R. Glory for us.

>> For you, sir. You are the fleet

commander.

>> I will see that you are not forgotten.

>> I was forgotten after the last war until

the Furer came to power. I got no

recognition, no promotion. I was ignored

just as Germany was ignored. The world

only remembers the winners. Slenderman,

we must make sure this time that it will

remember us.

>> I'm sure it will.

>> How soon can you get on the way?

>> I can have steam in half an hour, sir.

>> Captain, I want to be out of here in 15

minutes.

>> Very well, sir.

>> Signal, Prince.

>> Very well, sir.

[Music]

House

now.

[Music]

[Music]

Sir, there's a signal from the

commander-in-chief home fleet. The

aircraft from Hatton has got through to

Grimstad. There's nothing there now,

sir. Nothing at all.

>> Well, they've sailed. At least we know

that much. Now we can get moving.

[Music]

position of all combines, sir.

>> Thank you.

>> All we can do now is wait. See what

happens.

>> That's the worst part of our job, the

waiting.

>> By the way, you have a son in the

service, haven't you?

>> Yes, sir. He's a Jibralta. He's an air

gunner in the Ark Royal. I bet you're

glad he won't be mixed up in this Bismar

show.

>> Why should I be glad?

>> If you were, you wouldn't admit it,

would you? Even to me.

>> He's serving with the fleet. You must

take his chance like everybody else.

>> I see.

There's an air vice marshall coming in

later to help out on reconnaissance.

Give him a briefing, will you?

>> Very good, sir.

>> You wanted to speak to the crew,

Captain?

>> Have they been alerted?

>> Yes, sir.

Captain Lindamman,

>> with your permission, I would like to

address the ship's company.

>> As you wish, sir.

>> Thank you.

>> Officers and men of the Bismar. This is

the fleet commander.

>> I can now tell you that we are going out

into the North Atlantic to attack the

British convoy system.

>> We are going to sink their ships until

they no longer dare to let them sail.

>> It's true. We are only two ships,

>> but the world has never seen such ships.

You are sailing in the largest, the most

powerful battleship afloat,

>> superior to anything in the British

Navy. We are faster, we are unsinkable,

and we are German. You cadet officers,

you were selected by the highest

authority to make this voyage. When you

return to the fleet, you will have many

inspiring stories to tell.

>> Stories of German sea power. Stories of

Nazi victory.

To all of you, I say this.

Never forget that you are Germans.

Never forget that you are Nazis.

>> Hitler.

In the center, the main plot.

>> What's that?

>> Another convoy, sir.

>> Right. Carry on.

>> Now, sir, over here we have the Hood and

the Prince of Wales. They left Scarpa

Flow 40 hours ago. Here we have the

Repulse, the aircraft carrier

Victorious, and the King George V.

They've been steaming for approximately

18 hours. In this area, the cruisers

Arathusa, Manchester, Birmingham. In the

Denmark Strait, the cruisers Suffk and

Norfolk. As you can see, sir, our

cruiser screen is spread out much too

thinly. Now, if your people could get

into the air,

>> can't fly reconnaissance missions in

weather like this, you know. Oh,

>> we realize that, of course, sir, we must

assume that the Bismar in company with

the Prince Oegan is going to attempt a

breakthrough to the North Atlantic.

But we don't know where and we don't

know when. If it's here or here,

then the Repulse and the Victorious and

the KG5 will have to do the job. If it's

here in the Denmark Strait, then the

Hood and the Prince of Wales will have

to go after her.

>> I should think they could handle it very

nicely.

>> Well, sir, Hood's a great ship. So is

the Prince of Wales. But she's fresh

from the builder's yard. No training for

her crew. In fact, in this emergency,

she had to put to sea with some of the

contractors workmen still on board. The

Bismar's a tough proposition for any two

ships. Excuse me, gentlemen. The first

sea dog can see you now.

>> Oh, good. Thank you very much.

>> A pleasure, sir.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Right, sir.

>> Yes, I will. Commander Richards, who's

your relief?

>> Dexter, sir.

>> He's late, isn't he?

>> A little, but I don't mind.

>> Well, I do. Tell him I'll require him

for duty the next three nights.

My dearest Tom.

Come in.

>> Thought you might like a cup of tea,

sir. As long as you're not going to take

any rest.

>> What are you doing here, Miss Davis? I

thought you were off duty.

>> That officer Simpson's down with flu.

I'm just filling in.

>> Oh, thank you. Would you file that for

me, please?

>> There's an air raid going on up top.

>> Bad one?

>> No, not very.

>> Won't your family be worried about you?

>> I have no family here. My father lives

in Canada now.

>> I thought that surely you must be

married or something.

>> No, sir. Nothing at all.

>> Doesn't that seem a little odd? You

don't mind my saying so? I was going to

be married last year but didn't work

out.

>> His fault or yours?

>> He was at Dunkerk and he was listed as

missing an action. It's just a year ago.

Year ago next week.

He was a rather wonderful man. Not

brilliant or dashing or anything like

that, but just rather wonderful.

I'm sorry.

>> Actually, I think it helps to talk about

these things, don't you, sir?

>> No, I don't. As a matter of fact, I

don't think it helps at all. Getting

emotional about things is a peace time

luxury. Wartime, it's much too painful.

>> But you can't turn off your emotions

just because there's a war on. You can't

do anything about your feelings.

>> Yes, you can.

>> Director of operations.

>> Tell you why I called, Jonathan.

Dexter's here in my office. and he has

rather a special problem.

>> I understand you've given him extra

duties.

>> Yes, sir. That's quite correct. I said

I'd require him for duty the next three

nights.

>> It seems that his girl is an army nurse

and she's got orders to sail tomorrow

night from Portsmouth.

>> Well, I'm very sorry that Dexter's young

lady is going overseas, but surely

that's beside the point.

>> Don't you think you can make an

exception?

>> No, sir. I'm not prepared to make an

exception for this officer or any other

for that matter. Certainly not for

reasons of personal convenience.

Well, it's very simple, sir. Either you

have discipline or you haven't.

>> Well, I'm sorry, Dexter. Thank you, sir.

>> By the way, Jonathan, there's a fleet

commander aboard the Bismar. Yes,

Admiral Gun Luchians.

>> Luchens?

>> You know this man?

>> Yes, I do. One of his cruisers sank my

ship.

>> Oh, then you'll have a special interest

in him.

British lady

at 08 this morning. Commander Richards,

have a bunk made up in my office.

>> Yes, sir. I want the latest report on

all shipping in the North Atlantic.

Enemy friendly and neutral.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Is there any air reconnaissance yet over

this area?

>> Not yet, sir. The weather's still too

bad.

>> You show two cruisers in the Denmark

Strait. Is Suffuk back on station?

>> Oh, we assume she is, sir, but we don't

know for certain. She's quiet as a tomb.

Alter calls to 190. Starboard at 15.

>> Star 15, sir.

>> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Very good, sir.

Bloody fool.

This blasted fog. It's like looking into

a cake of ice. I can't see a thing.

>> Don't know when you're well off. See

something out there? It'll have 15-in

guns on it.

>> Solid foot of armor plate. That's what a

Bismar's got.

>> Who said so?

>> The gunnery officer. That's who.

>> Said for all the good our guns would do,

we might as well throw crumpets at her.

>> I wish someone had thrown crumpet at me.

Ship bearing green 45.

>> Two ships bearing green 45.

>> Hard port. Full for ahead. Both hard for

ahead. Sir,

>> shall we follow them, sir?

Steady on 130.

>> Steady on 130.

>> New human sir.

>> Make to Admiral T. Bismar and cruiser

cited. Course south my position. Give

latitude and longitude. Get that off

immediately in case we run into trouble.

I sir.

>> Check radar.

>> Check your radar. Block.

Enemy report from suffer.

I found her. Picked her up in the

Denmark Straight. Bismar and a heavy

cruiser.

>> 6645 north, 26 west.

>> There, gentlemen. Course southwest.

>> Now things are looking up.

>> Tell the first seaword immediately.

>> Hi, sir. It's a good job we've got some

heavy stuff in the area. Richards, let

me have an intercepting course for Hood

and Prince of Wales.

>> Yes,

>> sir. This one's from the north.

Norfolk's there too, sir. She's with

Suffukk. They're shadowing in thick fog

using radar.

>> I hope that radar works better than

usual. If she decided to turn on them,

she could blow them both out of the

water.

>> No, Luchens is too clever for that.

You'd rather shake off a pair of

cruisers than stop to sink them.

>> Cost to intercept this mark is 310. That

would bring Hood in contact

just about there.

>> Just about here, sir. The intercepting

course is 310° at full speed. Maybe we

should make contact at 03.

>> I don't want to engage him until

daylight. Give me a course in speed to

intercept at dawn.

>> Sir, at 27 knots, course 295. We should

meet them at first light.

>> We'll proceed on that course at that

speed.

>> I sir,

>> pass the word to Prince of Wales.

>> I sir,

>> anything further, sir.

>> Signal from flag, sir. Speed 27 knots.

>> 200 revolutions.

>> 200 revolutions.

>> Admiral's intentions. Follow him.

>> Hang on.

>> Wilson.

>> Sir,

>> tell the captain we've gone on to 27

knots. Also, the admiral sending his

intentions.

>> Hi, sir.

>> Oh, Wilson. How are the civilian workers

enjoying themselves?

>> They're loving every moment of it, sir.

>> Well, I'll tell you one thing. I'm not

sleeping in one of these bloody

hammocks. Make a note, Walter, to speak

to the captain. We'll have double beds

put in.

>> Oh, very funny. Well, I reckon it's a

diabolical liberty. Never even had a

chance to phone me wife to tell her what

was happening.

>> They were afraid she might not let you

go.

>> You can just imagine what she thinks I'm

up to. Fishious or wrong, it'll never

believe this.

>> Where are we going? That's what I want

to know. Couple of minutes ago, we

picked up speed. What's that for? In the

middle of the night.

>> Captain speaking.

Bismar has been cited in Denmark

Straight. She's on her way out into the

Atlantic and we plan to tackle her about

dawn tomorrow morning. You will be going

to Action Station shortly after

midnight. So get all the rest you can

before then. I'm confident tomorrow is

going to be a big day for us. Good luck

and good shooting.

>> Well, I can't do this to me. I'm in a

reserved occupation.

>> I never thought a thing like this would

happen. Fancy me fighting Germans on the

high seas. Yeah, lad. You ever been in a

battle before? Yeah, hundreds of times.

Don't hardly give it a thought anymore.

>> SC1

report, sir.

>> SuffK and Norfolk still in contact. Hood

and Prince of Wales are estimated 120 mi

from Bismar.

>> Should be quite a show tomorrow morning.

>> I know where I'd rather be.

>> Excuse me, sir.

What a time for Shepherd to take over.

>> I hope he's getting all the help he

needs.

>> Help, sir. I didn't think he needed any

help.

>> Captain Shepard is a very old friend of

mine, Miss Davis. You'd be quite wrong

if you judged him too harshly. He had

his ship blown from under him last year

up in Norway. This job here means

promotion for him, but he can't wait to

get another ship. Long as I've known

Shepherd, only two things really

mattered to him. His family and the sea.

>> I didn't know he had any family, sir.

>> His son is an air gunner serving in the

Ark Royal. He and the boy are terribly

close.

>> And his wife,

>> he hasn't spoken about her, and I

haven't asked. Signal from

commander-in-chief home fleet, sir.

SuffK and Norfolk will continue

shadowing tonight. They will make no

attempt to engage the enemy. Right.

Make the hood in Prince of Wales.

If enemy maintains present course and

speed, you should make contact

approximately 0510.

>> Right, sir.

>> Dexter.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Add to that.

>> Good luck. Very good, sir.

[Music]

>> I'm not strong enough for this sort of

thing. Besides, I got flat feet. Oh,

shut up, Henry. If we're going to fight

the bismar, I'm going to check why

turret.

>> Yeah, and we better check that turbine.

Come on, Henry.

>> Anyway, I always get seasick.

>> Hood and prince of Wales are somewhere

in here.

>> Suffuk and Norfolk, Port Bismar, and

Prince Oen here.

>> If so, we shouldn't have long to wait.

>> Should be getting light up there now.

>> Signal from Suffuk, sir. have cighted

Hood and Prince of Wales bearing

southeast. Distance 15 miles.

>> That means they've made it. Good old

Hood. She'll get them.

[Music]

>> Hurry up.

[Music]

I return penalty.

[Music]

My gun show.

[Music]

[Music]

bridge. Smoke bang green 4 oz.

Bismar and cruiser bearing green 40

about 12 miles. Closing fast.

Those are not cruisers. They are

battleships.

>> Captain, open fire on the leading ship.

>> Target leading ship.

>> Stand by to open fire.

>> Target leading ship. Stand by to open

fire.

>> Open fire when you have the range.

Concentrate on Bismar.

>> I sir, let me know when you're ready to

engage guns and then we'll turn. Sir,

>> tell Prince of Wales to open fire when

she's in range.

>> How

shooting

25,000

300

turrets ready to open fire, sir.

[Music]

Open fire. Fire.

[Music]

Fire.

[Music]

That was too close for comfort. Turn 20°

to starboard. Captain.

>> Shoot.

[Music]

>> Fire.

[Music]

Unbelievable.

Blime me. What happened?

>> The hood's gone.

>> Good god.

>> Y.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Mate Admiral from Prince of Wales. Tell

them.

Tell them the hood is blown up.

>> I I sir.

>> 15. 15, sir. Starboard 15.

Signal from Prince of Wales. Huh?

>> Well, what is it?

>> It says HMS hood has blown up.

>> Bring it here.

>> Signal from SuffK, sir.

Hood sunk. Prince of Wales and Bismar

exchanging fire.

>> Fire.

[Music]

[Music]

Tell the engine room to give me

everything they've got.

>> Cause 240.

>> Be good. Cause 240.

>> Fire.

[Music]

[Music]

Give me a hand.

Car 150.

[Music]

>> She's badly damaged, sir. She's turning

away and making smoke.

>> Do you want to pursue?

>> No. We have more important work to do.

Hold your course. Steady on present

course.

>> Good sir,

>> captain. Congratulations.

>> It's a great moment for the German Navy.

>> Yes, Linderman.

And for the two of us

[Music]

morning, HMS Hood, largest British

warship, was sunk by

HMS.

[Music]

This is London. Ed Merl reporting. This

island, which is no stranger to bad

tidings, received news today that HMS

Hood, largest warship in the British

fleet and pride of the British Navy, has

been sunk by the German battleship

Bismar. From the Hood's compliment of

1500 men, there were three survivors. In

the same engagement, the battleship

Prince of Wales was badly damaged. Two

British capital ships have been put out

of commission, and the most powerful

battleship in the world is now loose on

the high seas. It remains to be seen

whether the British Navy has the

capability at this crucial moment of

concentrating enough sea power to deal

with the situation.

There is undoubtedly great rejoicing in

Berlin tonight and also on the Bismar.

>> Yes to the ship, Lindamman. And here's

to us.

You have beaten the best they have. Do

you realize that?

>> Yes, sir.

>> They will never stop us. Not now.

>> You wanted the damage control report,

sir.

>> What is it?

>> We received one hit forward on the port

side over number two fuel tank. We are

losing a little oil.

>> Anything serious? No sir. I would say

the damage is very slight. However, I

would recommend we put about and have it

repaired.

>> Put about?

>> You mean go home?

>> Yes, sir. We could refuel at the same

time.

>> Are you mad?

We fought our way out into the Atlantic.

This is no time to turn and run for

home.

>> We wouldn't be running, sir. We won a

tremendous victory.

>> But it is not the victory that was

ordered. You haven't been close to the

high command, Linderman. Do you know

what will happen when Admiral Raider

reports the sinking of the hood? The

Furer will smile and everyone else will

smile. And then a few moments later, he

will turn to Raider with a scowl. What

about the convoys, Radar? Have they sunk

any convoys?

>> There will still be plenty of convoys,

sir, after we make repairs.

>> Is your ship unmaneuverable, Captain?

Are the guns damaged? Anything out of

action? No sir.

>> Then we will push forward as instructed

by the high command.

>> But surely sir, the furer must realize

that

>> I am now going to tell the furer what he

must realize.

>> No sir.

>> And do not tell me. For the time being,

we will hold our present course and

speed.

>> Yes, sir.

>> There will be no further statement to

the press, not for the present.

>> Okay, sir.

>> Make a signal to Admiral Commanding

First Cruiser Squadron. SuffK and

Norfick must maintain contact with the

Bismar so that home fleet can intercept.

Continue shadowing as long as you have

fuel at all. Sir,

>> you sir,

>> this is Bismar's latest position course

and speed. Send it to the CNC home fleet

right away.

>> Now, Shepherd,

>> at its present speed, sir, the home

fleet cannot make contact with Bismar

until tomorrow. And then only if she

maintains her present course.

>> What if she doesn't maintain her present

course?

>> That's it exactly, sir. They won't make

contact at all.

>> Prime Minister for you, sir.

>> First sea lord here.

>> And now a first seaword. I want to make

it unmistakably clear that there is

absolutely nothing as vital to the

nation at this moment as the destruction

of the Bismar. You are authorized to

employ any means at your disposal,

regardless of risk and regardless of the

price that must be paid. This is a

battle we cannot afford to lose.

>> I understand, sir.

>> I don't care how you do it. You must

sink the Bismar. Good luck to you.

>> Thank you, sir.

Well, gentlemen, any suggestions?

>> In my opinion, sir, we cannot leave this

entirely to the home fleet. We must

reach out and pull in everything we can

lay our hands on.

>> I've ordered Rodney to leave her convoy.

She was the last available ship.

>> I don't suggest this lightly, sir. Down

here, Jibralta, we force H. Renown

Sheffield Arc Royal.

>> I can't strip the Western Mediterranean

with this creep business going on.

Perhaps

if we left Ark Royal down there and sent

the other two out.

>> No, sir. We may need Ark Royal's

aircraft.

>> What do you think, ACS?

>> It's taking a serious risk. I know

Shepherd has weighed that very

carefully. In view of what the prime

minister said, we don't seem to have

much choice.

>> Well, I may be able to argue with you

two, but I can't quarrel with the prime

minister. Order force H to sail at the

earliest possible moment.

[Music]

Johnson

>> Smith.

>> It's not for you, boy.

>> Spven Singer

>> Shepherd.

>> Oh, thanks,

>> Thompson. Thompson, where are you?

My dearest Tom, I'm really much too

tired to write. But I think of you so

very often that I'm always afraid there

may be things I will forget to mention.

>> Marvelous. No letter again. Well, what

are we off to this time? That's what I'd

like to know.

>> Okay. By the way, Tom, is it still your

father's director of operations?

>> Yeah, I'm afraid it is.

>> Well, he's got a nerve moving us out of

Jibralta.

>> Yeah, just when we get fixed up with a

couple of girls. Why'd you drop him a

line, Tom? Tell him we don't want to go

to sea.

>> Well, it's my fault, really. I thought

you BS would like a couple of months in

England. Did you say you're kidding?

>> Not at all.

>> You see, my girls in London, that's what

gave me the idea.

>> Do you mean to say you asked your father

if they wouldn't dare for the more time?

>> Oh, go on. Your father would do the same

for you, wouldn't he?

>> This is the captain. I thought you'd be

interested to know.

>> We shall be operating in the Atlantic

for a while. We've got orders to go out

after the Bismar,

>> and we should stay

[Music]

Bismar holds her present course of

speed. When's the earliest we can engage

her?

>> 9:00 tomorrow morning, sir. Best

possible speed.

>> If Norfolk and Suffach can keep track of

her, they can guide us in.

Suppose Bismar gives them the slip. But

if she shakes off those cruises during

the night, if we once lose contact, we

may never get hold of her again.

>> She's got the weather on her side zone.

Looks very bad for tonight.

>> Yes, we've got to try and slow her down

before nightfall.

>> Summers, do you think Victorious could

launch an air strike?

>> Well, she's supposed to be getting her

deck landing training in the

Mediterranean, sir. Most of her pilots

have never flown off a carrier.

>> I'm afraid they have to start their

training now.

Detach Victorious from the fleet. Tell

her to close Bismar at 30 knots and

she's to launch an air strike as soon as

she gets in 100 miles of the enemy.

>> I sir,

>> that's all.

>> Signal Prince to proceed on our course

and make for rest.

>> Yes, sir.

>> We will keep the enemy cruisers occupied

until Prince is out of sight.

All right, Captain, you can make a turn.

report.

>> Stand by to open fire.

[Music]

Radar plot range decreasing. Decreasing

very rapidly.

Range down to 22,000 y.

>> Double back on her, sir. There she is,

sir.

[Music]

full ahead. Both

[Music]

big smoke

ahead both.

>> Signal to Prince again.

>> Goodbye and good hunting.

>> That's all, Becker.

>> Very good, sir.

>> Cease fire, Captain.

>> Cease fire. Cease fire sir.

>> Signal to group west. Prince are again

successfully detached and proceeding

independently.

Have been unable to shake off enemy

cruisers because of radar. We'll attempt

to break away during the night. Thank

you, Miller.

>> Very good, sir.

>> All right, Captain. You may resume your

original course.

>> Starboard 20.

>> Starboard 20. Starboard 20.

That's good.

[Music]

[Music]

There she is. Staring B.

my snout. Stay

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

How to stop?

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

What is it?

[Music]

>> One hit from the poor bowser.

>> What is the damage?

>> Very slight, sir. And no one wounded. We

will have the damage repaired in a few

hours.

>> That is good. That is good. Linema.

>> Yes, sir.

>> If there were submarines in this area,

we would zigzag, wouldn't we?

>> Of course, sir.

>> And the cruisers following us would be

obliged to do the same.

>> Yes, sir. But I would,

>> Captain, I want you to set a zigzag

pattern. Hold speed at 20 knots. In

exactly 2 hours, we shall stop

zigzagging and proceed at full speed in

whatever direction we are headed. We

will be out of radar range before they

realize that they have lost us.

>> 2112 west.

[Music]

>> This hit Victoria's claims. It hasn't

slowed Bismar down at all.

>> I know, sir. She's been zigzagging now

for more than 2 hours. That's odd. You

must know we haven't any submarines in

the area.

>> I wonder if Victorious can get off

another strike tonight.

>> I'm afraid not, sir. It's too dark now.

>> Take off from North.

>> Yes.

>> What is it?

>> Sir, they've they've lost contact with

Bismar.

>> This is London. Over 24 hours have

passed since the battleship Bismar

destroyed HMS Hood. It is reported that

the British have attacked the Bismar

with aircraft from a carrier. But Berlin

says the attack was beaten off

successfully. Berlin adds that Bismar

was able subsequently to shake off the

surface vessels pursuing her. The German

battleship has survived the heaviest

guns and ships in the British Navy. And

the gloomy speculation now is that the

British Navy may have trouble finding

her, let alone destroying her. Of one

thing we can be sure, the lights will

burn late in the Admiral tonight.

This is her last known position and this

her father's dawn. That means she has to

be somewhere inside that circle in this

sector. Search aircraft from Victorious

to the south and west. The cruisers

suffoc

back to Germany or she's headed for one

of the French ports.

Now, Miss Davis, if you were Bismar,

what would you do?

>> Well, I suppose I'm not very brave. I'd

head for home, sir.

>> Uhhuh. And a very sensible thing to do,

too.

Plenty of fuel, good repair facilities,

complete protection.

But not Luchans or any other German

fleet commander.

>> Why not?

>> Because in Nazi Germany, he'd lose face.

I've fought these people before. They

have to prove their superiority every

day. That's their one tremendous

weakness.

>> Sir.

>> Yes.

>> Signal from commander-in-chief.

King George the 5th is running short of

fuel. Can't maintain full speed much

longer.

Supposing she is heading for a French

port.

Won't be long before she gets friendly

submarine support and complete air

cover.

Too late to suffer. Then

Shanhorse and Nis at breast

supposing Bismar joins up with them and

all three of them decide to come out

together.

What then?

>> What's the trouble?

>> He just collapsed, sir. I think he's got

a temperature.

>> Take him in the office.

>> Why is this man on duty if he's sick?

>> I don't know, sir. He didn't report

sick.

>> Bring the sick bay and get someone over

here. I

>> said Sims, take over.

All right, leave him here. Hi, sir.

>> I'm sorry about this, sir.

>> If you had a temperature, why the devil

didn't you report sick?

>> I'm sorry, sir.

I didn't want to miss anything.

>> All right, Brown. We'll get you along to

the sick bay. If anything happens, I'll

let you know.

>> Thank you, sir.

>> What time is it, Miss Davis?

>> About 6:30, sir?

>> Morning or evening? It's a very fine

morning and I think you should go on up

and take a short walk. You haven't been

outside this building for 5 days.

>> Take down this message for

commander-in-chief home fleet.

>> Our interpretation of best available

information

indicates Bismar heading for the coast

of France. Proceed accordingly.

>> Excuse me, sir, but do you have to stick

your neck out quite so far?

>> I'm afraid that goes with the job. Make

to Admiral Commanding Force H. Proceed

to intercept Bismar on assumption she's

headed for breast.

suggest search by aircraft from Ar

Royal.

>> Your son is in Argyle, isn't he, sir?

>> Yes. Yes. Yes, he is. And get that off

immediately, will you?

>> Yes.

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

Come in now. Come in, Miss Davis.

>> Signal for you, sir.

>> Thank you.

>> This is a report on the Ark Royal air

search,

and I haven't found a thing. Better tell

Captain Shepherd.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Also, two of Arc Royal's aircraft failed

to return to the carrier. No need to

tell him that, I should think. It can't

possibly do any good.

>> No, sir.

>> By the way, Miss Davis, how would you

like a trip to America? America, sir.

>> The Admiral is sending a mission over to

discuss a master plot for convoys. Two

regular officers and a ren officer. The

board picked you as first choice.

>> Must say it sounds very exciting.

>> There'll be no change of course until

this Bismar thing is settled. Then I

think you better have a talk with

Captain Shepherd.

>> I

thank you very much.

>> Yes, it would have to be long range

aircraft, I should think.

>> Yes, that's right. Call me back.

>> Shepherd.

>> Yes, sir.

Seems to me our forces are very heavily

committed to a single course of action.

>> Is that based on the definite knowledge

that Bismar is headed for one of the

French ports?

>> On definite knowledge? No, sir. It's

based on my summing up of the general

situation. I felt it was a decision that

had to be made.

>> I hope you're right, Shepard. I hope to

God you're right.

>> A report from Mark Roy. Sir, they

haven't found anything.

All right. Uh, you off now, Miss Davis?

>> Yes, sir. My watch ends at 7:00.

>> Well, I seem to have a devil of a lot of

work to do. Do you think you could stay

an hour or so and help me out?

>> Of course, sir. I have a dinner at 8,

but that's not until 9.

>> Good. Well, let me have the latest

information on the availability of

aircraft in Force H.

>> I sir,

>> coastal command will activate two

crossover air patrols. The northernmost

will cover possible enemy courses from

Breast to Larashell. The southernmost

will cover Lashell to Cape Finister.

>> Good. Now, if you'll coordinate that

with coastal command, I'll get on with

the business of Force H. Then you can

run along and enjoy your dinner date.

>> What? At 1:00 in the morning, sir.

>> I'm sorry. I had no idea what time it

was.

By the way, Miss Davis, I'd like to make

arrangements for you to work with me

full-time if you think you could face

it. What I had in mind was to take you

off your present duties and make you my

assistant.

>> Well, I appreciate you thinking of me,

sir.

>> I need someone who's intelligent and

dependable.

Quite honestly, someone like yourself.

Well, what do you say?

>> I don't know quite what to say, sir.

>> I I'd make an effort not to be so rude

as I have been in the past if that's

what's bothering you.

>> It isn't anything like that. If you want

to say no, please say so.

>> Well, you see,

director of operations.

>> Oh, one moment, please, sir.

It's Captain Farnum. Casualty section.

Hello, Richard. Yes. What sort of bad

news?

Is there no other information?

I see.

Yes, I appreciate you're telling me.

Thank you, Richard.

My son's missing.

His plane ran out of fuel. Failed to

return.

>> Terribly sorry, sir.

There's a good chance he'll be picked

up. They were picked up.

>> When I got out of hospital,

all I could think about was getting back

to London.

I wanted to see my wife. I took a taxi

from Waterloo as I drove into Wellbeck

Place.

Everything looked so familiar.

Every house was just as I remembered it.

Every house except mine.

There was a large black hole in the

ground where my house had been

where my wife had been.

I didn't think it was possible to feel

such pain.

>> I know.

I've been through it myself and I know

>> I swore that night I'd never again get

emotionally attached to a human being as

long as I lived.

But I made one mistake.

I forgot I forgot about my son. You

can't avoid pain by fencing yourself

off.

Sometimes you need the help of other

people more than anything else. You have

to let them get close enough to help. I

don't want any help.

>> I found when I was deeply troubled that

I needed people very badly.

People want to be needed. I found that

out, too.

>> We're in business again. Bismar's been

spotted by a Catalina flying boat headed

for breast.

>> Your hunch was right, sir. Excuse me.

>> Sir, Captain Shepard has offered me a

new job to be his assistant. I'd like

very much to take it. I hope you'll have

no objection.

Jonathan, what have you done to that

girl? She's just been offered a

marvelous opportunity to go to America.

It means short promotion. Now she's

turning all that down just to stay here

with you. I don't understand it.

Well, here's the situation. The flying

boat spotted Bismar at 1030 and has been

shadowing ever since using cloud gun.

Jonathan,

>> I'm sorry, sir. As you were saying,

>> the flying boat spotted Bismar at 1030

and has been shadowing ever since using

cloud cover. From time to time, Bismar

has put up very heavy anti-aircraft

fire.

[Music]

>> Now the British know where we are.

They'll send out everything they have.

We can sink anything they send out.

>> What was your latest fuel report?

>> We have lost about 200 tons from the

tanks that were damaged. We have 35%

left.

>> That is more than enough. I want to

check the plot.

>> Becca.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Keep me informed about the fuel

situation.

>> Well, sir,

>> I've requested air cover from the

Luftwaffer. How soon can we expect them

to be with us?

>> The shorebased aircraft can operate

approximately that far from the coast.

Sir, we will arrive at that point about

dawn tomorrow.

>> What about King George and Rodney? What

is their position now?

>> Based on reports from Group West, I have

them plotted 200 miles to the north of

us, sir.

>> That is good. They cannot possibly

overtake us now.

They are so embraced to make repairs and

then we come out again with our tanks

full.

>> Also, Lindaman,

I have an idea.

Suppose Shan Hen Kaiser now came out

with us. We will be the most powerful

fleet that ever sailed. Nothing in the

world could touch us.

>> Excuse me, sir. Personal signal for the

fleet, commander.

>> Thank you,

>> best wishes on your birthday.

Look,

Adolf Hitler.

This is a great honor.

>> Yes, please.

>> Here are the fuel consumption reports

for KG5 and Rodney, sir. As close as I

can calculate.

>> Don't look too good, do they?

>> No, sir.

>> There are 140 mi of Stern of Bismar. Can

they steam at full speed long enough to

overtake her?

>> If they did, sir, they wouldn't have

enough fuel to get home.

Northwest.

>> By daylight tomorrow, Bismar will be in

range of German air cover. They'll send

out the whole look buffer to bring her

in.

>> And a line of Ubot as well.

>> What we have to do is slow her down by

tonight so home fleet can overtake her

before she gets into friendly waters.

>> Well, Renown and Sheffield can't do it

Royal.

>> 10 hours of daylight left. Call it 9 and

a half. It's time to get off one air

strike anyway. With luck, they might get

off two.

>> Yes, sir.

>> We better get in touch with our boy.

>> HX126.

>> Your torpedoes have been fitted with the

new magnetic exploders, so you should

get very good results. You have Bismar's

position, course, and speed. She's now

24 miles away, bearing 183°. You can't

mistake her. She's all by herself, so

make your attack immediately. Or there's

just one final word. The home fleet's

100 miles of stern. Unless you stop

Bismar today, they'll never catch up

with her. It's up to you, gentlemen.

Good day.

[Music]

Sheffield has been detached from the

flagship, sir. She's ordered to close

Bismar and shadow her.

>> How long ago?

>> This was sent an hour and a half ago,

sir.

>> An hour and a half.

>> It wasn't decoded immediately, sir,

because it wasn't addressed to us. We uh

just happened to pick it up, sir.

>> Our pilots have orders to attack any

ship alone in that area.

Get down below and send a message to all

aircraft. Look out for Sheffield. Send

it in plain language and get it off

immediately.

>> Hi, Isa.

>> Bit of a cockup somewhere.

It's the Bismar. All right.

[Music]

>> It's all right. They're ours. Swordfish.

Sounds like they're going to fly right

over us, sir.

>> They're using our position to get their

bearings.

>> I can see them, though. So, there they

are.

>> They're attacking us.

[Music]

Pull ahead both are the port. All guns

hold on fire.

>> Torpedo exploded and hit the water. Sir,

>> there's another one.

>> They're exploding short. What's the

matter with them?

>> It's those damn magnetic exploders.

Here

comes one that explod.

>> That was the Sheffield, sir. Just came

through from the carrier. Signal the

other aircraft. Tell them to break off

the attack.

>> Wheeler midship.

>> Wheeler the mip.

We all feel the same about what's

happened, so there's no point in

discussing it. Let's just say that we've

learned a very important lesson, which

may well prove a blessing in disguise.

All right, let's get on with the job.

There's still enough light for one more

attack. Think you're up to it?

>> Yes, but what about those magnetic

exploders? They're being changed at this

moment. We'll go back to contact

exploders on the torpedoes.

>> Keep your seats, gentlemen.

>> I have a message here from the

commander-in-chief.

Unless the enemy's speed has been

reduced by midnight, King George V will

have to abandon the chase and turn back

for refueling.

There's no need to tell you what that

means.

This is our last chance, gentlemen.

I suggest you go below and get something

to eat.

We'll be taking off at 18:30.

[Music]

Skipper ship bearing green bore five.

This is it, boys. Come on, let's go.

[Music]

[Music]

How distant.

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

Where was that?

>> The hit was on the armor plate of Mitch.

No serious damage, sir.

>> Thank you, Miller. Their damage control

will keep us informed.

>> Yes, sir.

How to stop it?

[Music]

[Music]

on the port.

>> Captain

hit in the steering compartment. Put

your rather midship.

>> Rather midship.

>> The brother won't move, sir.

>> 55° 439.

>> What ships are these?

>> Fourth destroyer.

>> They're getting close. We picked up two

very peculiar reports from coastal

command following the attack by Ark

Royal. The first one says Bismar

circling. The second one reads Bismar

headed north nor west.

>> Nor west. But that's impossible. Sir

should be headed straight for KG5 and

Rodney.

>> It sounds like faulty identification.

Wrong ship most likely.

>> Sir, signal from Sheffield. They made

contact with Bismar. She's steering

north at 10 knots.

>> Well, that's incredible.

It must be Bismar.

>> But what's she doing on that course? End

at a speed of 10 knots.

>> Hit by a torpedo. I'll bet damaged

>> propellers.

>> Could be, sir. Or rudder and can't

maneuver.

We've got a chance now, sir.

I think we've got a chance.

[Music]

Yes, it's the Bismar. All right,

Yemen.

>> Make to Solen. Intend to attack with

torpedoes. Ships turning to port. Firing

range 4,000 y.

>> I sir,

>> bring on 30 knots.

>> 800 reparations.

>> From Captain D's up. Speed 30 knots.

Turning to port to fire torpedoes.

Firing range 4,000 y.

>> Good. But then it is the bismar

>> damage control.

>> Damage control.

Damage control. Sir,

>> captain speaking. I want to report on

that runner.

>> The divers are down now. They'll be

happy in a moment, sir.

Range 6,000 y, sir.

>> Yes,

I see.

It's impossible to free the rudder, sir.

It was jammed too badly by explosion.

>> How early in the morning can you put a

couple of divers over the side?

>> At first light, sir, about 5:00. If the

sea is not too rough.

>> I do not care about the sea. I was

thinking about the men, sir.

>> Sir, commander.

>> There you go.

>> Ah,

Group West is sending out three seagoing

tags. All submarines in the area have

been ordered to concentrate at this

point.

That is good. That is very good.

>> Range 5,000. Attention

[Music]

all hands. Attention all hands.

>> This is the fleet commander. We are

having some difficulty repairing the

damage to our steering gear, but I

assure you there is no cause for alarm.

>> 4,500 y. Sir,

>> stand by the torpedo tubes.

>> Stand by torpedo tubes.

>> By morning we will be in good hands. And

if the British home fleet should be

foolish enough to appear, they will be

torpedoed by yubot.

>> Meanwhile, let me remind you that our

guns have not been damaged.

>> This is still the most powerful ship of

float.

>> I have in my hand a message address to

the entire crew.

>> All Germany is at your side.

>> Your gallantry is an inspiration to our

people. You will forever occupy a place

of honor in the history of the Third

Reich.

This message is signed by the Fur.

>> Range 4,000 yd.

>> Port 20 and the sights. Come on.

>> Two enemy destroyers on port bure.

Range 4,000 bearing 300°.

>> Guns ready port.

>> Guns ready. Port shell.

>> Illuminate with star shell.

>> Illuminate with star shell.

[Music]

>> They've seen us. Now we're for it.

>> 20° to go, sir.

M.

[Music]

All torpedoes gone, sir.

>> Let's get out of here. Hard report on

fire. Main arament.

[Music]

>> Don't mean to hit a midship, sir.

>> Good man. Fire.

[Music]

She's got the soland.

>> Good shooting. Lynaman,

>> cease firing.

>> Cease firing.

>> One hit on the armor near the forward

boiler room. The damage can be repaired

and it won't affect our speed, sir.

>> Thank you.

>> That is good.

>> Destroyers are still shadowing, sir.

They've orders to keep track of the

Bismar until the home fleet closes. They

claim three hits with torpedoes.

It hasn't even slowed her down.

>> What about the reports of enemy

submarines?

>> ACNS says these have been confirmed.

I've notified the commander-in-chief.

>> What's CNC doing about it?

>> He hasn't altered his plans.

>> I'd like to send him a signal telling

him to be careful, but I'm sure he'd

resent it.

>> Cigarette?

>> Thank you, M.

>> All right. I'll be here if you want me.

Very good,

>> Chev.

>> Sorry about your son.

>> Captain,

excuse me, sir. I took in an operational

signal from one of the destroyers

shadowing the Bismar. They picked up

three flyers in a rubber boat.

Must have been over an hour ago, so I

couldn't get off in time. I heard about

your son, so I thought I'd tell you.

Might not be him at all, sir. But you

never know.

>> Thank you.

Thank you very much.

>> Speed 63 knots 32 ships.

>> Oh, sir. ACNS has been calling you, sir.

Says it's very urgent. HX 126123

North 212 West 09.

>> Assistant Chief of Staff, please.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Hello, sir. Shepherd here.

>> Jonathan, I've got the most marvelous

news. Your son is alive and well. He's

been picked up by a destroyer.

>> This is absolutely official. Far got the

message half an hour ago.

>> Jonathan,

why don't you understand, Jonathan?

>> Your son is alive and well.

>> What did he say, sir? You didn't say

anything.

>> Well, you excuse me, sir.

signal for Captain Sherman.

>> I take it.

>> It's from King George the F. What is it?

They've cighted Bismar, sir. Oh, here

comes the main event.

Right

[Music]

now,

[Music]

how much fuel have we got left? Should

have to break off action in 2 hours.

>> Main arament ready. Enemy speed 10

knots. Course 350. Sir,

[Music]

>> the Earth numbers 2 to one and we count

to more than 10 knots.

>> What are you saying, Captain? This is

the Bismar.

We still have all our guns and any

moment now the luer will arrive.

[Music]

Open fire, Captain. Open fire. Fire.

[Music]

>> Open fire.

>> Shoot.

Fire.

Shoot.

[Music]

She's hit.

>> Good shooting, Captain.

>> Shoot.

[Music]

[Music]

>> Shoot.

[Music]

Oh, the murder.

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

What did you alligator?

[Music]

Signal from King George the Fitzer.

Bismar on fire amid ships. Turf turrets

out of action. Right.

>> I thought I'd be cheering, sir, at this

point, but I'm afraid I can't.

>> I know. It's always that way.

>> Shoot.

>> We come here.

>> Hoffman, we have to fly the forward

magazines. Get the men out. They can't

get out, so they're top by the fire.

>> There's too much danger of blowing up.

Flood them.

>> What about the men?

>> I gave an order, Hoffman. Flood the

forward magazines.

>> Flap the forward magazines.

[Music]

[Music]

Our fuel state is critical, sir.

>> Get closer. Get closer. We've got to

finish her now. Shoot.

[Music]

>> All guns out of action except a turret,

sir. Where's your lufa now, sir? I

>> don't understand it. The fear promised

promised us.

>> He will be along any minute now. Who is

he?

[Music]

[Music]

He was proud of that.

Tomorrow the world. He said that only

yesterday. He was right.

>> I

[Music]

Hello.

[Music]

>> Sir, all the officers on the bridge are

dead. I have to tell you that all the

guns are finished.

>> Finished.

>> Tell the man to abandon ship. Abandon

ship. Abandon ship.

[Music]

[Music]

We've got her. She's finished.

>> The Dorser has joined us, sir.

>> Tell Dorser, finish her off with

torpedoes. I I cease firing. Case

firing.

Heat.

[Music]

Heat.

[Music]

She's

Yemen.

>> Sir,

>> tell the doors should stand by to pick

up survivors.

>> I Isaac

[Music]

[Music]

Get back.

[Music]

Jenkins.

>> Sir,

>> n Admiral Bismar is sunk. Fleet is

returning to Scarflow.

>> I

gentlemen,

let's go home.

Shepherd.

>> Sir,

>> Prime Minister would like to see us

tomorrow morning at 11:00.

>> I assume you can make yourself

available.

>> Certainly, sir. Why should he want to

see me?

>> I don't know. Seems to think you had

something to do with this operation.

>> Thanks, sir.

>> Well done, Jonathan.

>> Thank you, sir. Ready? Officer Williams.

>> Sir, take a message for telegraphist

Brown in the sick bay. Tell him that

Bismar's been sunk.

>> I accept.

>> May I offer my congratulations to you,

sir?

>> Thank you.

>> Uh, take a message. Request pleasure of

the company, second officer Anne Davis,

at dinner.

>> Accepted.

>> Good. Now, I know you must be very tired

and it's nearly 9:00, but how about

tonight? right now.

>> I get my thing.

>> Great heavens. It's 9:00 in the morning

and I asked you out to dinner.

>> We could always make it breakfast,

couldn't we?

>> Why not?

You know, Arby, these boys worry me.

Four stripes on his army. Don't even

know what time of the day it is.

[Applause]

Heat. Heat.

[Music]